NBA Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: Lakers and Hornets Shine; Bucks and Nuggets Struggle
The NBA trade deadline showcased a mix of winners and losers. The losers primarily consist of teams that were inactive when they needed to make moves, or were unable to do so due to restrictions related to the second apron.
NBA Trade Deadline Winners
LAKERS
The Lakers made a strong move by trading an injury-prone 31-year-old All-Star for a 25-year-old perennial All-Star who can lead in three key categories. This move alone makes the Lakers winners, even before considering the rest of their transactions. They didn’t have to part with Austin Reaves, which was a bonus, though they did give up Christie, who will contribute for Dallas. Still, LA only needed to surrender a first-round pick to acquire a franchise player. Had Charlotte’s Mark Williams passed his physical, the Lakers would have been even bigger winners, as they intended to bolster their center position. Instead, they added Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish and may turn to the buyout or free-agent markets to find a center.
The Cavaliers also made a strong move by acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Hawks. Hunter fills the defensive void at wing, which could be crucial in guarding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers gave up Caris LeVert and Georges Niang, both of whom were not crucial to the team’s success. They also have defensive-minded options in Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro off the bench. Cleveland, already at the top of the East, made a key upgrade at small forward.
SPURS
Victor Wembanyama has been pushing the Spurs to improve, and they answered by acquiring De’Aaron Fox from the Kings. Fox, a dynamic Texas native, can complement Wembanyama with his speed and offensive skills. In exchange, the Spurs gave up Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and two first-round picks but retained their younger core players. Wembanyama now has a talented point guard for pick-and-rolls, making the Spurs a more formidable team.
HORNETS
Though it might seem odd, the Hornets made significant moves. They cleared salaries and focused on long-term planning by acquiring young talent. They were eager to pair Dalton Knecht with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller next season, but now they will re-integrate Mark Williams. The Hornets also traded Cody Martin to the Suns for Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round pick. With one year left on his contract, Nurkic could become a starting center for the Hornets, replacing Williams. Charlotte has also accumulated additional assets, including Josh Okogie and second-round picks, as they prepare for future free-agent moves.
NBA Trade Deadline Losers
BUCKS
The Bucks made a puzzling move by trading Khris Middleton, who has been integral to their success, to the Wizards. While Kyle Kuzma has the skills to be an All-Star, he has yet to find consistent focus. At 28, Kuzma is older than Jayson Tatum, and his 3-point shooting has been subpar (33% in Washington). The hope is that playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will motivate Kuzma to step up, but it’s a risky move when sending one of the team’s most accomplished players away.
NUGGETS
The Nuggets failed to make any significant moves to help Nikola Jokic. They are banking on Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. to regain their 2023 form and make a deep playoff run. However, they are currently lagging behind the Thunder in the West. Additionally, with key bench defender Peyton Watson out for at least a month due to a knee injury, the Nuggets may need to rely on the buyout market or their depth to fill the gap.
HAWKS
The Hawks’ situation is unclear. Not long ago, they were in the NBA Cup semifinals, defeating strong teams. However, their actions at the trade deadline leave questions about their direction.