The NBA Trade Deadline was at 3:00 today, and boy were there a lot of deals. Big names such as Marc Gasol and Tobias Harris changed teams. Today, we will look at the biggest deals of the deadline and give out grades to both(or all three) sides.
Trade #1 - Tobias Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers
Philly receives - Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott
Clippers receive - Wilson Chandler, Landry Shamet, Mike Scott, 2020 first rounder, 2021 first rounder, 2021 second rounder, 2023 second rounder.
Grades:
76ers - B
While the 76ers did just acquire a borderline all-star, he is on an expiring deal and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. They gave up way too much for Harris. Now, the 76ers have a nonexistent bench and will have to deal with Jimmy Butler and Harris becoming free agents this summer. While they plan to resign, Butler has already expressed discontent about his role, and Harris will be offered lots of money this summer. This trade is very smart in the short-term, as the 76ers are legit contenders, but does not make much sense beyond this year.
Clippers - A
The Clippers deserve a lot of credit for realizing that even if they make the playoffs as the 7th or 8th seed, they likely will not move any father from there. By dumping Harris and getting a huge loot, they have cleared the way for at least one superstar to join them. Also, as Anthony Davis has listed the Clippers as a team he will sign long term with, they now have many assets to work with if they decide to pursue Davis in the summer.
Bonus - The Clippers also traded Avery Bradley, who was having the worst year of his career. for another pick.
Trade #2 - Harrison Barnes gets traded(while playing) to the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento receives - Harrison Barnes
Dallas receives - Zach Randolph, Justin Jackson
Grades:
Kings - A-
The Kings have bolstered their roster and now have a serious scoring threat to accompany Buddy Hield and De'Arron Fox. The Kings are now a near lock for a playoff spot, as the Lakers are slumping and the Clippers are tanking. If they can get Barnes to resign this offseason, then this trade would be a real win.
Mavericks - B+
The Mavericks were able to perform a salary dump by getting rid of Barnes' contract, and are in a position to possibly sign a max contract free agent. Also, Justin Jackson is a very good pickup that has been sneakily good this year. This trade, paired with the one for Kristaps Porzingis, hands the keys of the Mavericks future to Luka Doncic.
Trade #3 - Nikola Mirotic goes to Milwaukee, Thon Maker to Detroit, picks to NOLA
Bucks receive - Nikola Mirotic
Pistons receive - Thon Maker
Pelicans receive - Stanley Johnson, 2019 second-round pick, Two 2020 second-round picks, 2021 second-round pick,.
Grades:
Bucks - A
The Bucks are now contenders. They have a do-it-all lineup with Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mirotic, and Brook Lopez. With the addition of Niko, the Bucks have three sharpshooters that can hit shots if Giannis decided to kick it out. They have a lineup that can contend with anybody in the East. Watch out for Milwaukee in the playoffs this year. Giving up Maker and a barrage of second rounders is almost nothing for an impact player like Mirotic.
Pelicans - A
They were able to get rid of a player that they did not want, and receive a defensive stopper for him. The second round picks actually could mean something as they are Washington's, who are in the midst of a rebuild.
Pistons - B
This trade doesn't really affect Detriot. They were able to replace an offensive liability with a big man with lots of potential. This trade does get them under the luxury tax for the summer, so they have a little bit of breathing room.
Trade #4 - Marc Gasol heads to Toronto
Raptors receive - Marc Gasol
Grizzlies receive - Jonas Valancuinas, CJ Miles, Delon Wright, 2024 second rounder
Grades:
Raptors - A
The Raptors offered the Grizzlies Kyle Lowry and Valancuinas for Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, and were rejected. However, they got a much better deal for Gasol. Valancuinas was coming off injury and is not a very good offensive player. Gasol brings contributon on both ends of the floor, and can even knock down threes when he has to. The Raptors now have three all-stars on their team and can compete with the Celtics, Bucks, 76ers, and maybe even the Warriors. This deal also is a step forward into convincing Kawhi Leonard to stay in Toronto this offseason/
Grizzlies - C+
Although the Grizzlies are trying to ship their good players out, and rebuild, they could have gotten much better assets for it. CJ Miles has a huge contract, while Valancuinas cannot get much going on offense. Wright is a solid player, but is 27 and does not have that much trade value. Memphis could have definitely found a suitor like the Hornets that would have been willing to give a bit more.
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