By The Associated Press

Published: Thursday, February 21, 2013, 9:27 p.m.
Updated: Friday, February 22, 2013

NEW YORK — The only trade involving Dwight Howard came last summer. The potent scorers that moved did so long ago.

There was no eye-catching activity left for deadline day, resulting in minor deals Thursday to the disappointment of those hoping for a frenzy.

Josh Smith stayed put, and the Boston Celtics' core stayed together, leaving J.J. Redick, dealt to Milwaukee, as the biggest name to be traded.

There were nine moves — nothing approaching a blockbuster and none to jump-start the Lakers.

Players such as James Harden and Rudy Gay were traded far before the deadline, but with teams perhaps fearful of new penalties for the biggest spenders, Thursday was mostly quiet.

“I don't think I've seen fewer trade deadline deals, ever,” said Houston general manager Daryl Morey, who completed two trades Wednesday. “But I think it's a one-year blip.”

The Atlanta Hawks held onto Smith, and Utah kept both Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson on a day when much attention was focused on both situations, since those players have value and could leave their teams this summer as free agents.

The long-shot deals never materialized.

Howard remained in L.A., just what Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak repeatedly said would happen.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce will continue wearing Celtic green as will Rajon Rondo when he's healthy enough to put on a uniform again.

The Celtics did make one deal, acquiring guard Jordan Crawford from the Washington Wizards for center Jason Collins and injured guard Leandro Barbosa.

Golden State sent forward Jeremy Tyler to Atlanta and guard Charles Jenkins to Philadelphia in separate deals, slicing more than $1.5 million off its payroll after beginning the day about $1.2 million over the league's $70.3 million luxury tax.

Rebuilding after trading Howard, the Magic decided Redick wasn't in their plans while averaging career highs in points (15.1) and field goal percentage (45.0). He was traded along with center Gustavo Ayon and reserve point guard Ish Smith to the Bucks in exchange for guards Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih, and forward Tobias Harris.

The Knicks traded Ronnie Brewer to Oklahoma City to open a roster spot that will be used to give Kenyon Martin a 10-day contract.

The Hawks couldn't find a good enough deal for Smith, who had largely been considered the biggest name that would move, and settled for sending Anthony Morrow to Dallas for Dahntay Jones.

1. Kovacevic: Why did Pens even get Iginla?
2. Coach Tomlin, Steelers facing plenty of questions as OTAs start
3. Penguins’ breakdown on Alfredsson goal changes series
4. Improved depth could drive Pirates’ fortunes deep into season
5. Turnout light across Western Pa. as voters hit polls
6. Protesters rally at FirstEnergy meeting in W.Va.
7. Penguins notebook: Jokinen’s faceoff skills may be needed
8. Penguins Insider: Players’ focus in right place
9. Senators exude confidence after stirring Game 3 victory
10. Pitt basketball team to play in Legends Classic
11. Blocked parking frustrates Squirrel Hll voters

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.