In one of the more active trade deadlines (we still have a few more hours left!) in recent memory, we’ve had a flurry of moves (mmm, flurry) in a post-new CBA environment that would make things like this very difficult, or so I was told. But instead, we’ve seen a top-3 player get moved (historic), a very good point guard team up with the alien, and a random assortment of notable players be shuffled. Here’s how it all broke down the last few days, sans the Luca trade (commentary can be read here), and some of my thoughts, all in no particular order…
- Lakers: Mark Williams
- Hornets: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2031 unprotected first-round pick, 2030 pick swap
So the Lakers find their big man and send over some of the stuff that should have gone to the Mavs. This is a pretty big deal for Williams, and while health has been an issue, it’s important to note that the Hornets really don’t mind waiting as long as possible when it comes to making roster decisions and what puts them in the best place to not win. It would have been interesting to see what Knecht could have turned into, I had actually thought maybe Reaves was a bit more expendable, but he’s going to a place where he can play major minutes.
- Raptors: Brandon Ingram
- Pelicans: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, First-round pick, Second-round pick
I don’t really get this trade from an NBA standpoint, but the Raptors have long-tried to target interesting pieces in hopes to extend. I’m not sure Ingram should have been one of them, and I’m a little nervous on how his ISO-play works, but he will get a long leash, always great for counting stats.
- Bucks: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Jericho Sims, Second-round draft compensation
- Wizards: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 first-round pick swap
- Knicks: Delon Wright, Cash
So yeah, I actually think Middleton is cooked. Not sure if y’all have watched him play, but the speed and agility just aren’t there. That may actually help him, the Wizards are really wanting tank-commanders and he might serve as one. Maybe serviceable, but obviously the Bucks needed a player that can actually move around the court, and Kuzma can certainly do that. I actually like this a lot for him, he’s kind of Ingram light sometimes, but in this case, the Bucks need another guy who handle and score. Kuzma has also become an underrated passer, which could improve on this roster.
- Warriors: Jimmy Butler
- Heat: Andrew Wiggins, P.J. Tucker, Kyle Anderson, Protected first-round pick
- Pistons: Lindy Waters III, Josh Richardson, Second-round pick
- Jazz: Dennis Schroder
Well, Butler finally got what he wanted… I think. After re-entering his emo-stage, it seemed that he was either Suns bound or staying with the Heat. Sun provides heat, so take that! But in what was a wild month for Butler, he ended up on a team that definitely needs another scorer, but after this theatre show, how much can we count on him? The silly Draymond issues aside (I don’t think there are any, like a true softie, he folds when large ego enters his presence), I think Jimmy is set to provide something, which is better than nothing. Though, this is his highest value point unless he goes HAM with the Warriors, so keep that in mind. Also, I do like Wiggins with Heat Culture.
- Spurs: De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
- Kings: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, 2025 first-round pick (via Hornets), 2027 first-round pick (via Spurs), 2031 first-round pick (via Timberwolves), 2025 second-round pick (via Bulls), 2028 second-round pick (via Nuggets), 2028 second-round pick (via Bulls)
- Bulls: Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, 2025 first-round pick (via Spurs)
A little late to the party on this one, but the Luka trade definitely cast a wide veil on all that was to come after. Long story short, I don’t know why the Spurs had to do this now, then again, they didn’t really have to give up too much, so just from a pure fantasy standpoint, this is great for Wemby and Fox. I also like LaVine on the Kings… I know it looks like a Bulls redux on paper, but there is a difference here and that’s Sabonis. Love it for all players involved… the Bulls side? On all fronts, meh, but then again, it’s the Bulls, a very meh experience…
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
