Suns land Kevin Durant, Nets start rebuild

Suns receive:

  • Kevin Durant F [BKN]
  • T.J. Warren F [BKN]

Nets receive:

  • Mikal Bridges F [PHX]
  • Cameron Johnson [PHX]
  • PHX ’23 1st round [PHX]
  • PHX ’25 1st round [PHX]
  • PHX ’27 1st round [PHX]
  • PHX ’28 1st round swap [PHX]
  • PHX ’29 1st round [PHX]
  • MIL ’28 2nd round [MIL]
  • MIL ’29 2nd round [MIL]

Bucks receive:

  • Jae Crowder F [PHX]

Pacers receive:

  • George Hill PG [MIL]
  • Serge Ibaka F [MIL]
  • Jordan Nwora F [MIL]
  • MIL ’23 2nd round [MIL]
  • MIL ’24 2nd round [MIL]
  • IND ’25 2nd round [MIL]

Suns Grade: A-

The most exciting trade of the deadline happened in the middle of the night.

There were inklings after the Nets parted ways with Kyrie Irving that Durant might reignite his trade request from the prior off-season. But most thought that would be put on hold until the off-season.

Never underestimate the new owner splash trade again! Mat Ishbia had officially assumed ownership of the Suns on February 7th at 4:08 PM. 33 hours later, the Suns officially acquired Kevin Durant, on February 9th at 1:05 AM.

Ishbia undoubtedly provided the extra…motivation to get the deal. The Suns included both Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson and a fourth unprotected pick – they had reportedly only been willing to include one of the two forwards and three 1st round picks previously. His presence was also felt from a financial perspective. He signed off on adding an estimated $30 million more in the tax bill. Something Robert Sarver would have NEVER agreed to.

We saw the new owner splash trade occur, and fail miserably, with Minnesota’s new ownership. However, it’s hard to overpay too much for a top-3 superstar, who can play with anyone in the league. By acquiring Durant, the Suns become the legitimate contender they simply weren’t to start the season.

The big question will be injuries.

Booker just recently returned from injuries that sidelined him for 27 games so far this season. He hasn’t played more than 70 games in the regular season since 2016-17.

Chris Paul has also missed 21 games this season. He infamously got injured in Game 6 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals, likely costing the Rockets the series. Paul hasn’t played more than 70 games in the regular season since 2015-16.

Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season due to his Achilles and in the following three seasons has missed a considerable chunk of games

  • 2020-21: 27 games
  • 2021-22: 22 games
  • 2022-23: 17 games

The point is, the Suns new Big Three have been constantly banged up the past 4 seasons. While injuries are always a “what if”, they will be especially so with this Phoenix team. The odds are against all three being able to stay fit for an entire playoff run.

However, if two of those three are Devin Booker and Kevin Durant the Suns will always have a chance to win it all. Given the future draft capital and young wings the Suns traded out, this is certainly championship or bust. But their chances for a championship are greatly improved.

Nets Grade: B+

For the Nets, this wasn’t the ideal situation. Given all the draft capital they dished out in the Harden trade, Brooklyn isn’t poised to start from scratch with a full rebuild. The fact that this deal included both Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson likely helped push it over the edge at the deadline.

It was reported the Nets were looking for both good young players and draft picks when Kevin Durant requested a trade in the off-season. They got both here. Brooklyn has the option to try and build out a team around the two youngish wings entering their prime, or deal them later for more draft capital. Zach Lowe reported on the Lowe Post podcast he heard a team had offered four 1st round picks for Bridges at the deadline.

In a tough situation, the Nets got positive value in the form of both players and picks for Kevin Durant. It’s never great to trade a player of his caliber, but the reality is the Nets were unlikely to be able to add a legitimate second star able to help Durant compete this season. And despite his talent, Durant is a 34 year-old with injury issues the past 4 seasons. With the lingering threat of Durant’s unfulfilled trade request, the Nets decided to take the plunge and deal him for maximum value to a giddy new owner at the deadline.

Bucks Grade: A

Tacked onto the back of the Durant trade was a smaller, but important deal. Jae Crowder got rerouted from Phoenix to Milwaukee. After trying to obtain Crowder all off-season and the entirety of this season, the Bucks ironically land him by way of their once Eastern Conference rivals.

The price of 5 second round picks seems historically to be a bit high for a player who hasn’t suited up all year. But that seemed to be the going rate for role players at this deadline!

Crowder has lost a half step defensively, has never really been a consistent 3-point shooter and hasn’t played a game this year. Despite all that, it’s a great move by Milwaukee. He was the biggest missing piece to their puzzle. The Bucks are built to win around Giannis with defense and shooting. Their roster is full of both, but they were missing that 3/4 stretch four who can defend other wings.

Ingles was that guy for Utah and MarJon Beauchamp might be someday. But no one on the roster currently is.

Enter Jae Crowder, who will be a key role player for the Bucks deep into the playoffs. Getting such a player without having to give up a 1st round pick is a major win.

Pacers Grade: A

The Pacers played the role of the banker in this deal. They absorbed the outbound contracts from Milaukee, picking up three Milwaukee 2nd round picks in the process. In total the salaries are ~$9 million for this year, with only Nwora having a $3 million salary next year. Minimal financial impact for three 2nd round picks is unsexy, good business.

Lakers get Russell, Beasley, Vanderbilt for 2027 1st Round Pick

Lakers receive:

  • D’Angelo Russell PG [MIN]
  • Malik Beasley G [UTA]
  • Jarred Vanderbilt F [UTA]

Timberwolves receive:

  • Mike Conley PG [UTA]
  • Nickeil Alexander-Walker G [UTA]
  • MEM ’24 2nd round [LAL]**
  • UTA ’25 2nd round [UTA]
  • UTA ’26 2nd round [UTA]

Jazz receive:

  • Russell Westbrook PG [LAL]
  • Juan Toscano-Anderson F [LAL]
  • Damian Jones C [LAL]
  • LAL ’27 1st round [LAL]*

*Lakers’ 2027 1st round pick is protected 1-4. If the pick lands in the top-4, the Lakers will convey their 2027 2nd round pick
**Less favorable 2024 second round pick between Washington and Memphis

Lakers Grade: A-

The only reason they get a minus on the A is timing. Maybe they couldn’t have made this trade prior to the deadline, but if they could have they should have. Love the value, but the Lakers currently sit 2 games back of the #10 seed in the West with just 23 games to play. If they make the play-in/playoffs this trade was worth it.

As for the players, they got a legitimate starter in D’Angelo Russell who should be a much better fit next to LeBron James than Russell Westbrook. Russell is a good shooter both with and without the basketball. He’s also a legitimate point guard, so he can help run the second unit when LeBron gets some rest. Russell’s defense the last couple of years has also been greatly improved, being at least an average defender.

The other two players in the trade will help too.

Malik Beasley is not a great defender, but he is a great shooter. As is well documented, shooters surrounding LeBron James = success. Beasley should be a welcome release valve for the Lakers’ offense as a volume three point shooter.

Vanderbilt is one of the more interesting players in the NBA. He’s an athletic forward who can defend multiple positions and provide scoring from the dunker’s spot. He’s also a plus rebounder for his size.

The Lakers managed to give up only one of their trade-able 1st round picks and land three solid players for their rotation, two of whom will likely start (Russell and Beasley). That’s impressive.

Timberwolves Grade: C+

Well at least they got some picks in return for D’Angelo Russell. By swapping out Russell for Conley they pair their big off-season acquisition in Rudy Gobert with a friendly face.

Reminiscent of the Donovan Mitchell/Rudy Gobert beef, things were starting to heat up between Russell and Gobert. It was good to move on from Russell from that regard. But man is this making that Gobert move stink even more as we see the knock-on effects.

Giving up a legitimate starter and only getting a 35-year old replacement and a few seconds is not great value.

Jazz Grade: B+

While the Jazz didn’t get a 1st round pick for each of Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, as they sought, this might be better.

Sure the pick isn’t entirely unprotected, but a top 4 protected pick is still pretty valuable for essentially two role players and Mike Conley. They also had to give up two 2nd round picks to help get Minnesota to part with Russell. Not the best Danny trader deal, but fair and good for the Jazz’s direction.

Knicks get Josh Hart, 76ers swap Thybulle for McDaniels

76ers Get:

  • Jalen McDaniels F [CHA]
  • NYK ’24 2nd round [CHA]
  • POR ’29 2nd round [POR]

Hornets Get:

  • Svi Mykhailiuk G [NYK]
  • CHA ’23 2nd round [PHI]**
  • POR ’27 2nd round [POR]

Knicks Get:

  • Josh Hart G [POR]

Trail Blazers Get:

  • Cam Reddish F [NYK]
  • Matisse Thybulle F [PHI]
  • Ryan Arcidiacono G [NYK]
  • NYK ’23 1st round [NYK]*

*New York’s 2023 1st round pick is protected 1-14. If the pick lands in the lottery, it will convey to four 2nd round picks.
**Believe this is the most favorable second round pick of Atlanta, Brooklyn and Charlotte

76ers Grade: B

The 76ers have had issues with bench scoring this year, currently ranked 22nd. By trading in Thybulle for McDaniels they have definitely improved that aspect of their team. However, I would have liked to see them add McDaniels, or another scoring, and keeping Thybulle. He does become borderline unplayable in the playoffs due to his lack of scoring, but he’s one of the most elite defenders in the league.

It seems the 76ers made the decision they are not going to re-sign Thybulle, who is a restricted free agent this off-season, and prefer to invest in a more versatile wing in McDaniels. If McDaniels is able to hit a few corner threes and provide plus level defense the trade is worth it. The real value might be acquiring McDaniels’ bird rights to re-sign him this off-season.

Hornets Grade: B

Originally was going to give the Hornets a lower grade. Seeing as McDaniels seems to be a serviceable young role player, and the Hornets actually only netted one 2nd rounder in the deal.

However. After some research it seems the 2023 2nd rounder they got from Philadelphia is actually the most favorable of Atlanta, Brooklyn and Charlotte. So basically Charlotte gets back their own 2023 2nd round pick which should be 31-33.

They double down on the Wemby sweepstakes and get value for a player they would have competition to re-sign in the off-season.

Knicks Grade: A-

The Knicks came into the deadline with some dead weight. Cam Reddish had fallen out of the rotation since early December for questionable reasons. Evan Fournier has fallen out of the rotation for obvious reasons – lack of defense.

They were able to move one of the two, and upgrade their rotation in the process. Hart isn’t the star the Knicks have been coveting, but he is a strong rotation player. This year he has played 1704 minutes over 51 games (33.3 MPG), making this the second year in a row he’s been a solid starter. While Hart likely won’t start, at least initially, over Grimes and RJ Barrett, it’s very possible he’ll be the one closing games.

If Thibsian were an adjective, and it is now, I’d describe Josh Hart as a Thibsian basketball player. Hart brings the toughness and energy that Thibs has been lacking from the bench unit. He’s the highest rebounding guard under 6’6″ in the NBA, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game to go with gritty defense. The one downside with Hart so far this season has been his shooting. He’s been shooting a career low 30.4% from 3PT. If he can bump that up a bit, Hart can become a game changer for this Knicks team.

The teams directly above the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings either got worse (Nets) or didn’t make a move (Heat and Cavs) – the only two teams in the NBA not to make a deadline trade. This move addresses the Knicks biggest weakness and could be the extra push for the Knicks to solidify a top-6 playoff spot. The price paid, in the form of a lottery-protected 1st round pick, likely signals the Knicks will re-sign Hart in the off-season.

Trail Blazers Grade: B+

The Trail Blazers, originally seen as potential buyers at the deadline, turned into more of a seller. It seems they made the decision they weren’t going to re-sign Hart in the off-season and preferred to get draft capital instead.

Considering Hart was averaging 33.4 minutes per game, this is a significant trade for Portland. But they got significant return. In a trade deadline made popular for the number of second round picks dealt, the Blazers were able to grab an old fashioned first rounder for their role player. The pick is lottery protected, but turns into four 2nd round picks if it falls in the top 14, so there’s still hope.

It is more likely than not that the Knicks make the playoffs, at least the play-in, which should land the Blazers a pick in the 16-20 range.

As part of the expanded deal, the Blazers nab Cam Reddish from the Knicks and Matisse Thybulle from the 76ers. Two players who combined can help cover the offensive/defensive void left by Hart.

But as always it’s hard to evaluate the Trail Blazers who seem to be in a perpetual state of ambiguity. Perhaps they are gearing for a larger trade in the off-season and are acquiring draft capital for that. Or maybe Mike Schmitz just likes this draft class.

Clippers land Gordon, Grizzlies get Kennard

Clippers receive:

  • Eric Gordon G [HOU]
  • 3 future second-round picks

Rockets receive:

  • John Wall PG [LAC]
  • Danny Green G [MEM]
  • ’23 1st round pick swap [LAC]*

Grizzlies receive:

  • Luke Kennard G [LAC]

*2023 pick swap allows Rockets to swap MIL 2023 1st round pick for the lesser of OKC and LAC 2023 1st round pick.

Clippers Grade: B-

Eric Gordon is a solid 3&D player, but honestly don’t really understand this one from the Clipper’s perspective. It seems they sent out the better player in Kennard in this deal, and paid the higher price, downgrading their first pick but recouping three 2nd round picks.

Rockets Grade: A-

The Rockets finally traded Eric Gordon! They will sing of this day from the top of the launch pad.

Instead of opting for a late 1st round pick for Gordon, the Rockets actually chose the option to improve one of their existing picks. The Rockets are currently owed the 2023 1st round pick from Milwaukee from the 2019 trade of P.J. Tucker. They will now have the right to swap that with the lesser of the Thunder’s or Clipper’s 1st round picks this year. More likely than not they will swap Milwaukee’s pick (currently #29) for the Clipper’s pick (currently #18).

With a gluttony of good young players and a likely top-4 pick incoming, this is a creative approach that makes sense for the Rockets.

Grizzlies Grade: A-

The Grizzlies likely did the best in this trade. They reportedly were in on trade offers for OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, but were unable to meet the asking price for either.

Luke Kennard is not a bad Plan C or D, especially for the cost. While Danny Green seemed like a good option on paper, he’s just come back from an ACL injury and hasn’t looked great. Pair that with the fact that he’s nearly 36 years old, this might be his last year in the NBA.

With other Western Conference teams making moves, the Grizzlies had to improve their wing depth. Kennard is one of the best shooters in the NBA, averaging 42.7% from 3PT range for his career. This will be a nice addition for a team that has struggled to find a consistent three point threat outside of Desmond Bane.

Warriors cut cord on Wiseman and get Payton II, Hawks land Bey, Blazers acquire five 2nd round picks

Pistons receive:

  • James Wiseman C [GSW]

Warriors receive:

  • Gary Payton II G [POR]
  • ATL ’26 2nd round [ATL]
  • ATL ’28 2nd round [ATL]

Hawks receive:

  • Saddiq Bey F [DET]

Trail Blazers receive:

  • Kevin Knox [ATL]
  • ATL/BKN/CHA ’23 2nd round [ATL]*
  • ATL ’24 2nd round [ATL]
  • ATL ’25 2nd round [ATL]**
  • MEM ’26 2nd round [ATL]***
  • GSW ’28 2nd round [GSW]

*Second most favorable of Atlanta, Brooklyn and Charlotte 2023 2nd round picks
**If pick lands 31-40 goes to Portland, otherwise goes to OKC
***If pick lands 31-42 goes to Utah, otherwise goes to Portland

Pistons Grade: B

Going to be honest, I don’t get it. If the Pistons made the opposite trade (Bey for Wiseman) that would make a lot more sense to me!

Wiseman was reportedly high on the Pistons draft board in 2020, but they now have Jalen Duren. Duren is averaging 8.6 points and 8.7 rebounds in his rookie season and looks to have a promising career ahead of him. Apparently the Pistons couldn’t resist the upside of Wiseman, but it feels like they are stunting the growth of the promising, young center already on their roster.

It’s decent value, just can’t help but think the Pistons could have simply acquired draft capital for Bey or a player at the wing/guard position.

Warriors Grade: B+

This is the equivalent of realizing you’re not better off without your ex.

Finally the Warriors made a trade that makes them better now by trading one of their younger, overrated players.

Wiseman looked like a deer in the headlights for the Warriors, which is not ideal for a team trying to win a championship. By exchanging him for a proven perimeter defender in Payton II, the Warriors increased their championship odds the next couple of years.

Payton II was clearly an integral part of their 2022 NBA Championship, and will be welcome back in what will be a tough Western Conference playoffs.

Hawks Grade: B-

Listen I like Saddiq Bey, but not entirely sure where he fits in with this Atlanta team. They gave up tangible assets without a clear team vision.

For years they have been rumored to be trading John Collins, and still were unable to at this deadline. Perhaps Atlanta will again pursue trades of Collins and Bogdanovic this off-season which will clear up more playing time for Bey at the 3/4.

Bey is a solid player, but the Hawks just dished out a minimum of four 2nd round picks that could potentially turn into six for a rotational player under team control for just one more year.

Trail Blazers Grade: B+

This isn’t quite as sexy as the five 2nd round picks in the headline.

After breaking down protections, it seems to be three guaranteed 2nd round picks and then two conditional picks which are essentially a coin flip at this point.

Considering reports that Gary Payton II had grown tired of the Portland organization, and the fact that he was due $18 million over the next two years, Portland did well here. Payton II could have turned into a negative contract by next year, instead Portland cashed in for positive value.

The potential investigation of undisclosed injury Gary Payton II could impact the return Portland gets here.

Nuggets get Bryant, Lakers get Bamba and the Clippers get Bones

Nuggets receive:

  • Thomas Bryant C [LAL]

Lakers receive:

  • Mo Bamba C [ORL]
  • Davon Reed G [DEN]
  • LAC ’24 2nd round [LAC]
  • LAC ’25 2nd round [LAC]

LA Clippers receive:

  • Bones Hyland G [DEN]

Magic receive:

  • Patrick Beverley G [LAL]
  • DEN ’24 2nd round [DEN]
  • Cash considerations [LAL]

Nuggets Grade: B–

This was a tough one to grade. From a pure value perspective, it’s not great for the Nuggets who essentially traded Bones Hyland and a 2nd round pick for Thomas Bryant. However, they desperately needed a backup for Jokic and Bryant is more than up for the task.

Still seems a bit of a raw deal for Denver, who could have picked up Plumlee for a 2nd rounder and dealt Hyland elsewhere. But Bryant will help in the playoffs and gets rid of a toxic situation with Bones.

Lakers Grade: A

The Lakers had a pretty good deadline value wise.

Here they trade in Thomas Bryant, who had allegedly requested a trade, for Mo Bamba and two 2nd round picks from their LA rivals. Byrant is the better offensive player between the two but Bamba the better fit. Bamba is the better defender and can more consistently hit threes.

Clippers Grade: A-

The Clippers essentially used two 2nd round picks to get a 6th man, which is a good move. This was relatively cheaper than I thought Bones would go for at the deadline.

He doesn’t play much defense, and butted heads with Mike Malone in Denver, but Bones can provide fearless scoring off the bench. That could come in handy in a tight playoff series.

Magic Grade: B+

Sure, why not. The Magic were looking to trade Bamba for awhile. Thought they could get more than a 2nd round pick, but with his contract situation perhaps teams were less likely to commit more assets.

Spurs acquire 1st round pick for Poeltl

Raptors receive:

  • Jakob Poeltl C

Spurs receive:

  • Khem Birch C
  • TOR ’24 1st round*
  • TOR ’23 2nd round
  • TOR ’25 2nd round

*Toronto 2024 1st round pick protected 1-6 in 2024, 1-6 in 2025 and 1-6 in 2026

Raptors Grade: C–

Uhhh. This is what the Raptors decided to do?

I don’t blame them for not blowing it up, yet. It seemed like there were plenty of teams thirsty for OG at the deadline, but if you want to wait until the off-season I can understand that. Maybe you re-sign Fred and try to retool the roster a bit instead.

But then you turn around and give up serious draft capital for Jakob Poeltl? Are you going to rebuild, or not? If you’re still going for it, Poeltl is a nice player but don’t think he moves the needle that much for this Toronto team. On top of that, he’s an unrestricted free agent this off-season so you’re going to have to pay him.

Don’t mind the player, he makes the Raptors better, but this is an overpay.

Spurs Grade: A

After long been rumored to be seeking two 1st round picks for Poeltl, the Spurs got a great deal.

The first round pick from the Raptors is very likely to convey in 2024, and if not they will get it by 2026. On top of that, they get two 2nd round picks in the near future. Great job by the Spurs to hold the line and get legitimate draft compensation for an impending unrestricted free agent.

Clippers land Plumlee for 2nd round pick

Clippers receive:

  • Mason Plumlee C

Hornets receive:

  • Reggie Jackson PG
  • LAC ’28 2nd round

Clippers Grade: A

This seems like a no-brainer from the Clippers perspective. They desperately needed a backup big for Ivica Zubac and got the best one on the market. Plumlee is a skilled big man who is a plus rebounder and passer for the position. He should really help the Clippers in their playoff run.

Jackson had previously very good for the Clippers in their postseason run without Kawhi Leonard, but the Clippers clearly knew they had the Bones Hyland move in the works so were OK letting Jackson go.

Hornets Grade: C-

Usually I can understand a team’s perspective, whether it’s cost cutting etc. Not sure I get this one from the Hornets. Plumlee was likely going to be a rental for any team acquiring him, but how could they not get more than one 2nd round pick for him at this deadline? Unacceptable.

Celtics get Muscala, more Presti picks

Celtics receive:

  • Mike Muscala F

Thunder receive:

  • Justin Jackson G
  • BOS ’23 2nd round
  • BOS ’29 2nd round

Celtics Grade: B+

Mike Muscala is a solid player. A versatile big man who can hit three pointers, Muscala gives Boston a different look in the frontcourt. With a team option for $3.5 million next year, this also to seems to be Grant Williams insurance as well.

Hard to fault a team for a slight overpay for adding a player that can help them deep in the playoffs. The Celtics got better and Muscala is under team control through next year.

Thunder Grade: A

Continue to be impressed by Sam Presti’s ability to turn rotational players into picks. Muscala was playing 14.5 minutes per game for a mediocre Thunder team. Yet he was able to cash that in for two unprotected future Celtics 2nd round picks. The tank is back on!

Pelicans dump Graham for Josh Richardson

Pelicans receive:

  • Josh Richardson F

Spurs receive:

  • Devonte’ Graham PG
  • CHI/NOP ’24 2nd round*
  • NOP/POR ’26 2nd round**
  • NOP ’28 2nd round
  • NOP ’29 2nd round

*More favorable 2024 2nd round pick between Chicago and New Orleans
**Less favorable 2026 2nd round pick between New Orleans and Portland

Pelicans Grade: A-

It’s hard to give New Orleans too high a grade as they are now paying to dump Devonte’ Graham who they once considered an asset in the Lonzo Ball sign-and-trade. However, we have to give credit for recognizing a mistake and moving on. Last year’s trade for CJ McCollum, the unexpected rise of Jose Alvarado and the drafting of Dyson Daniels made Graham expendable. Here they are able to dump the remaining 2 years, $24.7 million due to Graham after this season.

In return the Pelicans get a wing player in Richardson who can actually play some minutes for them off the bench. A win/win for the Pelicans for the price of four 2nd round picks.

Spurs Grade: B-

The Spurs got solid value here in four 2nd round picks, but they likely could have gotten at least one 2nd rounder for Richardson alone. Essentially they are accepting three 2nd round picks as acceptable for picking up the tab on Graham’s remaining 2 years, $24.7 million. It’s decent value but think they could have gotten a bit more. Maybe they will be able to flip Graham in his expiring year for something of value.

Hawks get under the Luxury Tax, Rockets get picks

Hawks receive:

  • Bruno Fernando F
  • Garrison Mathews G

Rockets receive:

  • Justin Holiday G
  • Frank Kaminsky C
  • OKC ’24 2nd round
  • OKC ’25 2nd round

Hawks Grade: A

This was not an earth shattering move for the Hawks by any means. However, it does give them two serviceable players in Garrison Mathews and Bruno Fernando. Mathews is a solid 3 point shooter and Fernando a rotational center.

More importantly the Hawks just obtained the two most tradeable contracts in the NBA. Fernando has non-guaranteed years in 2023 and 2024 followed by a team option in 2025. Mathews has a non-guaranteed year in 2023 followed by a team option in 2024. These contracts could be useful in future deals.

Most importantly this move puts the Hawks below the luxury tax. Holiday and Kaminsky were making $8.6 million, this move helped them shed ~$3 million.

Rockets Grade: B

The Rockets got two OKC picks in exchange for two players not part of their future. It’s a decent return, but considering they helped the Hawks get under the luxury tax and gave them two flexible contracts I would have expected at least three or more 2nd rounders given this deadline. Not to mention OKC picks are becoming less valuable with the emergence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and impending return of Chet Holmgren.

Suns swap Saric for Bazley in cost savings move

Suns receive:

  • Darius Bazley F

Thunder receive:

  • Dario Saric F
  • PHX ’29 2nd round
  • Cash considerations

Suns Grade: B+

The Suns, after their all-in Kevin Durant trade, find themselves in the rare position of lacking wing depth. As part of the trade the Suns sent out Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder. Despite Crowder not playing a minute for Phoenix this season, he was a important part of their recent playoff success. All three are wings with defensive capabilities, something they didn’t get back in the offensive minded T.J. Warren. They cashed in one of their few remaining assets and got back a defensive minded wing in Bazley who can defend the 3/4 position. Bazley is a restricted free agent so a decision will have to be made on re-signing him, but at 22 years old, and a likely affordable contract, it’s within the realm of possibility.

There is also a cost savings element to this deal as Bazley makes $4.2 million compared to Saric’s $9.2 million, saving them approximately $15 million in luxury tax.

Regardless of re-signing Bazley, the price of a future 2nd round pick is good value for the exchange of Saric.

Thunder Grade: B

This move was all about asset management for the Thunder. Clearly they weren’t interested in re-signing Bazley this off-season or they would not have made the trade. Saric is on an expiring contract and will likely not be re-signed by Oklahoma City, netting them a future 2nd round pick for 22 games of Saric.