The NBA trade deadline ended today at 3 pm and this was one of the busiest days in NBA history. Franchises have their eyes on the playoffs as the halfway point is upon us. Although it is Super Bowl week for the NFL, the NBA is stealing the show. In fact, all week the Association has been making headlines. From Kyrie Irving being traded to the Dallas Mavericks to LeBron James becoming the NBA’s All-Time leading scorer, this week sure has been memorable.
No Stars on the Nets
Joe Tsai did not wait for the deadline to part ways with Kyrie Irving as the Nets dealt him as well as Markieff Morris in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and three draft picks. The 2016 NBA Champion made his debut for Dallas on Wednesday night in a 110-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Irving’s now ex-teammate Kevin Durant also found himself in a new city.
Just a day after introducing their new majority owner, Mat Ishba, the Phoenix Suns have acquired Durant. Phoenix sends Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and five draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets. TJ Warren is headed to Phoenix as well. Although Crowder just landed in Brooklyn, he is now headed to Milwaukee. The Bucks are giving the Nets five second-round draft picks for the 11-year veteran.
Lakers Make a Deal
In a three-team deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Utah Jazz, a handful of players are switching jerseys. The Lakers receive D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota, and Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Jazz. Utah receives Russell Westbrook, Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and a first round draft pick. The Timberwolves receive Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker as well as draft picks from the Jazz. In another deal for the Lakers, the Orlando Magic agreed to send Mo Bamba to LA in exchange for Patrick Beverley, a draft pick, and cash. Veteran point guards, Westbrook and Beverley, are expected to be bought out by their new teams and look elsewhere to play.
Clippers Looking to Win
The Lakers aren’t the only team in LA making moves. The Clippers have sent John Wall back to the Houston Rockets and Luke Kennard to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Rockets receive three second round picks in exchange for Eric Gordon. Eric Gordon won’t be the only new face in LA with the Clippers trading Reggie Jackson for Mason Plumlee. They also traded two draft picks for Denver Nuggets Guard Bones Hyland.
What a busy day for the NBA and these were just a few of the trades today! The second half of the season should be very interesting.
