Let's Talk About the NBA Trade Deadline

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and AD is still a member of the Pelicans, more on him at the end. Without AD being moved, we did have some big names get traded to new teams. Let’s get right to it.

I already talked about Porzingis to the Mavs. But, after he was traded, only a few days after, the 76ers pulled off a big deal. They traded for Tobias Harris. I know his name isn't as exciting as AD or Porzingis, but he gives the 76ers a fourth star, and a guy that will buy in and contribute to an already contending team. Harris has always fit in wherever he has played, and he is in a contract year.

The Clippers also made out pretty well in this trade, getting guys on good contracts and future picks. They are setting themselves up for the summer. They also got rid of Avery Bradley, he went to the Grizzlies, and acquired a few none essential Lakers to get off the Mike Muscala contract. They did good.

Philly traded Markelle Fultz today. I hope this works out for him, I still have a little faith, but this was for the best. They sent him to Orlando, and they got a first and second round pick and Johnathan Simmons. The 76ers still lack a real point guard, but they added a shooter, Simmons, and they added an all around good to great player in Harris. They are making their push.

Not to be outdone, the Raptors got Marc Gasol today. I know that Gasol isn't as good as he used to be, but that could have been the situation as much as age. He is now on a team that I picked to make the Finals. He gets to go play with Kawhi and Serge Ibaka and Danny Green. And the Raptors didn't have to give up too much. They let Jonas Valenciunas go, it was his time, and some other throw in names. This also helps the Grizzlies continue rebuild around Jaren Jackson. My only gripe with Memphis today, they are hanging on to Mike Conley. He deserves better than that. He should have been traded to a contender.

The Bucks got a much needed added three point shooter next to Khris Middleton in Niko Mirotic. He is really going to help spread the floor, thus giving Giannis more space to operate. They also were able to trade a disgruntled player in Thon Maker. He should be happy with the playing time he will get in Detroit.

The Pelicans added a few guys, namely Stanley Johnson. But, they got a ton of picks in return. This is just them gearing up for whatever they end up doing with AD.

In addition to Muscala, the Lakers also added Reggie Bullock. Both these moves puzzled me. How do these guys fit with the Lakers? Is Bullock going to take minutes from one of the young guys that is probably still super angry that they were bandied about in rumors? Is Muscala a better option than Tyson Chandler? I don't think so.

Harrison Barnes got traded mid game last night. But, I like his fit with the Kings. He can go in there and provide veteran leadership, and he doesn't have to be "the man". The Kings needed a wing like him if they want to continue their playoff push. And they only had to trade the hardly played Justin Jackson, and the hasn't played all year Zach Randolph for him.

Otto Porter got traded to the Bulls. If you are puzzled, you aren't alone. I do not get this trade for either team. I assumed, if Porter was to be dealt, he would go to a contender. But nope. He ended up on the Bulls. And the Wizards got Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis for him. This is probably the weirdest deal of the day in my opinion. It makes absolutely no sense for either team. This one is absurd.

Phoenix got off Ryan Anderson's contract by trading him to the Heat for Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson. This might be the most boring move of the deadline. It does nothing for either team. At all. There were other guys traded, but nothing that really makes a difference.

Now for AD. I love that the Pelicans didn't just give LeBron what he wanted. I love that Dell Demps told them, after they offered 6 players and 2 picks that he wanted 6 more picks. I love that they have decided to wait for the summer when the deals can get so much better. And I love that a small market team didn't just give in to the glitz and glamour of LA. Anthony Davis signed a deal through next season, and the Pelicans don't have to trade him until next year's deadline if they don't want to. They didn't let him or his agent tell them what to do. Sure, he said he wants out, but again, he is under contract for one more year. And while the Lakers deal seemed super good, there are other teams that can do better on July 1st, depending on what the Pelicans may want. I'm pretty sure that Lakers deal will still be there. But, a team like the Celtics can offer a much more enticing package centered around Jayson Tatum, and a whole bunch of picks. The Knicks, especially if they win the lottery and sing KD, would be super appealing. Or, what about the teams that would be willing to dump a good amount of quality guys for a one year rental? The Thunder did it with Paul George, and he stuck around. The Raptors are banking on, if they make the Finals, that they can convince him to stick around. Milwaukee, if the players were good enough, could pair up Giannis with AD. There are so many more opportunities that will open up this summer.

This deadline was nuts, and I'm excited to see how these guys look on their new teams. If I had to say that just one team "won" the deadline today, I would go for a tie. I love what the Clippers did, a team I despise by the way, getting a ton of picks and opening up a ton of cap space to go after AD, KD, Klay Thompson or Kawhi. And I love that the Raptors are going for it and taking on Gasol. This makes them very formidable. Those are my "winners" of the day.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing, the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast, and the greatest basketball writer on the internet. 

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