Wizards-Mavs Trade Deal Complete

The Washington Wizards have completed a 7 player trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks.  Wizards trade Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to the Mavericks for Drew Gooden, Josh Howard, Quinton Ross and James Singleton.  The acquisitions of Butler and Haywood are a big boost for the rising Mavericks.  All-Star Caron Butler has a great scoring ability averaging 16.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 47 games this season, he will take the spot of Howard.  Haywood a rim-protecting defensive force, comes just in time to fill the void of the injured Mavs center Eric Dampier.  The Mavs acquire athleticism, defense, and scoring factors.  The Wizards on the other end gain payroll and luxury-tax relief.  The Wizards are looking to rebuilding their franchise.  Though Howard has gone through turmoil with the Mavs amidst injury and drugs, there were good times during his 431 games.  Howard was an All-Star in 2007, when he averaged 18.9 points in 70 games. He had his best season in 2007-08, when he averaged 19.9 points.  There is hope for a new beginning for him with the Wizards.  The trade seems all around smart to me and I wish both teams good luck.