It Has Been Made Official! What does Kobe Bryant think?

Dallas has announced that the trade involving Josh Howard going to Washington for Caron Butler is official. 

Dallas gets Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson along with some cash.

Washington gets Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton, and Quinton Ross.

The Mavs' said thank you to Josh Howard and the others for their contributions as Donnie Nelson announced the deal today. "We would like to thank these four players for their valuable contributions, it is especially difficult for us to part ways with Josh. He began his career as a Maverick and we have watched him grow. We appreciate what Josh has helped this franchise accomplish."

Nelson also said this about the new guys in town, "We are more than excited to welcome Caron, Brendan, and DeShawn to the Mavericks family. Caron is an established professional and an All-Star with the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Brendan will solidify our center position with athleticism, shot blocking, and defense. DeShawn has also shown that he can be a talented asset to this team." 

I am a HUGE fan of this deal and I am very glad to see it done and over with. I think Dallas will enjoy the new faces and get a big lift from these guys on both ends of the floor. I hope it will boost the Mavs' into that 2nd or 3rd spot in the West which will give them the opportunity to not have to play the Lakers till the 3rd round in the playoffs. Speaking of the Lakers, I'll end on this...

Kobe Bryant was asked if this trade puts Dallas in the Lakers category, and he had this to say: "No question, I hate to say it but its true. ...Trust me I don't like it by any stretch of the imagination. But its a great move by Dallas. They get the length of Haywood, obviously. Thats one of our strengths, but Caron at both ends of the floor plays extremely hard, unselfishly, and tough. So you know it pains me to say but you guys made two great pickups."