Kiki Vandeweghe prepares for his next free agent signing.

After weeks of rumors swirling out of GM offices concerning KG, Kmart, and K-Fed (what? His music is intoxicating!), very little actually happened at the trade deadline. So instead of comparing the Knicks without Steve Francis (WNBA boring) to the Knicks with Steve Francis (CNBC boring), here are the two significant address changes.*

Flip Murray in Cleveland
What they got: It doesn't matter if you call him Flip or Ronald—both are an upgrade for the Cavs and a guard spot that desperately needs a gunner until Larry Hughes gets back. While he's not a true point guard, another perimeter scorer to compliment Big Z inside will spread the floor in the half court—and since rolling next to LeBron makes everyone on the court better, look for Murray to flip the switch. (Also look for Damon Jones to be on the bench.)
Projection: If the Cavs are going to avoid the second-half collapse that cost them a playoff spot last season, Murray needs to step up as an aggressive sidekick who's not afraid to take shots. It would really help if said shots went in. With Murray's help, look for Cleveland in the postseason—which will be the city's brightest moment since Drew Carey's 2001 Emmy nomination.
Pointless trade piece: Mike Wilks, cash

Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans in Denver
What they got: It's hard to argue with a move that adds defensive intensity, but Patterson hasn't made a three-pointer all season and the Nuggets had to give up their only big-name free agent acquisition to get him. On top of ignoring their need for a sharpshooter, Denver added another offensively challenged big man—and that's only if Evans can get out of the locker room for the second half.
Projection: Melo needs another slasher like he needs another snitch. And while Evans will make up for the injuries to Nene (season-ending), Kenyon Martin (contract-pending), and Camby (just got hurt again while you read this sentence), another middling banger and first-round playoff exit is going to relegate the Nuggets to Kobe levels of popularity throughout the Denver area until the 2006–2007 season.
Pointless trade piece: The Portland Trailblazers

*Don't worry, you can still send any time-sensitive mail to Stephen A. Smith at 1800 Douche Bag Lane.