Bummed out about the underwhelming trade deadline? We should have known that it could happen. The deadline bombs every other year.
However, we also can’t deny that certain squads took a step forward with their moves, like the Thunder, Raptors, and Mavericks. Let’s now have a quick recap of the deals that went down and see what some of it may mean to the teams.
The Thunder receive: Taj Gibson, Doug McDermott, 2018 second-round pick The Bulls receive: Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow, Joffrey Lauvergne
Taj Gibson should be a good addition for the Thunder, because Enes Kanter, OKC’s best low post player, was so frustrated during a random home game, he decided to fracture his forearm and be sidelined for 6-8 weeks.
Doug McDermott, meanwhile, is an upgrade over Anthony Morrow, since he can shoot just as good and still has an upside.
Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers Trade
The Mavericks receive: Nerlens Noel The Sixers receive: Justin Anderson, Andrew Bogut (already waived), protected 2017 first-round pick
The Mavs finally score a solid big man they have long-coveted for. There is no doubt that the team will be invested in the Noel and he should be heavily used immediately. He’ll benefit from having a couple of shooters around him.
It’s also a “finally” type of trade for Philly, who have now cleared the logjam at the center position. It’s extra good that they acquired another first-round pick.
Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers Trade
The Rockets receive: Lou Williams The Lakers receive: Corey Brewer, 2017 first-round pick
This is obviously an exciting addition for the Rockets. Williams, who averages 18.6 points in just 24.6 minutes of action, joining the high-powered offense of Mike D’Antoni will be insane. The veteran guard gave us a good preview of what might come, as he scored 27 points (seven threes) in his debut last night.
Let’s also give Houston’s front office extra points since they gave up a player that isn’t exactly in their rotation.
The Lakers weren’t able to fully maximize Williams’s currently-high value, although an experienced three-and-D guy like Brewer is a need for their young core.
Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns Trade
The Raptors receive: PJ Tucker The Suns receive: Jared Sullinger, two second round picks
Tucker is a hustle guy that the Raptors need to get over the hump, a.k.a the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and Serge Ibaka should easily improve Toronto’s inconsistent defense.
For the Suns, it might be good that they have unloaded a swingman, since it’ll allow their young core to get more playing time.
MINOR TRADES
Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks Trade
The Nuggets receive: Roy Hibbert The Bucks receive: protected 2019 second-round pick
Hibbert adds to the gigantic Nuggets front line that already has Nikola Jokic, Mason Plumlee, and Kenneth Faried. He’ll bring veteran defense that can help guide the team for the playoff push.
Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets Trade
The Nets receive: KJ McDaniels The Rockets receive: Cash considerations
Phoenix Suns and Atlanta Hawks Trade
The Suns receive: Mike Scott The Hawks receive: 2017 second-round pick, rights to Cenk Akyol, cash considerations
