I just have to wonder if Perk is a classic "underrated for so long that he became overrated" player.

I don't say that to discount what he brought to the team. I loved his presence, and I loved his demeanor. But I also know that he was only a viable player on one side of the floor. His offense was a atrocious and he was good for at least 1 illegal screen a game.

On defense he was a very good man-to-man defender. He was not an elite rebounder; maybe very good, but certainly replaceable. He was not a great shot blocker. I understand he would put somebody on their butt if they game in the lane, but that isn't an irreplaceable ability. We might not be able to get Perk's defense on Howard back, but we can get an enforcer willing to use 6 fouls very harshly.

I remember when Perk was drafted. I have enjoyed watching him get better and better. And I feel like it is that emotional connection that is causing fans to react negatively to this trade. I also don't blame them for that.

Perk was a good starting center on a team with four all-stars, but I don't think he would have lasted this long on a team without that talent. I understand he is very good at what he brings to the table, but I just don't think he brings that much.

I know it rests a lot on Shaq and JO, and that's hard to swallow, but I would hope Danny wouldn't have made the trade if he didn't have faith in their ability to be healthy.

Jeff Green can by dynamic. The reasons why he wasn't successful with the Thunder might mitigated when he moves back to his natural small forward position. He is one of the best bench players in the NBA.

It took me a while to get behind this trade because I loved Perk so much. But nobody is expendable, and when it comes down to it, Perk is a player that excelled at one particular part of the game and is most useful against one particular opponent.

I just think that after the cloud of emotion passes, and we see who Danny is able to add via buyouts, the opinion of this trade should become more positive.