The sonics have 13 picks over the next three years including 6 first round picks, and cap space Watch for they to make the west even tougher.
Somehow this isnt too surprising. By the time the Sonics are good the Mavs Spurs Suns all would have faded into obscurity once again. And with this recent trade I too fear the Rockets will join that club.
You are indeed correct about the Mavs, Spurs and Suns getting weaker however the Rockets are actually going to be better in the long run from this trade. Its unlikely we could have afforded to resign bonzi after this year anyway and we now have expiring contracts to use as trade bait next year. This trade is actually better in the long run but hurts us in the short term (this season) As for the Sonics. They will become one of the better teams in the West within 3-5 years. As will the T-Wolves and Portland. It appears as though the hierarchy of the West will do a 180 degree turn within the next 5 years.