The NBA trade deadline is this Thursday, February 21st, and the rumors have been nuts!
 

First, let's recap the big deals of the last month.
 

So here's the deal, Devean George evoked an obscure rule that enables him to temporarily block the Jason Kidd to Dallas deal.  The rule dictates that if a player is under a one-year contract with a team he played for the previous season, the team can't trade him without his consent. However, this block is likely temporary.  George has implied that he just wanted to talk to his agent first to weigh his options.  In fact, he's recently asked to be traded in order to get more playing time, which he would likely get in New Jersey.  Don't expect this to delay too much longer.

The New Jersey Nets have traded point guard Jason Kidd and forward Malik Allen to the Dallas Mavericks for prospect guard Devin Harris, the expiring contracts of DeSagana Diop and Devean George, as well as Jerry Stackhouse, Maurice Ager, cash and two future No. 1 Draft Picks. 
 

The two teams also completed a side deal.  New Jersey sent guard Antoine Wright to Dallas for a future second rounder.
 

The Phoenix Suns have traded F Shawn Marion and PG Marcus Banks to the Miami Heat for C Shaquille O'Neal.

Fantasy Spin:  Picking up Shaq might be a good idea if you're looking for a big man. Once he's healthy, he could post some decent stats with a rejuvenated interest in the game. Still, don't expect miracles and don't expect that low FT% he's known for to suddenly improve much.  Shaq is still, more or less (mostly less these days) Shaq. 
 

New Jersey Nets point guard Jason Kidd has publicly stated that he wants to be traded. No surprise, since the struggling Nets are just 19-26.  They do currently hold onto the eighth playoff spot, but Indiana and Chicago nip at their heels.

Here's how the Eastern Conference roster should look if players are measured solely on fantasy merit.

Starters

C. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors
Bosh has picked things up after a slow start, and after 36 games is averaging 22.2 ppg, 9.3 rbpg, while shooting 48% from the field, 85% from the line and is turning it over just 2.1 times. He still doesn't block many shots (1.1 per game), but provides a big boost to fantasy teams just the same.