Written by Andy | 25 February 2011

Tiago Hammil/FlickrThe flood of last-second player movement at the NBA trade deadline resulted in every player getting shipped to an Eastern Conference team except Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant.

"The trade deadline has definitely shifted the balance of power over to the East," said ESPN's Ric Bucher on Sportscenter. "The Magic, Knicks, Hawks and Nets, in my opinion, came out as the winners of the trade deadline, but I liked the moves made by the Celtics, Bobcats and Sixers too. There were also some nice upgrades made by the Cavaliers, Pacers and Wizards, and the Heat, Raptors, Bucks, Pistons and Bulls doubled their respective rosters, adding some nice depth."

Despite what appears to be a slew of one-sided trades, Bucher cautions writers, analysts and fans who have been quick to criticize Western Conference teams for seemily unloading players for next to nothing in return.

"Sure, they don't have any players now, but teams in the West picked up valuable draft picks, cash considerations, and cleared a ton of cap room. This should give them the flexibility to sign players like Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin to max contracts once they become free agents."

As the lone remaining player in the Western Conference, Bucher says Durant and the Thunder "have a very good chance" of knocking off the 2-time defending NBA champion Lakers.

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