Sunday, February 10, 2019

NBA TRADE DEADLINE


I GRADE HOW ALL 30 TEAMS PERFORMED AT THE DEADLINE
Handing out grades to each of the 30 teams, as the NBA Trade Deadline has officially come and gone.
The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone. It’s officially in the books and, despite Anthony Davis not being moved, I don’t believe anyone would say that it was a disappointment. Altogether, there were more than 20 trades that went down in the days and hours leading up to deadline day.
From Kristaps Porzingis being moved a few days before the actual NBA Trade Deadline to the deals made up to the final minute before the trade window expired, there were number of moves that will factor into the next few months of the NBA season.
There were teams that got better at the NBA Trade Deadline and some that decided to take a step back, become sellers and make a play for the future. With that said, there is still a ton of uncertainty heading into the 2019 NBA off-season, which could be a summer that changes the landscape of the entire league.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s take a quick look back at what transpired in the days leading up to – and at- the NBA Trade Deadline day by handing out grades to all 30 teams. We begin at the top, with one of the most active teams.
ATLANTA HAWKS
KEY MOVES:
It was actually quite surprising to see the Atlanta Hawks pretty much do nothing at the NBA Trade Deadline. They were a team that constantly would rise in trade discussions and rumors, but didn’t really pull the trigger on anything big.
Honestly, it was a bit surprising that the team wasn’t able to move Jeremy Lin or Kent Bazemore, or elected against moving them. In the end, they probably didn’t like the offers that were out there and opted to potentially move Bazemore next season (when he’s officially an expiring contract (assuming he opts in).
Atlanta could buyout Lin, as he’s an expiring deal and would be pretty surprising if they didn’t. He’s a player that could certainly help a team making a push towards the playoffs.
GRADE: C
BOSTON CELTICS
KEY MOVES:
N/A
It’s not all that surprising that the Boston Celtics didn’t make much noise at the NBA Trade Deadline, considering they already have one of the most talented rosters in the league and want to save most of their assets for their expected pursuit of Anthony Davis during the off-season.
This is a team that should be performing better than 3rd in the Eastern Conference, but I still believe that this is the team that will be the favorites to come out of the conference once the playoffs begin.
Whether they can put it all together and actually produce a conference championship remains to be seen, but when this team is healthy and hitting on all cylinders, they can compete with any team in the NBA – including the Warriors. With that said, it wouldn’t be surprising if this team was active in the buyout market.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
BROOKLYN NETS
KEY MOVES:
The Brooklyn Nets are a team that many expected to possibly make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline, but I believe they made the right move and standing pat. They have a full set of assets (in terms of draft picks) finally, and it made no sense to burn any of them for a short-sighted move.
That’s exactly what would’ve been the case had they decided to make a move for a shooter or a 3-and-D wing. The Nets are fine where they are in the Eastern Conference, and will likely make the playoffs, barring a huge injury.
And they also received the great news that Caris LeVert will be making his return to the team this week. Things are looking up for the Nets, and they made the right move by not overreacting at the trade deadline.
GRADE: B
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
KEY MOVES: 
N/A
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the most active teams in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, and it was somewhat surprising that they came away empty-handed when the trade buzzer rang.
At one point, it looked like the Hornets were going to land Marc Gasol, but it appears that trade discussion broke down before an agreement was had. Gasol ended up in Toronto, and the rest is history.
Charlotte also tried to move Frank Kaminsky in the moments leading up the deadline, but that too fell through. It’s expected that he will be bought out now, per Sporting News. All in all, it was a big L for the Hornets at the deadline.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
CHICAGO BULLS
KEY MOVES: 
The Chicago Bulls made a couple moves in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, but the biggest of them consisted of the team landing Otto Porter Jr. from the Wizards, who were trying to cut salary without moving Bradley Beal or John Wall.
While the Wizards accomplished that, the Bulls at the same time landing a really nice piece in Porter. He’s only 25 years old, and has two years remaining on his contract. While some may say that he’s an overpaid player, it’s not the worst pill to swallow considering that Chicago likely isn’t going to be involved in many big-name free agent sweepstakes.
Chicago landing a player that can grow along with the young players this team already has on its roster, and a player that could provide some production from the first day he takes the floor with the team.
GRADE: B+ 
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
KEY MOVES: 
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t make any big moves at the NBA Trade Deadline, but did make two deals that helped other teams make a few bigger picture moves. The Cavs ranged to acquire Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss, in the end, two solid young pieces.
Neither of them will be changing this team’s ceiling anytime soon, but they are pieces that could be a good risk. If they work out, it could help this team as they continue to rebuild. If not, no loss no harm.
It was a bit surprising that the Cavs weren’t able – or opted against – moving J.R. Smith or Tristan Thompson. Kevin Love hasn’t been healthy for the most part this season, so that was never a real possibility.
GRADE: C
DALLAS MAVERICKS
KEY MOVES:
The Dallas Mavericks have been quite active in the last week, pulling off a couple trades in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. Adding Kristaps Porzingis is of course their main move that they made, and moving off of Harrison Barnes’ contract was solid too.
Dallas has made the necessary cap space to now add a significant piece during the summer if they so choose, and should be a solid landing spot for any big-name free agent with Porzingis and Luka Doncic already on the roster.
I’m not sure who “won” the NBA Trade Deadline, but the moves that the Mavs made in the last week, or so, are really impressive – and set them up nicely for the future.
GRADE: A+ 
DENVER NUGGETS
KEY MOVES: 
N/A
For the most part, the Denver Nuggets were relatively quiet in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, so it’s not entirely surprising that the team didn’t make a move on deadline day. They seem to be happy with where they’re at as a roster, and hope that their recent momentum will be able to carry into the playoffs.
The Nuggets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this season, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they perform in the playoffs. They are currently second in the West, but are they build for the post-season?
The Nuggets will likely pursue any opportunities in the buyout market, but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be able to add a piece. This team seems like this is the one that’s going to either make or break them this season. So far, it’s been good enough.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
DETROIT PISTONS
KEY MOVES: 
The Detroit Pistons made two very small, somewhat sneaky trades in the week leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. It’s going to be interesting to see how this all works out for them, but this team was not in any position to be real players on deadline day.
Their salary cap situation isn’t ideal, and they simply don’t have the assets that it takes to be real players. With that said, they did manage to add two nice pieces in Thon Maker and Svi Mykhailiuk. They are both raw players with some upside.
If this coaching staff takes the time to invest in both these players, they could be worth it in the long run. But neither of these players is necessarily ready to contribute big-time right now.
GRADE: C+ 
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
KEY MOVES: 
N/A
It’s not surprising that the Golden State Warriors decided to stand pat at the NBA Trade Deadline. After all, this is a team that is considered, almost unanimously, to be the overwhelming favorites to win the NBA Finals.
Nothing that transpired at the trade deadline changed that. Even though there is a ton of noise surrounding this team, on what may or may not happen during the off-season regarding Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson‘s impending free agency, but they will still be the last team standing in the end.
Barring some unforeseen event or injury. The Warriors didn’t need to do anything at the NBA Trade Deadline, and they’re about to win their third-straight NBA Title. However, there’s no question that this summer is going to be fascinating. And the Warriors will be at the center of all the madness.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
HOUSTON ROCKETS
KEY MOVES: 
Essentially, the Houston Rockets traded Iman Shumpert for James Ennis. Considering the season that Shumpert has had so far this season with the Kings, averaging nine points on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range, that’s a slight upgrade.
For a General Manager like Daryl Morey, that can be the difference from a second-round playoff run to potentially getting to the Western Conference Finals. The Rockets were going to do something, and they did.
Perhaps it wasn’t the big move that many expected them to try and pull off, but adding Shumpert will help their current state. Plus, don’t count out this team when it comes to the buyout market over the next few weeks.
GRADE: B
INDIANA PACERS
KEY MOVES:
  • Acquired Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin and a future second-round pick for future considerations from the Rockets (per Shams Charania).
The Indiana Pacers really didn’t do much at the NBA Trade Deadline, and the only deal that they completed really was a favor for the Rocket. Indiana will waive both Baldwin and Stauskas. But one thing that they did do is snag Wesley Matthews.
According to Shams Charania, Matthews will sign with the Pacers once his buyout is completed with the Knicks. Matthews will help with the loss of Victor Oladipo, though it shouldn’t be expected for him to fix all the issues.
Still, this is a great move for the Pacers as they hope to remain in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference, with the Nets continuing to inch closer and closer in the standings.
GRADE: B
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
KEY MOVES: 
The Los Angeles Clippers did well in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. They landed a nice return for Tobias Harris and got a really nice young player in Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Lakers.
They are now well positioned to make major waves in free agency this summer, and it’s going to be interesting to see how this team looks at this time next year. There’s no question that this team is going to be a major factor in the summer, and they will have assets to spare.
The Clippers had a great week.
GRADE: B+ 
LOS ANGELES LAKERS
KEY MOVES: 
  • Acquired Mike Muscala from Clippers for Michael Beasley and Ivica Zubac (per Adrian Wojnarowski).
  • Acquired Reggie Bullock from Pistons for Svi Mykhailiuk and a second-round draft pick (per Frank Isola).
Considering all the talk about the Los Angeles Lakers in the week leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline – and yes, stemming from the Anthony Davis trade demand, it was quite uneventful when all the Lakers come away with is Mike Muscala and Reggie Bullock.
No offense to either of those players, but none of those two are really going to make a real different in the long run. AD is not coming through that door and that is now a real reality. There’s also a chance that they don’t land him at all.
With that said, both of these moves now open the door for Carmelo Anthony. The team has an open roster spot, and he will reportedly be considered. Woo boy.
GRADE: C-
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
KEY MOVES:
The Memphis Grizzlies were one of the most active teams in the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, mostly because they were taking calls on both Conley and Marc Gasol. In the end, they only moved one of their big names and a couple of their other pieces.
Memphis elected to hold onto Conley and possibly get something better for him during the summer. Perhaps it’s the right move, but there’s no question that the Grizzlies made some big changes.
The return on Gasol wasn’t great, but it was something that needed to happen. Even though they didn’t get a boatload is was important to prevent him from walking away for nothing this summer.
GRADE: B
MIAMI HEAT
KEY MOVES:
The Miami Heat couldn’t strike the big deal at the NBA Trade Deadline, but they did accomplish to breakup some of their depth in the back-court. Even though most fans will be disappointed that they didn’t really shed salary, moving Johnson will help.
The move will make more room in the rotation for Dion Waiters, until Goran Dragic returns, and the Ellington questions will now disappear. Many expected them to try and move some of their bigger contracts on the roster, but evidently they were unable to do so.
It will ultimately be looked back as a disappointing trade deadline day for the Heat, but considering this roster and their limited assets, you can’t really be all that surprised with what transpired.
GRADE: C
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
KEY MOVES: 
The Milwaukee Bucks came away with added firepower after the NBA Trade Deadline. Adding Nikola Mirotic, without having to trade any of their current rotation players, will prove to be a great move for the team as they begin their second-half push in the East.
The Bucks were already one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, and they just got better by adding one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA. As the arms race in the Eastern Conference heated up, the Bucks did not just sit idly by.
Milwaukee is now one of the favorites to reach to ECF after the trade deadline. It’s quite amazing how much of a real threat they’ve become this season.
GRADE: A
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
KEY MOVES:
N/A
It wasn’t imperative that the Minnesota Timberwolves make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline, but there was an opportunity for this team to really begin to thin out their roster and cut bait on some players that won’t be part of the team’s big picture.
Instead of doing so, the Wolves didn’t make a move at the deadline. In fairness, this team made a fairly big move at the start of the season, so it’s not like this team didn’t do anything to fix their issue all season long.
Still, it’s a bit disappointing that the team didn’t try to get off of Jeff Teague‘s contract at the deadline. The Wolves will likely fall short of their playoff bid, and will be back to the drawing board next year.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
KEY MOVES:
Quite frankly, it was quite surprising to see the New Orleans Pelicans sell extremely low on Nikola Mirotic, but I suppose getting four second-round picks isn’t that terrible Also, Stanley Johnson is a good low-risk, high-reward move.
For the most part, this NBA Trade Deadline for the Pelicans revolved around Anthony Davis. In the end, they elected to keep him on the roster through the deadline and will now attempt him to move him at the NBA Draft or shortly after.
It’s going to be interesting to see if this pays off for the Pelicans in the long-run, because that Lakers offer was quite a load. They offered EVERYTHING to the Pelicans. Here’s to hoping that their risk pays off.
GRADE: C
NEW YORK KNICKS
KEY MOVES: 
  • Acquired Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and two future first-round picks from the Mavs for Kristaps Porzingis Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke (per Shams Charania).
This grade is largely contingent on what the New York Knicks are able to do during the off-season. Of course, this move cleared the necessary salary cap space for this team to sign two big-name, max players in the summer.
If they can achieve that, or even sign one big name, this trade will end up being a big win for the franchise looking back. However, if the Knicks fail, as they have done time and time again over the last decade, this will be looked back as one of the worst trades in NBA history.
Let’s see how this all plays out for New York. But there’s no question that this team is one Kevin Durant signing away from being back.
GRADE: B
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
KEY MOVES: 
N/A
It’s not a big surprise that the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline. They don’t have much salary cap flexibility and have limited to no assets at their disposal.
Plus, let’s not forget the fact that this team has been relatively the third best team in the Western Conference for consistently the entire season. Perhaps they feel that this team is good enough to make a real run in the playoffs.
The Thunder are in a good position, even more considering that the big moves made at the trade deadline really took place in the Eastern Conference. There were no real upgrades that took place for West teams, and that’s something OKC should feel good about.
GRADE: C
ORLANDO MAGIC
KEY MOVES: 
The Orlando Magic made one really great move at the NBA Trade Deadline, and it revolved around answering their point guard void – so that counts for two checkmarks when grading their overall performance.
Landing Markelle Fultz is a nice low-risk, high-reward type of move that a team like the Magic should be taking advantage of at this point in their rebuild. Really great work.
Even though it was somewhat disappointing that the team wasn’t able to unload Nikola Vucevic, especially if he opts to sign elsewhere in the off-season, the Magic did come away looking great at the deadline.
GRADE: A 
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
KEY MOVES: 
  • Acquired Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott from the Clippers for Acquired Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2020 first-round pick, 2021 first-round pick (via Miami), 2021 second-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick (per Adrian Wojnarowski).
  • Acquired James Ennis for a second-round pick from Houston (per Shams Charania).
  • Traded Markelle Fultz to the Magic for Jonathon Simmons, 2020 first-round pick (via Thunder), future second-round pick (per Shams Charania).
Adding James Ennis and Tobias Harris is really great work from the Philadelphia 76ers at the NBA Trade Deadline. They did a great job in adding a fourth “Star” to this current core and getting a first-round pick for Markelle Fultz isn’t terrible.
The good news is that Fultz is no longer hanging over this team’s head, and they are now a legit threat to come out of the Eastern Conference. On paper, they have one of the most talented teams. It’s going to come down to whether they can translate it to on-court success.
The playoffs in the East are going to be insanely good, and the Sixers will be at the forefront of all the madness.
GRADE: A
PHOENIX SUNS
KEY MOVES: 
The Phoenix Suns didn’t really do much at the NBA Trade Deadline, with the exception of one head-scratching move on. The lone move that the team did make in the days leading up to the trade deadline involved adding Tyler Johnson from the Heat.
They also added Wayne Ellington, but he’s expected to be waived and become a free agent after he clears the wire. This is nothing more than a favor for James Jones‘ old team, you’d think. The Suns didn’t get a pick, either.
The good news is that Johnson could kind of play the point guard position and could help there, plus help in Devin Booker‘s absence. Still, it was a weird move.
GRADE: C+
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
KEY MOVES:
The Portland Trail Blazers came away nicely at the NBA Trade Deadline. They managed to snag Rodney Hood from the Cavs, a player that could certainly help the team as soon as he lands in Portland.
At the same time, they snag a nice young big in Skal Labissiere, who has all the tools to be a productive big man in today’s game. He is a bit raw and needs some time to progress, but the future is bright for him.
Short of landing a star, I’m not sure how the Blazers could’ve had a better deadline day than they did yesterday. Quality additions for Portland.
GRADE: B+ 
SACRAMENTO KINGS
KEY MOVES: 
In the days leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, the Sacramento Kings made two deals in which they netted Harrison Barnes, which provides them an answer at the small forward position and Alec Burks.
The great news is that the team landed their starting 3 for the foreseeable future. Even though Barnes hasn’t lived up to his big contract, Barnes is a solid player that will no question help this team as they try to lock up a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
While that won’t be easy, the good news is that the Barnes addition is not just a rental. He has a player option for next season that he will almost certainly opt in to. The Kings have some nice young pieces already on their roster, and just added two more.
GRADE: B+ 
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
KEY MOVES:
N/A
It’s not that surprising that the San Antonio Spurs decided not to make a move at the NBA Trade Deadline. Let’s remember that this is the Spurs and pretty much what they do. They don’t make knee-jerk moves, and making a rash move at the trade deadline is simply not in the cards for this franchise.
They’re going to trust Gregg Popovich and this roster, and how could you bet against philosophy as it’s worked time and time again. Maybe they’re on to something.
Even though this team is playing much better as of late, and is climbing into the top 6 of the Western Conference, there’s no question that this team still has holes to fill before the playoffs and might’ve missed an opportunity with their inactivity.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
TORONTO RAPTORS
KEY MOVES: 
  • Acquired Marc Gasol from Raptors for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round pick (per Adrian Wojnarowski).
The Toronto Raptors made quite the wave at the NBA Trade Deadline by snagging possibly the biggest name, excluding Anthony Davis, on the trade block. They landed Marc Gasol for the second half push towards the playoffs.
Perhaps the greatest thing about the move was they only had to give up Delon Wright and C.J. Miles, apart from JV, in the process. Two good players, but not necessarily too high of a demand for one of the best centers in the NBA when healthy.
The Raptors hit back in the Eastern Conference arms race, and might have come away with the best addition of the day. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out for Toronto.
GRADE: A
UTAH JAZZ
KEY MOVES: 
N/A
The Utah Jazz weren’t able to pull off any deals at the NBA Trade Deadline. They were reportedly on the pursuit of Mike Conley Jr., but the Grizzlies ultimately decided to hold off on trading their starting point guard.
The Jazz are still playing much better, compared to the start of the season, and will likely make a bit more of a climb in the Western Conference during the second half of the season. With that said, it is quite disappointing to see that this team didn’t make a move on deadline day.
Perhaps they can snag a player in the buyout market, and they could really use any help they could get. Keep an eye on Utah, as they search for any added help for their second half push towards the playoffs.
GRADE: INCOMPLETE
WASHIGNTON WIZARDS
KEY MOVES:
  • Traded Otto Porter Jr. to the Bulls for Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis and a 2023 second-round pick (per Shams Charania).
  • Traded Markieff Morris for Wesley Johnson (per Shams Charania).
Just days ago, it was reported that the Washington Wizards would not make any trades and push for the playoffs. However, perhaps the John Wall news changed their entire perspective heading into the NBA Trade Deadline.
Because they turned around and traded two of their rotation players, including getting off the contract of Porter Jr. The Wizards clearly made an effort to get off some of their money, considering Wall’s supermax comes into effect next season.
I don’t think anyone was surprised not to see Bradley Beal traded, but you’d have to question what’s next for this team. It’s probably going to get a bit worse before it even begins to get any better.
GRADE: C-

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