| Heat | Suns | Pelicans |
| G Goran Daric (PHX) | F Danny Granger (MIA) | G Norris Cole (MIA) |
| G Zoran Dragic (PHX) | F John Salmons (NO) | G Justin Hamilton (MIA) |
| 2017 1st Rounder (MIA)* | F Shawne Williams (MIA) | |
| 2021 1st Rounder (MIA) |
*Protected 1-7 in 2017 and 2018. Becomes unprotected in 2019.
Suns – A
The Suns were forced to trade Goran Dragic at the deadline, or lose him for nothing. To make matters worse, reports surfaced that Dragic was only willing to sign extensions with the Knicks, Heat or Lakers. Even if one of those teams was willing to dole out assets for Dragic, it would likely have to hand over a maximum extension this summer. The Suns seemingly had any leverage dissipating as the trade deadline drew near. Out of no where they announced a three team deal that would net them two 1st rounders. On a normal value basis this would be considered more than fair compensation for Dragic. Given the corner the Suns were backed into, this was nothing short of a small miracle. Props to Suns management for hanging in tight and getting proper value.
Heat – C-
My sentiments about the Suns can be carried over here. Riley normally gets the better of any deal, but I believe he fell far short on this one. Its NBA lore to say the team who got the best player won the trade. That is not the case here. This move is like a spite against an ex-girlfriend. “See Lebron, we can make the playoffs without you!” Adding Dragic will absolutely ensure their spot in the playoffs, but won’t do much more. Don’t get me wrong the starting five of Dragic, Bosh, Wade, Deng and Whiteside is a very solid team. Its just not good enough to get to the Eastern Conference Finals. While Dragic is a very good player, he is not a franchise guy. The Heat just gave up two potentially very important 1st round picks to sign Dragic to a maximum deal this offseason. Forget the picks, Dragic himself might not even be worth the max contract. Riley just mortgaged the future to be a middle of the road playoff team in the East.
Pelicans – B
The Pelicans sneakily got good value in the biggest trade of the deadline. All they had to deal out was John Salmons’ expiring contract to bring in the triumvirate of Cole, Hamilton and Williams. At worst, they got a half year rental on Norris Cole to fill in for the injured Jrue Holiday. At best, Cole can be resigned for a fair contract as their backup, or dealt for an asset in the offseason. The Pelicans did a good job of getting potential assets while incurring virtually zero risk.
| Nuggets | Trailblazers |
| G Will Barton | G Arron Afflalo |
| F Victor Claver | G Alonzo Gee |
| F Thomas Robinson | |
| 2016 1st Rounder* |
*Protected 1-14 in 2016 and 2017. Becomes 2nd round pick in 2018.
Trailblazers – B
The Blazers pick up a key scorer in Arron Afflalo as they look to make a push in the west. With Nicolas Batum having a very subpar year, the Blazers needed an additional scoring punch to compliment Lillard and Aldridge. Afflalo immediately becomes the Blazers fourth best scoring option and first guy off the bench. He can be a valuable change of pace when Batum is slumping. Don’t be surprised to see Afflalo in at the end of games come playoff time. His presence is also important this offseason when Wes Matthews will be an unrestricted free agent. The key to the value of this trade for the Trailblazers will be the contract they sign Afflalo to this offseason.
Nuggets – A
Realistically there was no way the Nuggets were letting this deadline pass without unloading Afflalo. They are one of the worst teams in the NBA with nothing to play for this year. Not to mention, Afflalo has a player option for $7.5 million next year which he is sure to turn down. There is no point in giving a multi-year contract to a guy about to turn 30 when your team has no playoff aspirations. Picking up a 1st round pick, along with young prospects Will Barton and Thomas Robinson, is a great coup for a half year rental.
| Pistons | Thunder | Jazz |
| G Reggie Jackson (OKC) | C Enes Kanter (UT) | C Kendrick Perkins (OKC) |
| G D.J. Augustin (DET) | F Grant Jerrett (OKC) | |
| F Kyle Singler (DET) | 2017 1st Rounder (OKC)* | |
| F Steve Novak (UT) | 2017 2nd Rounder (DET) | |
| Draft rights to C Tibor Pleiss |
*Protected 1-14 in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Pistons – A
Now here is a case where the team who got the best player won the trade. The Pistons gain a good young point guard in Jackson without giving up any key assets. They essentially dealt a backup point guard in Augustin and a 2nd rounder for a potential core player. Pairing Jackson with Monroe and Drummond is a great group of young players to move forward with. When Jennings comes back, he can plug into a more comfortable scoring role next to Jackson. If that doesn’t pan out, his $8 million contract will not be hard to move. Even paying the 24-year old Jackson $10-12 million a year this offseason could look like a bargain when the new CBA comes around. The Pistons win the risk/reward conundrum this time.
Thunder – A
The Thunder were really cornered into dealing Jackson here. Not only were they going to be forced to pay him this offseason (something the Thunder HATE to do). But there was a growing rift in the locker room between Jackson and his teammates. The tell all came when Durant was asked about the Thunder’s dealings at the deadline. It was pretty much a guarantee Jackson was moving at the deadline.
“We felt like everybody wanted to be here except for one guy,” Durant responded.
The initial expectation was that Jackson would get moved in the longstanding trade talks with Brooklyn for Brook Lopez. Instead, Presti switched gears in the final hour of the deadline. It was the right move. He got a younger, cheaper option at center in Enes Kanter who might be better than Lopez right now. They also picked up Augustin from Detroit to lessen the blow to their bench from losing Jackson. The Thunder used the deadline to balance out their roster, without sacrificing depth.
Jazz – C
Listen I know about the the trade request from Kanter. You never want a malcontent on your team, but you have to weigh the positives and negatives. Kanter is an RFA at the end of the year, meaning the Jazz weren’t risking losing him for nothing. You don’t have to deal him right away. He either takes qualifying offer, and you can match, or he takes next year at $7.8 million.
As a team, that gives you a year until the next trade deadline to figure something out. A lot of things can change in a year. Maybe Quin Snyder can convince Kanter to stay with the Jazz and be a vital part of their front line going forward. If this option has been exhausted, you still have an entire year to pursue the best deal possible. If you are a successful organization you can’t let a 22-year old player bully you into a decision. Especially not one that is averaging 14 PPG and 8 RPG. Its your duty to get maximimum value if the player is truly against remaining with your team. A non-lottery 1st rounder is too low a value to accept before you absolutely have to. It seems like the Jazz got bullied and panicked into this deal at the deadline.
| Suns | Bucks | 76ers |
| G Brandon Knight (MIL) | C Michael Carter-Williams (PHI) | 2015 1st Rounder via LA (PHO)* |
| G Kendall Marshall (MIL) | G Tyler Ennis (PHO) | |
| F Miles Plumlee (PHO) |
*Lakers 1st Rounder. Protected 1-5 in 2015, 1-3 in 2016 and 2017, unprotected in 2018.
Suns – D
Its funny how quickly you can go from singing a team’s praises to cursing their mistakes. The Suns managed to queue both emotions within minutes of each other. First they get good value in return for Dragic, and then they go ahead and do this. My distaste with this trade has nothing to do with Knight as a player – he’s having a very good year. Its the value and loss of financial flexibility that frustrates me.
Two options would have been better here.
1) Keep Isaiah Thomas, who is an absolute bargain at less than $7 million a year until 2018. Thomas would have been a good fit next to Bledsoe full-time and is just shade worse than Knight. Oh yeah, you also get to keep the valuable Lakers 1st rounder.
2) Keep Ennis and Plumlee and just take Carter-Williams for yourself in a direct deal with Philadelphia. He has more upside than Knight and you don’t have to give him a big contract until 2017.
Instead the Suns made one of the worst business decisions I’ve seen in awhile. They give away their best asset – a potential lottery pick from the Lakers – to get what MIGHT be a top 20 point guard. You pass on the most talented player in the deal in MCW to get Knight. And you’re going to have to give him Eric Bledsoe money this offseason. Why not keep Thomas and potentially get a lottery pick the next few years? Or pick up Carter-Williams who has a higher ceiling than Knight and won’t get paid until 2017? Suns fans better hope this two point guard theory is Popovich-level genius.
This goes on my worst value trades of all-time list. Not one part of this deal made sense for the Suns.
Bucks – A
If you couldn’t tell, I believe Carter-Williams is more valuable than Knight. He’s cheaper and has a lot more upside. There’s not too many athletic 6’6″ point guards roaming the planet earth. His field goal percentage has been putrid this year, but the talent is clearly there. A winning environment can have a huge impact on a player’s state of mind, and subsequently performance. I also love the fact that he is going to be working with one of the best point guard minds in Jason Kidd. He should be able to get the most out of Carter-Williams. Not only that, but MCW is on his rookie deal until 2017. That means the Bucks have two more rookie years before making a decision on him. Warren Buffet would approve.
At this point the Bucks have already won the trade on a straight swap for Knight. Any additional assets are gravy. In this case, they’re the homemade kind – not that instant crap. Ennis and Plumlee are two young players on their rookie deals with the chance of being role players. Ennis should be the backup point guard while Plumlee adds front line depth. Really like what the Bucks are doing here, continuing to stockpile young, athletic players with upside. This could be a scary team in a few years. Their starting wingspan will average 7’0″, probably. Can’t do much better in a trade than this. Great coup by the Hampton Hangover (my new nickname for Jason Kidd).
76ers – B+
Hinkie does the Hinkie again. At this point, it should be clear that the 76ers have no interest in ever winning basketball games again. They simply intend to tank until they have every pick in the 2030 NBA Draft. Jokes aside, I do like this deal for the 76ers. Its clear that Carter-Williams wasn’t in their long-term plans, and they got proper value for him. They could end up with a top 10 pick whenever the Lakers pick isn’t protected – potentially this year. They basically traded in MCW for another young player and bought themselves more time on the rookie scale.
| Suns | Celtics |
| G Marcus Thornton | G Isaiah Thomas |
| 2016 1st Rounder via Cavs* |
*Cavaliers 1st Rounder. Protected 1-10 in 2016 through 2018. Unprotected in 2020.
Suns – C
Two words best describe the value in this trade. Lebron James. He is the man who will dictate the value of that first rounder from the Cavs next year. In all likelihood he’ll do to that pick, what he does to his opponents. Run it into the ground. The pick will likely be far out of the lottery and somewhere in the high 20s. Not the best value for a 26 year old starting caliber point guard in a great contract situation. Once the Suns had committed to Knight, I guess they had to deal Thomas to avoid another log jam at point guard. Still don’t like the value here given Thomas’ bargain contract.
Celtics – A
Just when you think he’s out, they pull him back in. Ainge is only in the trade market when there’s a bargain to be had. In this case he scored big time. He gets an established player in his prime on a bargain contract for a late 1st round pick. Its like Christmas for Danny Ainge. He got his replacement for Rondo at the right price point without dipping too much into the pick cupboards. This will allow both Smart and Thomas to spend time off the ball scoring, which both like to mix into their games. Good fit, good value. Another smart move from Ainge.
| Timberwolves | Nets |
| F Kevin Garnett | F Thaddeus Young |
Timberwolves – B
You know I had to grab the throwback Timberwolves picture for this one. As an NBA fan, you can’t help but get moist in they eyes with this deal. It brings you back to the days before big threes and star alignment were things. When the Timberwolves had guys like Wally Szczerbiak, Stephon Marbury and this guy called KG. Back to when Garnett had to carry a Timberwolves team and average 23 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists a game.
Enough of the sniffled sentiments, lets get to trade value. On the face this is a horrible move for the Timberwolves. The fact that they could have kept the Heat’s 2015 first rounder, and traded it away for Young, makes me sick to my stomach. Basically they traded a first for KG, making them no better than Billy King.
The damage on that deal was already done, and they weren’t going to pay Thaddeus Young anyway. They could have gotten better long-term assets than KG. However, Garnett is a long-term asset himself in the non-traditional sense. He will immediately bring leadership to a group of young players on a rebuilding team. That is vital to the growth of guys like Rubio and Wiggins who have never had a true leader. The move also paves the way for Garnett to join the Timberwolves organization after his playing career. This may not have happened if he stayed in Brooklyn. The Timberwolves need a face of their franchise, and Garnett really is it. If this move keeps Garnett involved with the Timberwolves post-retirement, I consider this deal a success.
Nets – A
How excited must Billy King be right now? “Guess what guys, I actually won a trade!!” Seriously he got gift wrapped this one, with a bow on top. The Timberwolves knew they weren’t going to resign Young, and they decided to get the warm fuzzies for a guy who happened to be on the Nets’ roster. I’ll give King and the Nets an A for now. That is until King hands over a maximum contract to Young this offseason.
| Rockets | 76ers |
| G K.J. McDaniels | G Isaiah Canaan |
| 2015 2nd Rounder* |
*Less favorable of Denver and Minnesota’s 2nd round pick.
Rockets – A
The Rockets add one of the steals of the 2014 NBA draft to their roster at a minimal cost. McDaniels is a hyper athletic wing player who has shown to be an effective defender in the NBA. He is averaging 1.3 blocks and 2.3 steals per game as a wing player. That’s in only 25 minutes per game too. All the Rockets had to part ways with was a 2nd round pick in this year’s draft. Its unlikely they could find anyone with more upside than McDaniels with that pick. The only downside is that because McDaniels was a 2nd round pick, he will be a free agent this offseason. Either way, this is a great addition to a playoff team. Good value here for Morey on a wing defender.
76ers – C
Now the compiling of picks kind of seems messed up. Is Hinkie just in this for the sport of it? He hits very well on a 2nd round pick – a rare feat – and then chooses to dish him out for a 2nd rounder this year. I get that McDaniels was due a pay day at the end of the year. But you probably could have signed him to a reasonable long-term deal. I guess when you have every pick in the 2nd round, you’re not too worried about hitting again. The 76ers escape another long-term deal and get another rookie deal.
| Nuggets | 76ers |
| Draft rights to G Cenk Akyol | C Javele McGee |
| 2015 1st Rounder via OKC* | |
| Draft rights to C Chukwudiebere Maduabum |
*Oklahoma City 1st Rounder. Protected 1-18 in 2015 and 1-15 in 2016, 2017.
Nuggets – D
Don’t really like this one for the Nuggets. The franchise is no where near close to being a playoff contender. Because of that, they likely won’t be in the mix for major free agents this summer. Obviously the contract of McGee was not good, but they gain little from moving it. They should be making moves to acquire first rounders, not deal them away. If they grab Lebron James in free agency, feel free to slap me with an “I told you so”. Otherwise, I don’t like this move at all for the Nuggets.
76ers – A
Oh we have to hit the salary cap floor? Cool let’s pick up a free 1st rounder to do so. In the ongoing tankathon, this is one of Hinkie’s better moves. The 76ers had to get to the cap floor anyway. This helps them get there with a guy who has some talent as well. Who knows, maybe Brett Brown can work his magic on McGee. If not, who cares they still get a first round pick. Its not like they were going to sign a big time free agent the next two years anyway. Good job by the Hinkmeister killing two birds with one stone.
| Kings | Wizards |
| G Andre Miller | G Ramon Sessions |
Kings – B
Again this is one of those more than meets the eye moves for the Kings. On a straight player-to-player basis, Sessions is the better, younger and cheaper option than Andre Miller. That obviously makes me cringe. But you have to look at the human factor as well. Miller is a leader the Kings can use on the court. With George Karl trying to change the culture and tempo of the Kings, he needs a general to enforce on the court. Having someone like Miller should help teach other players to run Karl’s system. It should also help keep guys like Demarcus Cousins in line.
Wizards – A
The Wizards definitely got the better of this deal. They upgrade at backup point guard for the next year and a half. The leadership that Miller brings to the table is great. But with the maturity of John Wall and the presence of veterans like Pierce and Gortat, its more of a luxury. At this point the Wizards need superior talent to take them to the next level. Sessions is a high quality backup and should help the Wizards’ bench scoring going forward. Another case of picking up value based a sentimental transaction.
| Pistons | Celtics |
| F Tayshaun Prince | F Jonas Jerebko |
| F Gigi Datome |
Pistons – B+
This is how you handle a nostalgic trade. The Pistons bring in a guy who helped them win a championship back in 2004. Unlike Miller and Garnett, he is only 35 years old and still contributing solid minutes off the bench. With the team in playoff contention, they can use Prince’s veteran leadership. His return may also spark an emotional rise in play for the Pistons. All the Pistons had to do was give up a couple bottom of the bench guys. Well done Stan Van.
Celtics – B
The Celtics probably could have held out for a second round pick, but I’m not going to hold that against them. They were likely going to buy out Prince anyway. Being the classy organization they are, the Celtics gave him up for a couple potential rotational players. I could see Ainge keeping Jerebko or Datome next year on the cheap. If not, no harm done. They also come out looking good to veterans and teams throughout the league.
| Rockets | Knicks |
| G Pablo Prigioni | G Alexey Shved |
| 2017 2nd Rounder | |
| 2019 2nd Rounder |
Rockets – B
After failing to land the prized possession of the deadline, Goran Dragic, the Rockets settled on a lesser option at point guard. The Rockets acquired veteran guard Pablo Prigioni. He should provide a solid 15 minutes per game. The Rockets also save about $2 million this year, and gain a valuable non-guaranteed contract as a trade chip. They also pick up a trade exemption during the process. The two 2nd rounders is probably excessive, but it leads to greater flexibility.
Knicks – A
Say it ain’t so Pablo! The Knicks traded the beloved Argentine point guard at the closing bell. Prigioni will be remembered as being the only Knicks player who gave a damn. He was never the most athletic, but he was a relentless pest in the minds of his opponents. Knicks fans loved him for randomly stealing inbounds passes when the opponent was lulled into sleep by the Knicks’ awful play.
For once, the Knicks are clear winners in a trade. They trade away a 37-year old point guard and get back two 2nd rounders and a young player. Shved is just 26 and has shown skills. He could be a good fit in the triangle next year on a minimum contract. The 2nd rounders are the real prize, I mean the Pistons only had to give up one to get Reggie Jackson. If nothing else they can be valuable trade chips moving into the offseason.