The NBA returned from its week long All-Star break with a bang. The NBA Trade Deadline happened Thursday, and it was unexpected madness. 11 trades went down involving 36 players, with 8 trades happening within the final hour.
Several young players changed teams, a lot of draft picks and a few surprises. Are you ready for the recap?
First thing you need to know, point guards were important:
It’s been widely known for a few days that Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic wanted out. He got his wish AND got to bring his brother with him.
Goran and Zoran Dragic to Heat
Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton and two first-round picks to the Suns
More guard play:
Brandon Knight (Bucks) and Marcus Thornton (Celtics) to the Suns
You’d think the Philadelphia 76’ers wouldn’t be interested in wheeling and dealing. Wrong, the Sixers dropped some weight, and now have EIGHT PICKS in the upcoming draft in June. Including all the picks they currently have on the team. They just traded away the Rookie of the Year in Michael Carter-Williams… Le sigh.
Michael Carter-Williams (Sixers), Miles Plumlee, and Tyler Ennis (Suns) to the Bucks
Lakers’ top-five protected first-round pick to the Sixers
Isaiah Thomas to the Celtics
The Detroit Pistons were on the come up, a big part of the resurgence following the team waiving Josh Smith, was the improved play of Point guard Brandon Jennings. But then BJ suffered a season ending injury. Enter the Oklahoma City Thunder and unhappy back up point guard Reggie Jackson.
Enes Kanter, Steve Novak (Jazz) and Kyle Singler, D.J. Augustin (Pistons) to Thunder
Reggie Jackson to Pistons
Kendrick Perkins to Jazz
Perkins is expected to be bought out by the Jazz. But now OKC is left with no center.
The Miami Heat obviously wanted to make some noise in the playoffs in the East. So the point guard upgrade was key. They have a pretty easy schedule for the remainder of the season. We’ll see what’s up.
Shawne Williams (Miami Heat) to Pelicans
Norris Cole (Miami Heat) to Pelicans
John Salmons to Suns
K.J. McDaniels to Rockets
Isaiah Canaan, second-round draft pick to Sixers
Pablo Prigioni to Rockets
Two second-round picks to Knicks
The Portland Trailblazers were looking to get some bench help, while the Nuggets were just trying to free themselves from Affalo’s contract signing last summer.
Aaron Afflalo, Alonzo Gee to Blazers
Thomas Robinson, Will Barton, Victor Claver and lottery-protected 2016 first-round pick to Nuggets
I guess its time to prepare to say goodbye to Kevin Garnett. Way back in 1995 KG was known as “The Kid” when he was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His pairing their with Stephon Marbury was supposed to be the future. But, it never panned out, and both moved on. Today, KG waived his clause and is returning to the team who drafted him. And also have no chance of making it to the playoffs. KG played 12 season in Minnesota. The last season was the 06-07 season. He’s also still holds several records for the Timberwolves including points scored.
Kevin Garnett to Timberwolves
Thaddeus Young to Nets
Tayshaun Prince returns to the team that drafted him also.
Tayshaun Prince to the Pistons
Gigi Datome and Jonas Jerebko to the Celtics
One of the oldest players in the league is on the move. Andre Miller was traded to the Washington Wizards.
Ramon Sessions to Wizards
Andre Miller to Kings
JaVale McGee, first-round pick, and Chu Chu Maduabum to Sixers
Cent Akyol to Nuggets
And, in case you missed it, the New York Knicks bought out Amaré Stodemire. Stat has signed with the Dallas Mavericks and should be making his debut in a few days.
