Okurfur!

As a testament to the true relaunch of SlamNation, Funk Coalition and the Chunky Monkeys agreed to the first deal of the season. This isn't your typical Dikembe Mutombo for Shaquille O'Neal circa 1992 type of deal but it does involve some pretty good players. After over a month of intense negotiation and many failed attempts at day-dreamed 3 or 4 way trades with partners that ultimately never responded, Funk and the Monkeys finally realized that the best trading partners were themselves.

Negotiating down to the last minute, Funk Coalition agreed to send Mehmet Okur and Mike Dunleavy to the Monkeys in exchange for Emeka Okafor. While Okur and Dunleavy should have immediate impact (see over 50 plus points in first night of action as members of the Monkeys), Okafor could well be trade bait for the vertically challenged Coalitioners. Okafor has been steady this year averaging nearly 15 pts, 11 rebounds and more importantly, almost 3 blocks a game.

Okur has been that rare 7 foot 3 point specialist while Dunleavy is one of those 5-tool players that Monkeys' GM, Evan Shiue, usually covets. In his weekly address to fans, Shiue had the following comments: "This is a good deal for both teams. I know that Okur and Dunleavy will be important starters for us going forward and hopefully Okafor can represent what Jon is looking for for his team down the line as well."

Also, Okur and Dunleavy would be the 3rd and 4th Caucasian starters for the Monkeys. According to team officials, "Affirmative action does not exist here in our organization but management truly believes that diversity is good for all of us."