Atlanta Hawks Acquire Mike Bibby, Sacramento Kings Now Looking To Trade Ron Artest?

The Associated Press is reporting the following:

The Atlanta Hawks are trying to balance out their backcourt and make a playoff push by bringing in Mike Bibby.

The Hawks sent starting point guard Anthony Johnson, 2007 first-round pick Shelden Williams, backup point guard Tyronn Lue, veteran forward Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second-round pick to the Kings.

My Quick Take: Pigs must be flying because the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a mega trade that improves their on-court talent.

For years, The ATL has been the NBA’s Siberia. The arena’s half-full and the ownership consortium have feuded like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan at a Hollywood nightclub. Worst of all, the playoffs were a dream, a fantasy for the club’s long-suffering fans.

Until now …

This trade immediately changes the Hawks’ apathetic culture. Currently, Atlanta is ninth in the Eastern Conference and Bibby’s table-setting skills should put them in the second-season for the first time since 1999.

A Bibby-Joe Johnson backcourt will be among the league’s best. Moving Williams and Wright opens up additional minutes for super-rookie Al Horford.

This trade wasn’t a one-sided heist, though. Beno Udrih’s play made Bibby redundant in Sacramento. Also, his 14 million dollar per year salary is off the Kings’ books; Lue, Johnson, and Wright’s contracts expire in July.

Williams still has a future. The former Blue Devil will get consistent minutes in Reggie Theus’ rotation. And two draft picks will help Sacramento add to their young nucleus.

Expect the Kings to now move Ron Artest. And the NBA’s run of blockbusters will continue up until the February 21st deadline.

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