Today’s NBA trade deadline seemed like an online casino with reels spinning and wheels turning. When everything was said and done, several interesting names changed jerseys. Here is a recap of today’s major moves.
Durant to Phoenix in a Blockbuster
13-time All-Star Kevin Durant is on his way to the desert. The Phoenix Suns headlined trade news by pulling off a blockbuster deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Durant will join stars Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton.
Suns get:
- Kevin Durant
- T.J. Warren
Nets get:
- Mikal Bridges
- Cam Johnson
- Jae Crowder
- Four first-round picks
- 2028 pick swap
Analysis
The Suns are going all in. They made the Finals a couple of seasons ago, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in a tough six-game series. With this trade, the Suns are betting the farm by tossing four first-round picks. They have never won a championship. So, they hope Durant, along with Paul and Ayton, can turn this team into title favorites.
As for the Nets, the haul sets them up for long-term success. The four first-rounders are something to build a solid foundation. For now, the Suns are poised to be the big winners in this deal.
Lakers Moving on From Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is on the move. The Los Angeles Lakers pulled the trigger on a three-team swap that sent Westbrook and a first-round pick to the Jazz. Heading to the Lakers are guards Malik Beasley, D’Angelo Russell, and forward Jarred Vanderbilt.
As for the other team in the deal, the Minnesota Timberwolves, they get two guards in Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Conley. Plus, several draft picks make this a compelling trade.
Lakers get:
- Malik Beasley
- D’Angelo Russel
- Jarred Vanderbilt
Timberwolves get:
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker
- Mike Conley
- 2024, 2025, and 2026 second-round picks
Jazz get:
- Russell Westbrook
- Juan Toscano-Anderson
- Damian Jones
- 2027 first-round (top-four protected)
Analysis
As long as the Lakers have LeBron James playing at an elite level, they will do everything they can to build a solid team around him. Adding two guards aims to provide James with offensive and defensive support. While this season may be lost for the Lakers, they’re not giving up.
The Jazz becomes a better team because of this deal. It seems highly unlikely that he will report to Utah. So, this deal is a financial move seeking to clear cap space. The addition of Toscano-Anderson and Jones should make the Jazz a better team.
However, the additional cap space and a first-round pick allow the Jazz flexibility they will need moving forward. Expect the Jazz to buy out Westbrook’s contract if he fails to report.
As for the Timberwolves, adding Conley should improve their backcourt now that they’ve moved on from Russell. Conley’s pass-first style will help move the ball more often than not, potentially driving the offense. From a business perspective, the three second-round picks look good on paper. Minnesota can make an absolute killing in this trade if the three picks work out.
Irving Is Now a Maverick
The Nets’ overhaul meant moving on from Kyle Irving. The Nets sent the star guard to the Dallas Mavericks for a king’s ransom. The Mavs get the star they wanted, while the return adds more pieces to the Net’s future contention puzzle.
Nets get:
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2027 and 2029 second-round picks
Mavericks get:
- Kyrie Irving
- Markieff Morris
Analysis
Irving’s trade request was promptly granted. It was an indication that the Nets were ready to move on. They found a willing trade partner in Dallas. Irving’s issues with the Nets had hit a critical mass. If he hadn’t been dealt at the deadline, a deal would have certainly occurred in the summer.
The Mavs got the player they wanted in Irving. They desperately needed someone to support star Luka Doncic on various fronts. Irving can do that. However, the price paid for Irving may come back to bite them.
That first-round pick, even in 2029, may haunt Dallas for years. If the Mavs can win a championship with Doncic and Irving, the price will have seemed worthwhile.
