Trade-less deadline?

General managers across the NBA have been tirelessly working around the clock helping to build anticipation for a blockbuster deal. But, the NBA trade deadline that ended at 3 p.m. Eastern Time yesterday, had less action than Darius Miles in a Blazers uniform this season.

We were promised deals involving some of the biggest names that pound the hardwood. According to the “experts,” Jason Kidd was on a one-way flight to L.A., and the Nets would continue their fire sale and by unloading Vince Carter to the highest bidder. Mike Bibby was thought to be heading east to Cleveland. And Pau Gasol was finally supposed to receive his wish and defect from Memphis.

Once the dust settled, however, these were all dirty little lies. Despite all the rumors, the NBA trade deadline came and passed with little more than a peep. In the end, the juiciest trade of the day was Portland sending disgruntled guard Juan Dixon to the Raptors for local product and former Duck, Freddie Jones. That was it. Amidst all the all-stars mentioned in trade talks, two bench players who had their best years in a college uniform were the talk of the association.

On a day that gives GMs an opportunity to either bolster their roster for a playoff run or move some salaries to clear up cap space for a summer splurge, many did not pull the trigger. There were plenty of teams who clearly needed to upgrade their talent, and also enough of those ready to throw in the towel and hope for the best next season. So what’s the deal with the lack of deals?

Executives and GMs will make politically correct statements like, “We couldn’t find a move that was in the best interest of the team,” but these statements are just fibs. Sure, there were deals that would have been in the best interest of the team, but GMs failed to follow through because they were frightened by the consequences. They were scared of losing their job, or blemishing their legacy. And that’s actually why moves were rare, not because decent trades weren’t available.

Look at the situation in Portland. It appears owner Paul Allen isn’t impressed with the transactions President and Interim General Manager Steve Patterson have made since assuming the GM position. So, there is still confusion amongst fans and members alike about whether Patterson or Kevin Prichard is really calling the shots. Patterson has the title and office, but Prichard maintains the attention of Allen, giving him certain perks Patterson will never enjoy.

The Blazers’ disorder proves that life as a GM in the NBA can be short lived. Patterson was named GM less than six months ago, and there is already talk Portland won’t extend his contact. He is a prime example why GMs often opted not to pull the trigger even when everyone else feels it is an excellent trade. They are people too, with a job to retain and owners like Allen closely watching their every move. One poor move could mean their demise, so they decide it’s best not to make a move at all.

Wait until the heat of summer rolls in for blockbuster deals to really happen, because in the middle of the season everyone is just too scared of losing something valuable–like a player or their job.