While there have been more exciting
trade deadline moves throughout the NBA history, this season has given us a lot of transfers in the last couple of days. Although no major names were involved, there were some interesting trades for us to take a look and discover which teams can be considered winners and losers of this trade deadline.
WINNERS
One team that we can consider that comes out stronger is the
New York Knicks with the addition of Bojan Bogdanovic. His arrival, together with OG Anunoby a few weeks ago, makes them take a leap forward in the East. Alec Burks is also back, another realiable offensive and defensive option for Tom Thibodeau.
Another team that has strengthened is the
Oklahoma City Thunder, they've added Gordon Hayward to its group of young stars. Sam Presty hasn't missed the opportunity for his team to take a step forward and see what they can do in a Western Conference that's looking more open than ever.
The third winner of the night is
Dallas Mavericks, who got rid of the toxic Grant Williams and brought in two very interesting players that should help on both sides of the floor like PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford.
The Suns are also making positive progress. They could'nt finally lure Miles Bridges who did not want to move away from Charlotte, but they have signed plan B (Royce O'Neal). In addition, David Roddy arrives and generates space for 2 players from the buyout market.
LOSERS.
It is mandatory to talk about the teams that haven't moved and probably needed to do it. On top, the Golden State Warriors who, despite having Stephen Curry still at an extraordinary level, have decided to look the other way and give up the season.
Also bad for the reigning champions, Denver Nuggets, didn't even tried to improve their bench that's been quite short since they lost Bruce Brown last summer.
At last, the
Los Angeles Lakers, who seem to have gaps on both sides of the court (especially the need for shooters or a playmaker). Rob Pelinka remained quiet. They are thinking about next summer - LeBron James too?
The other failures are for the teams that should have made more moves but did'nt. Special mention to the Chicago Bulls who seem to have completely stalled in February after the disastrous re-signing of Vucevic. They haven't moved DeMar DeRozan nor Alex Caruso. Zach LaVine's injury seems to have stopped everything.
The Raptors have moved quietly and kept Bruce Brown thinking about the summer, even though basketball-wise they are a mess right now.
The Nets didn't released what they should in order to rebuild either. In short, stagnation.