NBA trade deadline day is one of the best days in the league, and it didn’t disappoint again. There were some players traded that were expected to be traded but there were also that seemed to come out of left field. Let’s break down some of the biggest NBA trades and what teams came out on top.
Tobias Harris to the 76ers
Clippers Recieve: Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala (who was traded to the Lakers later), Philadelphia’s 2020 first-round pick (protected) Miami’s 2021 first-round pick (unprotected) Philadelphia’s 2021 second-round pick, Philadelphia’s 2023 second-round pick
76ers Recieve: Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott
I think the clear winner in this game is the Clippers, unless the 76ers win the title this year. Chances are the Clippers were losing Tobias Harris this offseason so getting a haul like that back, and two first round picks seems like a steal. For the 76ers they got better and they might have the best starting five in the East, but the bench did take a bit of a hit. Clippers A, 76ers B+
Mark Gasol to the Raptors
Raptors Recieve: Marc Gasol
Grizzlies Recieve: Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, 2024 second-round pick
The Raptors got a center that can extend the defense, something Valanciunas can’t do and they didn’t have to give up a first round pick to do it. For the Grizzlies they got a couple of solid pieces but I think they should have pushed to get a first round pick in return. Raptors A+ Grizzlies B-
Nikola Mirotic to the Grizzlies
Pelicans Recieve: Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson, four future second-round picks
Bucks Recieve: Nikola Mirotic
I love this trade for the Bucks. They didn’t have to give up much to get Nikola Mirotic who is going to fit in perfectly with the Bucks in an Eastern Conference that improved a ton during this offseason. For the Pelicans they aren’t in win now mode so it this gets them a young player in Stanley Johnson and also helps them unload some money. I really think they could have gotten more in return for him though. Bucks A, Pelicans C+
Markelle Fultz to the Magic
Magic Recieve: Markelle Fultz
76ers Recieve: Jonathon Simmons, 2020 first-round pick (via Thunder), future second-round pick
I think this is a win for both teams and I will give both of these teams a rating in the A range. For the 76ers there is no doubt they needed to move on from Markelle Fultz. In return they get Jonathan Simmons who will help in the playoff run and they also got a first round pick.
For the Magic they are taking a flyer on a former first round pick who could still turn out to be a really good player in this league. The Magic are in a rebuilding mold and getting Fultz and getting him developed is going to be key. Even if he doesn’t work out, it’s still a low risk trade not losing much and they still keep their own first round pick. Magic A, 76ers A
