Did the Wizards Get Their Value's Worth?

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Here's how I know we're in a recession: Five years ago, trading the No. 5 pick in the draft brought the Wizards Antawn Jamison; this year it landed them Mike Miller. Talk about a depreciation in value.

Miller is a fine shooter and will probably help out Washington for the one year he is here. Randy Foye, also brought in, has some potential, but we don't know how good he'll be.

Jamison, on the other hand, is a certifiable cornerstone who has been steady as a team leader and superb as an All-Star. In fact, his addition paved the way for a new era of decency, which, in turn, is why team President Ernie Grunfeld is looking to win now rather than adding a top-five draft pick.

My doubts stem from a front line so thin it appears to have anorexia and the lack of evidence the Wizards will be any better on defense. Both seem like fatal flaws in making a run at the Eastern Conference championship.

Renting Miller's shooting may help for a year, yet the trade completed Wednesday screams to be a salary purge. Dead weight was dropped, but was it worth giving up a top prospect?

If the extra salary cap space lands LeBron James (yeah, right) or Chris Bosh next year, this was the right move. Otherwise, it just seems like the trade is meant to keep the Wizards above water.

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