The 2024 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while there were a decent number of trades, none of them were groundbreaking. This year’s deadline lacked the excitement of last year, when superstar players were on the move. However, it’s still worth taking a look back at the trades from last year’s deadline to see how they have panned out. With the benefit of hindsight, we can assess whether these trades were meaningful or meaningless, and whether they had a positive impact on the teams involved.
Let’s start with the trade between the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics offloaded Noah Vonleh in exchange for a second-round pick. At the time, it seemed like the Celtics were clearing roster space and saving money in luxury tax penalties. A year later, it’s clear that this trade served its purpose for both teams. The Celtics saved money, while the Spurs received some cash. It may not have been a game-changing trade, but it was a sensible move for both teams.
Next up is the trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards. The Lakers acquired Rui Hachimura, while the Wizards received Kendrick Nunn and a few draft picks. At the time, there were questions about Hachimura’s fit with the Lakers, but he ended up being an important part of their rotation. He re-signed with the team on a reasonable contract and has had some big moments in the playoffs. On the other hand, Nunn has been inconsistent for the Wizards. Overall, this trade worked out well for both teams.
One of the most talked-about trades from last year’s deadline was the Brooklyn Nets saying goodbye to Kyrie Irving. The Nets acquired Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a few draft picks in exchange for Irving. At the time, Irving’s tenure with the Nets had been strange, and this trade seemed like a good way for the team to move on. In hindsight, it was a smart move for the Nets. They received a solid haul for Irving, including two promising forwards in Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith. While Irving has found success with the Dallas Mavericks, the Nets have set themselves up well for the future.
The Nets also made another trade on deadline day, shedding roster spots by acquiring David Michineau from the Sacramento Kings. This trade allowed the Nets to make other moves, and it worked out as expected. Michineau has been playing in Turkey, while Kessler Edwards has been a solid contributor for the Kings.
The Miami Heat made a trade with the Spurs, jettisoning Dewayne Dedmon in exchange for cash considerations and a second-round pick. This trade was mostly forgotten, but it’s worth noting that Dedmon hasn’t played much since then. It didn’t have a significant impact on either team.
One of the most significant trades from last year’s deadline involved the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz. The Lakers acquired D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley, while the Timberwolves received Mike Conley Jr., Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and a few draft picks. The Jazz received Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and a protected first-round pick. At the time, it was seen as a big move by the Lakers to get rid of Westbrook and add depth to their roster. It turned out to be a successful trade for all teams involved. The Timberwolves thrived with Conley as their point guard, while Alexander-Walker has become an integral part of their rotation. The Lakers had a solid run at the end of the season and reached the conference finals. Westbrook found success with the Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors made a trade to address their need for size, acquiring Jakob Poeltl from the San Antonio Spurs. This trade worked out well for both teams. Poeltl re-signed with the Raptors and has been a good center for them, while the Spurs won the draft lottery and secured the rights to Victor Wembanyama.
One of the most significant trades from last year’s deadline involved the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Indiana Pacers. The Suns acquired Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren, the Nets received Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and a plethora of draft picks, the Bucks acquired Jae Crowder, and the Pacers received George Hill, David Nwora, Serge Ibaka, and draft picks. This trade was a blockbuster deal that shook up the league. It turned out to be a great move for the Suns, who continued to make moves and acquired Bradley Beal over the summer. The Nets received a brilliant haul for Durant, with Bridges and Johnson becoming important contributors. The Bucks added depth with Crowder, and the Pacers acquired some assets. Overall, this trade had a positive impact on all teams involved.
The New Orleans Pelicans made a trade to add wing depth