The NBA trade deadline and what to expect moving forward

By Mario Mazza - 7 years ago in NBA News

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone. What happened and what does it all mean?

Fire and Ice

First things first, Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins are now on the same team. The “Fire and Ice” duo are set to seek a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Demarcus Cousins was unlikely stay in Sacramento, and this move is really overlooked on the Kings side of it. They received two key players, Tyreke Evans and Buddy Hield, as well as some young assets for a player was not a guarantee to resign. Despite Demarcus Cousins saying he was happy in Sacramento, the Kings needed to do what was best for their future. The problem is that people believe that the Pelicans are now contenders. No, they are not. They’re running a combination of E’Twaun Moore and Solomon Hill as their wing players. Both of which are not guys that can consistently knock down three point shots. When the Pelicans matchup against a team like the Rockets, they are going to get torched from behind the arch. Overall both sides did what needed to be done, and only time will tell us how great this trade actually was.

The Thunder FTW

The most overlooked trade in the entire deadline was the Thunder and Bulls trade. The Thunder needed to add depth to their team, and that is exactly what they did. The traded away Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne, and Anthony Morrow for Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott and  a 2nd round draft pick from Chicago. In my opinion, this may have been the biggest trade at the deadline because the Thunder are off to a very hot start coming out of the All Star break. Taj Gibson not only gives them a defensive presence on the court, but it also gives them more depth to the big man position. The other key component of the trade is Doug McDermott, who has not been playing that well this season, but we know he has the upside to a great role player with his tremendous shooting ability. On the flip side, the Bulls received nice young point guard in Cameron Payne, as well getting rid of some cap space in Taj Gibson’s contract. Overall both teams did what was necessary for their team. In my opinion the Thunder were the winners of this NBA Trade Deadline.

Calm down Sixers fans, it will be okay

The most surprising trade of the entire NBA Trade Deadline was the Sixers trading Nerlens Noel to the Mavericks for Justin Anderson, Andrew Bogut, and a conditional first round pick, which is going to turn into two second round picks next year. The deal made many Sixers fans shake their heads, but the trade in my opinion was an absolute steal for both teams. On the Sixers side, Nerlens Noel wanted a max contract or he was leaving at the end of the year. A backup center is not worth a max contract, so time was running out and they got what they could for him. Fans were upset because they thought Jahlil Okafor was the man that was going to be traded, but that was not the case. Dallas not only got rid of an expiring contract in Andrew Bogut, but received a defensive anchor down low in Nerlens Noel. They are going to sign this young fella to a max contract this off season, and Nerlens may have found himself a home. The Mavericks are looking into the future in this deal since Dirk is going to retire in the next few years, but can maybe help Nerlens develop in the offensive side of the court. Overall, this trade worked out for both teams who are trying to rebuild their franchise.

George and Butler stay put

Last but not least the most shocking thing of them all – neither Paul George or Jimmy Butler were traded. Both players had interests from a bunch of different teams, but the Celtics did not want to give up the rights to the Brooklyn Nets first round pick, which has a ton of value because the Nets are dead last in the NBA. Would you trade the potential number one pick in a stacked draft, or take guaranteed star and play to compete in a playoff push? In my opinion, if I were the Celtics, is that they made the right decision. What if the Celtics get knocked out in the first round of the playoffs and Paul George leaves? The chance of that happening is slim, but anything can happen in the playoffs. I would rather take a guaranteed top five pick in the NBA than a player who can walk at the end of the season. The rental is not worth it if you cannot compete with the Warriors or Cavaliers. Even with George or Butler, I think no team can outmatch the Warriors, Spurs, or Cavaliers. Deron Williams and Andrew Bogut joining the Cavaliers was big. Especially for the Cavaliers because it adds a ton of depth to a lethal starting five.

Much ado about nothing

Overall, this was a disappointing trade deadline. Once the draft order is all set up, look for the Celtics, Sixers, and other teams to all cash in for a big time free agent. Besides Demarcus Cousins, no big name player was moved. The buyouts and signings were more interesting than the trades.

My early prediction is Cavs and Spurs in the Finals with the Cavaliers taking care of business in 6 games.

-The Kid

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