The NBA trade deadline has passed and several players have been moved. The LA Clippers looked to improve their chances of coming out of the West, while the Miami Heat strengthened their roster in the East. There were a few All-Stars who got moved as well.
But who made the best trades? Let’s take a look.
5) Clippers trade for Marcus Morris
The Clippers are paying a big price to get Marcus Morris, but as they pursue a championship, it’s worth it. The three-team deal, which involves the Knicks and Wizards, sees the Clippers trade a 2020 first-round pick, 2021 first-round pick swap rights, and 2021 second-round pick (via Detroit). They’re also giving up Moe Harkless. That’s a lot to pay, but the Clippers get Morris, who can score, rebound and defend. He might not have a huge offensive role on a team with Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams, but he is a very good player who will help the team.
4) Trail Blazers add Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swanigan
Portland made a move in late January that has already produced strong results. They traded Kent Bazemore, Anthony Tolliver and two second-round picks to the Kings for Trevor Ariza, Caleb Swanigan and Wenyen Gabriel. Ariza has slotted into their starting lineup and has had some big scoring games in addition to bringing his defense on the perimeter. Swanigan has seen regular minutes off the bench and is playing well. Since the trade, the Blazers are 4-2 and have wins over the Lakers, Pacers, Rockets and Jazz. That’s a pretty strong list of teams to defeat.
3) Hawks acquire Clint Capela in four-team trade
The Houston Rockets got Clint Capela to sign a team-friendly contract two offseasons ago but were looking to get rid of him almost ever since. The Atlanta Hawks were the big recipient after snagging him as part of a four-team trade this week. They dumped Evan Turner’s contract and Jarred Vanderbilt, and they had to trade a conditional first-round pick to Minnesota and 2020 second-round pick to Houston in order to land Capela. The price was worth it. Atlanta needs some players to strengthen their roster, and they have done that. They now have Capela and John Collins inside, making them much tougher.
2) Warriors get draft picks, Andrew Wiggins for D’Angelo Russell
Credit the Warriors for making the most of a situation. They knew they were going to lose Kevin Durant in free agency, but they still managed to get D’Angelo Russell back in a trade and then signed him to a long-term deal. They knew Minnesota wanted to pair Russell with Karl-Anthony Towns and played hardball until they got a pick to their liking. They finally got that — a 2021 first-round pick (protected 1-3) and a 2022 second-round pick. They also took on Andrew Wiggins and his huge contract in the deal. Wiggins might be a better fit in their system than he was in Minnesota’s, which is what Golden State must believe.
1) Heat land Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder
The Miami Heat have worked some incredible magic. Long viewed as a team that was capped out, they somehow managed to land Jimmy Butler over the summer, and they have made an equally improbable move: the Heat were able to snag Andre Iguodala out of Memphis. They had to trade Justise Winslow to do it and gave up James Johnson, but they also got out of Dion Waiters’ contract in the process. Now Miami’s defense will be even more improved on the wings with Iguodala and Butler. They also have Jae Crowder, who is great for depth. Miami gave Iguodala a two-year, $30 million extension as part of the move, but the second year is a team option, so they maintain some flexibility. How does Pat Riley do it?
