NBA Trade Deadline Grades: Knicks, Thunder Earn Top Marks, Bulls and Mavericks Come Up Short
The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and this year’s transaction period was anything but ordinary. While most of the major moves happened earlier in the season, the overall trading activity has been more active than anticipated. Let’s take a closer look at how each team fared during the trading period.
Knicks: A Solid Deadline
The Knicks made some impressive moves leading up to the deadline. The acquisition of OG Anunoby has had an immediate impact, with the team winning 12 of their last 14 games. Additionally, the addition of Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks has bolstered their bench offense without giving up any first-round picks. Overall, the Knicks had a successful deadline.
Thunder: Building for the Future
The Thunder made some savvy moves during the deadline. The acquisition of Gordon Hayward was a minor miracle, as they were able to secure a promising young guard in Tre Mann for a player who was never going to stay in Charlotte. They also managed to get a top-2 protected first-round pick for PJ Washington, a home run trade considering his value compared to Grant Williams. The Thunder’s future looks bright.
Bulls: Stuck in the Middle
The Bulls find themselves in a difficult position. Despite not making any trades involving players for two-and-a-half years, they want to remain competitive and climb the Eastern Conference standings. However, they are currently three games behind the No. 8-seeded Magic, who are younger and more talented. The Bulls tried to move Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan but were unsuccessful. Their lack of direction is evident.
Mavericks: Mixed Results
The Mavericks made some improvements during the deadline, particularly with the acquisition of Daniel Gafford, who immediately becomes one of the best backup centers in the league. However, the trade of PJ Washington for a lightly-protected first-round pick seems questionable, as both players were seen as reasonably similar in value just eight months ago. The Mavericks’ lack of control over their own first-round picks between 2027 and 2030 puts them in a precarious position.
Nuggets: Status Quo
The Nuggets made no moves during the deadline, as they are content with their current roster. They have spent their assets and don’t have matching salaries for any potential trades. The Nuggets are satisfied with their team and passed the deadline with flying colors.
Pistons: Reasonable Trades
The Pistons made reasonable trades during the deadline. The additions of Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallinari have provided much-needed shooting and helped the team pick up a few wins. They also managed to recoup a second-round pick in the trade for Monte Morris. While the addition of Simone Fontecchio may have been an overpay, it adds depth to their roster.
Lakers: Uncertain Future
The Lakers chose to stand pat during the deadline, as they are not serious championship contenders in their current state. While they may have surprised us with the right move, their current group has already defied the odds once. However, their reported plans to land Spencer Dinwiddie and hold onto their picks for a potential star trade in the offseason raise questions about their future direction.
Grizzlies: Necessary Moves
The Grizzlies made some necessary moves during the deadline. The trade of Steven Adams helped them get below the luxury tax line and provided more flexibility to retool their roster. While the Xavier Tillman trade may have been puzzling, it aligns with their commitment to Jaren Jackson Jr. as their center. The Grizzlies made calculated moves to set themselves up for success.
Other Teams: Mixed Results
Other teams had mixed results during the deadline. The Bucks got lucky with the acquisition of Patrick Beverley, which addressed their need for a perimeter defender. The Raptors made moves that aligned with their organizational direction, while the Kings and Spurs missed opportunities to make upgrades. The Jazz and Wizards made trades that suited their rebuilding efforts.
Overall, the NBA trade deadline was eventful, with some teams making significant moves while others chose to stand pat. The impact of these trades will become clearer as the season progresses, but for now, teams have positioned themselves for success in the future.