NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- An 11-player deal among three teams Thursday highlighted action at the NBA's trading deadline.
In the day's blockbuster, Chicago sent center Ben Wallace, forward Joe Smith and its second-round draft pick in 2009 to Cleveland.
The Cavaliers sent forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to Seattle for guards Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. Cleveland guards Larry Hughes and Shannon Brown, and forwards Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons went to the Bulls, while Chicago guard Adrian Griffin and a second-round draft pick went to Seattle.
The deal likely strengthens Cleveland the most because the Cavaliers needed offensive help for star forward LeBron James if they expect to make a solid run in this season's playoffs.
West and Szczerbiak both are offensive-minded players.
Wallace, twice the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, had been a disappointment for the Bulls after signing a four-year, $60 million contract in 2006.
The skills of the 6-foot-9 inch, 12-year veteran have declined this season.
