Every year right before the All-Star break, we see some teams become championship contenders and we see others go into full “tank” mode. Now that the trade deadline has past, lets take a look at who became better through late season trades.
Winners
Milwakuee Bucks:
The Bucks didn’t make the most moves or the biggest move, but they might’ve made the best move for what they needed. Patrick Beverley is going to be a difference maker on the defensive side, whether he starts or comes off the bench. Also getting him from another contender in the East helps their chances of going to back the finals just that much more.
New York Knicks:
Now the Knicks made a big trade a few weeks prior to the trade deadline. They gave up a lot for the former Toronto Raptor, forward OG Anunoby. At first, it was hard to understand why the Knicks would part ways with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly. But with the Knicks winning 12 of their next 14 games following the trade, it was easy to see why they moved on from the young duo. New York also acquired Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks and Precious Achiuwa, giving them a more well-rounded bench.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
When you look at the Thunder’s roster, it’s almost perfect. The only thing they were missing was a savvy veteran who can get a bucket. Adding Gordon Hayward to this lineup will help tremendously during the closing moments of games. This young core in Oklahoma City maybe just added the missing piece to a championship.
Losers
Atlanta Hawks:
After numerous rumors, it was almost certain that the Hawks were ready to part ways with Dejounte Murray. But from the offers that were made, it makes sense why they would keep him on this roster. But what doesn’t make sense is Atlanta not making one deal before the deadline. With their cap space, getting rid of the contracts of Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic should have been a priority. At 22-29, it might be too late for the Hawks to make a push for the playoffs.
Golden State Warriors:
The Warriors are in a very similar state as the Hawks. Both teams are led by an All-Star point guard surrounded by valuable supporting pieces on expensive contracts that are blocking younger talent. This current Golden State roster isn’t good enough to compete for a championship, so the fact that no moves were made is shocking.
Chicago Bulls:
Another year the Bulls have decided to stick with the same group going into the All-Star break. As a matter of fact, Chicago hasn’t made a trade in two-and-a-half years. Now injuries do make an impact on the Bulls success this season, but it seems like each year we get the same thing from them. We get our hopes up for something we all know is too good to be true. The season-ending injury to Zach LaVine, plus no moves at the trade deadline, gives Chicago better chances in the Draft Lottery.
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1 Comment
current gordon hayward is the missing piece to a championship??? 😂😂😂