Trade Deadline Moves: Who Are The Winners?
The NBA trade deadline has just passed.
Cutoff was 3.00pm est
Let's break it down, shall we?
Brooklyn trades G Jason Terry and F Reggie Evans to Sacramento for G Marcus Thornton
Winner: Brooklyn
The Nets receive a young scorer and excellent shooter in Marcus Thornton. He's struggling this season, averaging 8.3 points shooting at 38.1% from the field and 31.8% from three, both career lows. Despite that, I think Thornton will do a great job for Brooklyn because he now has veteran influences; oh, and also Brooklyn's guard rotation gets deeper. Alan Anderson and Thornton in the back court? Not bad. That's a lot of fire power. Let's not forget Thornton's amazing performance against the best defense in the league.
Loser: Sacramento
Honestly, Sacramento didn't lose this trade by much. What if Marcus Thorton never returns back to normal? What if his struggles aren't a fluke, and it turns out he really is washed up? My guess, though, is probably not; he's still 27 years young and still improving. Sacramento is probably not going to use Terry or Evans. The Kings will most likey buy out their contracts or try moving them to a contender during the summer. Either way, both contracts are flexible.
Lakers trade G Steve Blake to Golden State for G Kent Bazemore and G MarShon Brooks
Loser: Lakers
The Lakers are working their way under the luxury tax, and this move helps. Steve Blake was on a $4million salary. They also receive MarShon Brooks, who can be a valuable asset, as he can score in a variety of ways. Let's not forget about Kent Bazemore, either. This guy is an all-star when it comes to celebrating.
Winner: Golden State
The Warriors receive a true backup point guard and veteran in Steve Blake. The 33-year-old is averaging 9.5 points and 7.6 assists in 33 minutes of action. He also brings experience, gritty play, and professionalism. The man just wants to win, and he just got put into a pretty good situation.
Sixers trade C Spencer Hawes to Cleveland for F Earl Clark, Henry Sims and two second round picks.
Winner: Cleveland
It's no secret the Cavs are struggling. Luol Deng spoke out about it when he was traded. This exchange gives the Cavs a solid center to replace Anderson Varajeo, who's struggling with injury. The Cavs are going all in for a playoff push, which they so desperately need.
Loser: Sixers
This trade hurts Philadelphia in short term, but it might benefit them later on. It gives them two pieces they can possibly move this summer. Additionally, they have two second-round picks to package in trades.
Washington trades F/C Jan Vesely to Denver and G Eric Maynor to Philadelphia. Denver sends G Andre Miller to Washington
Winner: Washington
The Wizards finally get a much needed veteran backup PG in Miller. John Wall can rest and have Miller fill in just as well. This move also adds experience to Washington, who are two-and-a half games back from the fourth seed.
Losers: Philadelphia and Denver
Both teams don't really get much. Jan Vesely was a really huge disappointment for being the sixth pick. On the bright side, Philadelphia can turn Eric Maynor into two second-round picks.
Bobcats trade G Ramon Sessions and F Jeff Adrien to Milwaukee for G Luke Ridnour and G Gary Neal
Loser: Milwaukee
Okay, Milwaukee re-signed Larry Sanders for four years $44million this year. Sanders is averaging 11 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per 36 minutes this season. That's down from last season's 12.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks. He also fouls out a lot. Now, they're taking on Ramon Sessions, who is signed for two years at $10million. It's not the worst thing in the world, but the Bucks have just been really disappointing this season, and this is a sideways deal for them.
Winner: Charlotte
The Bobcats are a play off contender just because they're in the East. They added Al Jefferson, who is averaging 20.5 points on 49.5% from the field, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. All-Star numbers. They also get two guards who can shoot. Now Jefferson has more options when he's working down in the blocks. Pretty solid move by his Airness.
Miami trade G Roger Mason Jr. + cash to Sacramento for a bag of potato chips (heavily protected second round pick)
Winner: Miami and Sacramento
The Kings are probably just going to buy out Roger Mason Jr, and they get cash. The Heat free up a roster spot to do whatever they want. Hooray for both teams!
San Antonio trade G Nando De Colo to Toronto for F Austin Daye
Winner: Austin Daye
He joins the Spurs, a title contender, and gets to play alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili. Did I mention he joined the Spurs?
Loser: Nando De Colo
You get traded off a championship team to a playoff contender. Not the best thing to happen to you.
Clippers trade F Antawn Jamison to Atlanta for draft rights to Cenk Akoyl
Winner: Clippers
Save $2million and free up a roster spot? Yup.
Loser: Atlanta
Jamison is definitely on the decline. This move doesn't make the Hawks much better and maybe not even better at all.
Pacers trade F Danny Granger to Philadelphia for G/F Evan Turner and F LaVoy Allen
Winner: Pacers
This is simply robbery on Indiana's part. They trade an expiring deal and turn it into Evan Turner and LaVoy Allen. Turner can score, handle the ball, play tough D, rebound, and pass. In other words, he's just like a Lance Stephenson clone. Indiana also adds LaVoy Allen, a power forward who can has a good mid-range game and plays tough D to boot. Bravo, Larry Bird! Bravo!
Loser: Philiadelphia
Sixers don't seem to win much, neither in games or trades. They needed a change, but I don't think this is the direction to take. Not many free agents want to go to Philadelphia. I mean, trading for Granger was to free up cap space for the off season, right?
In all seriousness, the Pacers got even better. Scary thought, eh? We'll see how it all plays out come June..
Congratulations to Evan Turner, LaVoy Allen, and the Pacers for being the big winners at the trade deadline!