Duane Burleson / AP

Detroit's Antonio McDyess was traded to Denver in early November, only to have his contract bought out. He returned to the Pistons after sitting out a mandatory 30 days.

Understand, McDyess could have helped Denver, which otherwise has had to turn to the erratic presence that is Chris "Birdman" Andersen.

But the Nuggets had luxury-tax concerns, which is why they also dealt center Marcus Camby in the offseason for that statistically challenged presence who goes by the name of Nobody. (Unlike Nene, Nobody is not enjoying a breakout season.)

Going further, there was last week's missive from the Trail Blazers imploring other teams, under the threat of legal action, not to sign Miles.

Understand, it’s not as if Portland had visions of suiting up injury-prone Miles. No, they've been there, endured that.

It's because if Miles sees action in 10 games this season with any team, then Miles' $9 million salary goes back on Portland's cap ledger for each of the next two seasons, and the 2009 free-agency door effectively is slammed shut. Such were the terms when Miles was declared disabled by the team last season.

Memphis signed Miles anyway.

Because, of course, the Grizzlies sign anybody. (If you used to be anybody three years ago, then apparently you're a Grizzly now.)

So, to review, in the course of three days last week:

• Shaun Livingston and Hassan Adams are traded in deals involving four teams that left none of those teams with players or draft picks.
• The Blazers tell teams they can't sign a player who isn't a Blazer, doesn't want to be a Blazer and isn't wanted by the Blazers.
• And Antonio McDyess, a player dealt by Detroit to Denver earlier this season, goes into Denver and grabs 12 rebounds for Detroit in a victory.

Consider it Cap Gone Crazy.

But then also consider the fan, the guy who is paying the freight that fuels this entire money trail.

At its best, sports is about the euphoric player reveling in the championship moment, bellowing (at least temporarily) how it's not about the money.

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For years, terms such as "cash considerations" have filled the transaction wires, an accepted part of the sports vernacular.

But those details were always in the tiny type, at the back of the sports section, not beneath headlines such as "Heat trades Livingston for no one" or "Heisley cashes in at NBA ATM."

Loopholes have gone a long way toward destroying the economy at large.

The NBA would be wise to close as many of its loopholes as soon as possible, before its turnstile constituency starts wondering whether it has been duped.

Commissioner Madoff, now is the time to act.

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Nathan Denette / AP

Kobe's shot lifts Lakers

Kobe Bryant hit a baseline jump shot with 4.2 seconds left and the Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a six-game road trip by holding on to beat the Raptors 94-92 on Sunday, their eighth victory in nine meetings with Toronto

PBT: Kobe struggles, but beats Raptors with late jumper

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