The 2023-24 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts eager to evaluate the flurry of moves that took place. The Athletic has assembled a team of writers to analyze the winners and losers of the trade deadline: David Aldridge, Darnell Mayberry, and Josh Robbins. Let’s take a closer look at their insights and opinions.
Which team helped itself the most during this trade-deadline cycle? According to David Aldridge, the Dallas Mavericks made significant improvements by acquiring Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards. Aldridge praises Gafford’s skills as a finisher, his shooting accuracy, and his defensive abilities. He believes that Gafford will be a valuable asset for the Mavericks in their playoff run.
Darnell Mayberry also commends the Mavericks for their aggressive approach in building a championship-contending team around Luka Dončić. He highlights the additions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, which provide stability and immediate help to Dončić. Mayberry believes that the Mavericks are now well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.
Josh Robbins takes a different perspective and applauds the Indiana Pacers for their addition of Pascal Siakam. He sees Siakam as an All-Star-caliber player who will pair well with Tyrese Haliburton and elevate the Pacers’ relevance in the league.
On the other hand, when asked which team failed to fulfill its needs enough, Aldridge expresses surprise at the Milwaukee Bucks’ lack of significant moves. He believes that the Bucks need to improve their defense to compete against tough playoff opponents like the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks. While acknowledging that Patrick Beverley will help, Aldridge suggests that the Bucks could have done more to address their defensive shortcomings.
Mayberry points out the Sacramento Kings as a team that missed an opportunity to strengthen their roster. He notes that while their competitors in the Western Conference, such as the Phoenix Suns and the Mavericks, made moves to improve, the Kings chose to stand pat. Mayberry believes that the Kings should have capitalized on the chance to bolster their team.
Robbins criticizes the Chicago Bulls for their lack of action in rebuilding their team. He suggests that they could have traded Alex Caruso to acquire draft capital and start the rebuilding process.
When asked about the best single move of the trade deadline, Aldridge highlights Buddy Hield’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. He believes that Hield’s shooting ability will create gravity for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, making them a potent offensive trio.
Mayberry praises the Oklahoma City Thunder for acquiring Gordon Hayward at a low cost. He sees Hayward as an experienced secondary scorer and playmaker who can contribute significantly if he stays healthy.
Robbins commends the Phoenix Suns for adding Royce O’Neale to fortify their defense. He believes that O’Neale’s 3-and-D skills will be valuable in close playoff games.
In terms of the least favorite move, Aldridge doesn’t express strong disapproval but suggests that the Toronto Raptors could have taken a bigger swing in their trades. He specifically mentions their trade of Dennis Schröder and Thad Young for Spencer Dinwiddie, which he sees as a missed opportunity for the Raptors.
Mayberry acknowledges that Indiana’s return for Buddy Hield might be nitpicking, considering the long-term planning involved. However, he wonders if the Pacers could have gotten more value for one of the league’s best 3-point shooters.
Robbins raises concerns about Monté Morris, who was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves as insurance for Mike Conley. He questions whether Morris will regain his form and play at a high level, suggesting that the Timberwolves could have found a better fit at a slightly higher cost.
The writers also discuss other notable aspects of the trade deadline. Aldridge expresses surprise at the number of teams that stood pat and didn’t make significant moves. He mentions the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers, the LA Clippers, the Sacramento Kings, and the Cleveland Cavaliers as teams that could have benefited from making trades.
Mayberry highlights the trade between the Toronto Raptors and the Brooklyn Nets, specifically mentioning an in-game disagreement between Dennis Schröder and Gary Trent Jr. He wonders if locker room dynamics played a role in the Raptors’ decision to make the trade.
Robbins addresses a common misconception about the value of NBA second-round draft picks compared to NFL picks. He argues that while there have been success stories with second-round picks in the NBA, they are not as important overall. He suggests that fans and media should not assign too much value to NBA second-round picks.
In conclusion, the 2023-24 NBA trade deadline brought both excitement and disappointment for various teams. The Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers are praised for their positive moves, while the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and Chicago Bulls are criticized for their lack of
