Chris Paul is dominating the short off season period thanks to David Stern pretty much banning the point guard from leaving New Orleans. The Hornets deal with the Lakers and Rockets got shot down, and Stern himself stopped the Clippers deal from happening, although it seems that there’s some sort of re-start to talks over there.

But we’ve bashed the commish enough for his overall behavior and decision for the past few months. There’s plenty of trading, free agents signing and wavering going on even without Chris Paul or Dwight Howard, who suggested he may be inclined to remain with the Orlando Magic.

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Tyson Chandler, a few months after playing a huge roll in the Dallas Mavericks’ NBA title winning season got traded to the New York Knicks in a three way trade. Dallas Andy Rautnis from the Knicks and a draft pick from the Wizards. Washington got Ronny Turiaf, cash and draft picks. Chandler did a sign & trade with the Mavs before pacing for New York.

Dallas didn’t wait long to bring a big man, although of a different kind. Lamar Odom was unhappy to say the least about being involved in the Chris Paul package, and demanded to be traded once that deal fell through. The Lakers got a first round draft pick for Odom, which has made Kobe Bryant a very angry camper.

Why is Howard happy? Because the Magic have made moves. Given up on Gilbert Arenas through the magical Amnesty Clause and traded Barndon Bass for Glen Davis and Von Wafer. They also re-signed Jason Richardson.

More amnesty clause magic? Chauncey Billups got Amnestied by the New York Knicks and was immediately signed by the Los Angeles Clippers, who claimed him off the waivers. Billups said that he might consider retirement if he would be claimed, instead of clearing the waivers and signing with a contender. The Clippers, as far as we know, despite Blake Griffin, aren’t contenders.

So, anymore interesting moves?

Tracy McGrady, who averaged 8 points for the Detroit Pistons last season, got signed for the veteran minimum by the Atlanta Hawks. Vince Carter, of the same family, got waived by the Phoenix Suns and was picked up three days later for a One + Two option contract by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting Jason Kidd with his former New Jersey Nets teammate. Carter averaged 13.5 points per game for the Suns in 2010-2011.

Caron Butler played in only 29 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks and not once in the playoffs. His 15 points per game were enough to convince the Los Angeles Clippers to give him a 3 year contract for $24 million.

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The Miami Heat went for more experience and defense, deciding they have enough scoring power. Shane Battier was signed after one season with the Memphis Grizzlies, while Mike Bibby left the Heat to join the Knicks.

David West, after eight seasons with the Indiana Pacers, chose to take his talents to Indianapolis, signing with the Indiana Pacers to a 2 year, $20 million contract.

The saddest news of the past week was Brandon Roy retiring after only five season of NBA basketball with the Portland Trail Blazers, leaving the game after too many knee problems at the very young age of 27. Yao Ming, who also suffered from an abundance of health issues during his nine seasons in the league retired four months earlier.