So much for my claim on this week's episode that trade deadline days have been quiet and disappointing in recent years.
The basketball gods shut me up REAL good!
So who were the big winners and losers from yesterday’s trade deadline bonanza?
Boston Celtics
Sent: Tayshaun Prince, Marcus Thornton, 2016 First Round Pick (Cleveland)
Acquired: Isaiah Thomas, Luigi Datome, Jonas Jerebko
The Celtics needed a true scorer in the backcourt, and they got one. Isaiah – while undersized, is natural born basket maker. With Thomas under contract for the next 3 seasons on a very fair deal, the team will likely be shaped around him and their 2014 draft pick Marcus Smart.
Thornton desperately needed a change of scenery after posting anemic scoring numbers as a Celt.
Jerebko at this stage of his career appears to be ‘just a guy’ and won’t challenge any of Boston’s forwards for minutes.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: B+
Boston Celtics
Sent: Tayshaun Prince, Marcus Thornton, 2016 First Round Pick (Cleveland)
Acquired: Isaiah Thomas, Luigi Datome, Jonas Jerebko
The Celtics needed a true scorer in the backcourt, and they got one. Isaiah – while undersized, is natural born basket maker. With Thomas under contract for the next 3 seasons on a very fair deal, the team will likely be shaped around him and their 2014 draft pick Marcus Smart.
Thornton desperately needed a change of scenery after posting anemic scoring numbers as a Celt.
Jerebko at this stage of his career appears to be ‘just a guy’ and won’t challenge any of Boston’s forwards for minutes.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: B+
Brooklyn Nets
Sent: Kevin Garnett
Acquired: Thaddeus Young
Last season the Nets went for broke, and … it broke. They emptied the cupboard of draft picks and went above and beyond the cap ceiling to get themselves clobbered by the Heat in the second round. The departures of Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston punctuated that it was time to begin a rebuild.
It was common knowledge that the Nets were trying desperately to move Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. A deal that would have seen Lopez become a member of the OKC Thunder was nearly executed yesterday, but the Thunder walked away at the last second to work with Utah.
Thaddeus Young has been nothing short of flat this season, and his contract could see him up at 10 million bucks next year. The Nets failed to move their 3 big cap eaters, and moved an overpriced, aging big man for a younger overpriced big man.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D-
Detroit Pistons
Sent: Kyle Singler, DJ Augustine, Jonas Jerebko, Luigi Datome
Acquired: Reggie Jackson, Tayshaun Prince
Detroit was looking for some help to get them into the playoffs. While Augustine is much better shooter than Jackson, Jackson is a natural scorer – albeit often at the expense of his teammates. Jackson is a freakish athlete with arms as long as Michigan and should be a much better defender than he currently is. His helpside D is frustratingly bad most of the time. If Pistons fans are hoping for a James Harden type explosion from this Thunder bench player, they will be very disappointed.
Prince was playing better in Boston this season, than he had been in Memphis. Perhaps he was showcasing himself to other GMs. He was hoping to be moved to a contender – but instead he got shipped backed to where he started his career. The Pistons are hoping his length and defensive ability will fill a gap and help them grab a playoff spot this season.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A
Denver Nuggets
Sent: Arron Afflalo, JaVale McGee, Alozono Gee, First Round Pick (Oklahoma City; protected 1-18 in 2015, 1-15 in 2016 and 2017, becomes two second-round picks if not conveyed by 2018)
Acquired: Thomas Robinson, Will Barton Victor Claver, First Round Pick (either 2016 or 2017, turns into two second-round picks if Portland misses the playoffs in both seasons).
The Nuggets were looking to unload and certainly they gave up a ton of talent without bringing much back. They had stated that the price for Arron Afflalo was a first rounder, and while they got it – it’s so heavily protected that it is unlikely it turns into much in the next two seasons of shallow draft classes.
While Afflalo isn’t playing at his near All-Star like level he did last season in Orlando, you have to think they could have amassed better assets than this.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D
Sent: Kevin Garnett
Acquired: Thaddeus Young
Last season the Nets went for broke, and … it broke. They emptied the cupboard of draft picks and went above and beyond the cap ceiling to get themselves clobbered by the Heat in the second round. The departures of Jason Kidd, Paul Pierce and Shaun Livingston punctuated that it was time to begin a rebuild.
It was common knowledge that the Nets were trying desperately to move Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. A deal that would have seen Lopez become a member of the OKC Thunder was nearly executed yesterday, but the Thunder walked away at the last second to work with Utah.
Thaddeus Young has been nothing short of flat this season, and his contract could see him up at 10 million bucks next year. The Nets failed to move their 3 big cap eaters, and moved an overpriced, aging big man for a younger overpriced big man.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D-
Detroit Pistons
Sent: Kyle Singler, DJ Augustine, Jonas Jerebko, Luigi Datome
Acquired: Reggie Jackson, Tayshaun Prince
Detroit was looking for some help to get them into the playoffs. While Augustine is much better shooter than Jackson, Jackson is a natural scorer – albeit often at the expense of his teammates. Jackson is a freakish athlete with arms as long as Michigan and should be a much better defender than he currently is. His helpside D is frustratingly bad most of the time. If Pistons fans are hoping for a James Harden type explosion from this Thunder bench player, they will be very disappointed.
Prince was playing better in Boston this season, than he had been in Memphis. Perhaps he was showcasing himself to other GMs. He was hoping to be moved to a contender – but instead he got shipped backed to where he started his career. The Pistons are hoping his length and defensive ability will fill a gap and help them grab a playoff spot this season.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A
Denver Nuggets
Sent: Arron Afflalo, JaVale McGee, Alozono Gee, First Round Pick (Oklahoma City; protected 1-18 in 2015, 1-15 in 2016 and 2017, becomes two second-round picks if not conveyed by 2018)
Acquired: Thomas Robinson, Will Barton Victor Claver, First Round Pick (either 2016 or 2017, turns into two second-round picks if Portland misses the playoffs in both seasons).
The Nuggets were looking to unload and certainly they gave up a ton of talent without bringing much back. They had stated that the price for Arron Afflalo was a first rounder, and while they got it – it’s so heavily protected that it is unlikely it turns into much in the next two seasons of shallow draft classes.
While Afflalo isn’t playing at his near All-Star like level he did last season in Orlando, you have to think they could have amassed better assets than this.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D
Houston Rockets
Sent: Isaiah Cannan, Three Second Round Draft Picks
Acquired: KJ McDaniels, Pablo Prigioni
While I like Cannan’s ability to spread the floor, and the way he fit with Houston, he isn’t much of a two way player – and if you listen to Sir Charles Barkley, the Rockets suck on D.
McDaniels is a great athlete who could evolve into a very good two way player, especially with a guy like Trevor Ariza around to show him the ropes.
Prigioni is an insurance policy at the point, and even at 38 yrs of age, offers a little something off the bench.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A
Miami Heat
Sent: Noris Cole, Danny Granger, Shawne Williams, Justin Hamilton, 2 First Round Picks
Acquired: Double Dragon (Goran &Zoran Dragic)
While the Heat DID get the best player to change uniforms yesterday, they have to hope and pray that this is a good fit. Giving up a pair of first rounders when you are currently a bottom dweller in the East’s playoff picture is risky.
The roster guys they gave up don’t hurt the Heat in the least. Cole has been bloody awful, and Danny Granger has confirmed to the world that he is done. Done done. Really, really done.
Goran loves to fast break and get up and down the floor – but who on the Heat is willing to play that way? Wade would – if it was still 2006. As a half court facilitator, you remove a lot of the Dragon’s fear factor.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A-
Sent: Isaiah Cannan, Three Second Round Draft Picks
Acquired: KJ McDaniels, Pablo Prigioni
While I like Cannan’s ability to spread the floor, and the way he fit with Houston, he isn’t much of a two way player – and if you listen to Sir Charles Barkley, the Rockets suck on D.
McDaniels is a great athlete who could evolve into a very good two way player, especially with a guy like Trevor Ariza around to show him the ropes.
Prigioni is an insurance policy at the point, and even at 38 yrs of age, offers a little something off the bench.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A
Miami Heat
Sent: Noris Cole, Danny Granger, Shawne Williams, Justin Hamilton, 2 First Round Picks
Acquired: Double Dragon (Goran &Zoran Dragic)
While the Heat DID get the best player to change uniforms yesterday, they have to hope and pray that this is a good fit. Giving up a pair of first rounders when you are currently a bottom dweller in the East’s playoff picture is risky.
The roster guys they gave up don’t hurt the Heat in the least. Cole has been bloody awful, and Danny Granger has confirmed to the world that he is done. Done done. Really, really done.
Goran loves to fast break and get up and down the floor – but who on the Heat is willing to play that way? Wade would – if it was still 2006. As a half court facilitator, you remove a lot of the Dragon’s fear factor.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A-
Milwaukee Bucks
Sent: Brandon Knight
Acquired: Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, Miles Plumlee
A good ol fashioned basketball trade. Three young guns for a borderline all-star. It seems the Bucks were looking to become a little younger and longer at every position. Wingspans for each their potential starting line next season: MCW 6'7", Jabari 6'11", Plumlee 7'0", Giannis 7'4" and Henson 7'6". Bring on the zone defense!!
Still, this one has you thinking, “Huh?”
Knight was playing out of his mind, and while he is an RFA this summer, there was no real danger of him walking. They have certainly downgraded their starting PG spot.
Ennis goes from being the 4th string guard in Phoenix to the 3rd stringer in Milwaukee as he will struggle to pull minutes from Bayless – this season anyway. The Bucks went from being a team that could pull a first round upset, to a little less scary to face.DRAFT DAY GRADE: D
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sent: Thaddeus Young
Acquired: Kevin Garnett
Cue Skylar Grey. I’m coming home!
We told you on The Bench weeks ago that you could expect KG to be sent back to the Wolves this season and then take up a minority ownership role next season.
The hope for the Wolves is clearly that KG helps the younger guys, makes them a little smarter, sells some tickets for his farewell tour, and curries favor for his new career as a Minnesota TimberSuit.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A+
Sent: Brandon Knight
Acquired: Michael Carter-Williams, Tyler Ennis, Miles Plumlee
A good ol fashioned basketball trade. Three young guns for a borderline all-star. It seems the Bucks were looking to become a little younger and longer at every position. Wingspans for each their potential starting line next season: MCW 6'7", Jabari 6'11", Plumlee 7'0", Giannis 7'4" and Henson 7'6". Bring on the zone defense!!
Still, this one has you thinking, “Huh?”
Knight was playing out of his mind, and while he is an RFA this summer, there was no real danger of him walking. They have certainly downgraded their starting PG spot.
Ennis goes from being the 4th string guard in Phoenix to the 3rd stringer in Milwaukee as he will struggle to pull minutes from Bayless – this season anyway. The Bucks went from being a team that could pull a first round upset, to a little less scary to face.DRAFT DAY GRADE: D
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sent: Thaddeus Young
Acquired: Kevin Garnett
Cue Skylar Grey. I’m coming home!
We told you on The Bench weeks ago that you could expect KG to be sent back to the Wolves this season and then take up a minority ownership role next season.
The hope for the Wolves is clearly that KG helps the younger guys, makes them a little smarter, sells some tickets for his farewell tour, and curries favor for his new career as a Minnesota TimberSuit.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: A+
New Orleans Pelicans
Sent: John Salmons
Acquired: Shawne Williams, Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton
“Sometimes teams make trades just to see their name in the papers the next day”. One NBA player stated this to me yesterday, and in the case of the Pelicans this seems appropriate.
They dumped Salmons, are expected to buy out Williams, grabbed a practice court punching bag for Anthony Davis and a massive underachiever in Cole.
While the Pels will spin this as “we picked up a two time championship winning point guard” – Cole is not the answer for New Orleans depleted lead guard spot.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D-
Sent: John Salmons
Acquired: Shawne Williams, Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton
“Sometimes teams make trades just to see their name in the papers the next day”. One NBA player stated this to me yesterday, and in the case of the Pelicans this seems appropriate.
They dumped Salmons, are expected to buy out Williams, grabbed a practice court punching bag for Anthony Davis and a massive underachiever in Cole.
While the Pels will spin this as “we picked up a two time championship winning point guard” – Cole is not the answer for New Orleans depleted lead guard spot.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: D-
New York Knicks
Sent: Pablo Prigioni
Acquired: Alexy Shved, Two Second Round Picks
Shved started the season out with so much promise. Playing for the lowly Sixers, he was posting a career highs in points (9.9) and was trying to fill a role as an agitator.
After being shipped to Houston, Shved played in only 9 games and was essentially invisible. If things don’t improve significantly in New York, he’ll likely be looking for work in his native land of Russia.
He is a smart player that could be a fit in the triangle. It’ll be interesting to see how that pans out.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: B-
Oklahoma City ThunderSent: Pablo Prigioni
Acquired: Alexy Shved, Two Second Round Picks
Shved started the season out with so much promise. Playing for the lowly Sixers, he was posting a career highs in points (9.9) and was trying to fill a role as an agitator.
After being shipped to Houston, Shved played in only 9 games and was essentially invisible. If things don’t improve significantly in New York, he’ll likely be looking for work in his native land of Russia.
He is a smart player that could be a fit in the triangle. It’ll be interesting to see how that pans out.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: B-
Sent: Reggie Jackson, Kendrick Perkins, Future First Round Pick
Acquired: DJ Augustin, Enes Kanter, Kyle Singler, Steve Novak.
The Thunder got better. Not doubt about it. The question is how much.
I don’t think they are as improved as Thunder fans on social media seem to believe. While Jackson is a better all around scorer than Augustin, he was a terrible outside shooter, a lazy defender and disliked by most of the organization. He also turned down a ridiculous 4 year / 48 million dollar offer from the Thunder which sealed his fate.
The fact that the Thunder got this much for an aging 5 and a guy that didn’t want to be there and that they didn’t want is miraculous.
Since being picked up by the Bulls last season, Augustin has cemented his reputation as the NBA’s preeminent backup point guard. That being said, all he really does is fast break and shoot the 3. Running a half court offense isn’t something he excels in – but coaching a half court offense isn’t something Coach Brooks does much of anyway.
Enes Kanter is a better scorer than aging Perkins, but Perkins in a wheelchair is still a better defender. That being said, if there is a team for a scoring center who doesn’t play D – this would be it, as Kanter will be teamed up in the frontcourt with Serge Ibaka.
Singler is going to struggle to find minutes on this team, and Novak will hit a TON of 3s … in practice.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: B+
Philadelphia 76ers
Sent: Michael Carter-Williams, KJ McDaniels
Acquired: JaVale McGee, Isaiah Cannan, First Round Pick (LA Lakers top-five protected in 2015, protected 1-3 in 2016 and 2017, unprotected in 2018), the lesser of Denver or Minnesota’s 2015 second-round pick, first-round pick from Oklahoma City (protected 1-18 in 2015, 1-15 in 2016 and 2017, becomes two second-round picks if not conveyed by 2018), second-round pick from Houston.
Unlike many out there, I don’t have an issue with the 76ers dumping MCW. They clearly didn’t seem him as their point guard of the future, and frankly, neither do I. But dumping KJ McDaniels seemed premature.
The 76ers claim that they are not looking to buy out JaVale McGee, but honestly – what the hell is he doing there? You don’t need JaVale McGee on that team. He doesn’t want to be on that team. It doesn’t make any sense at all.
The Sixers must see something in the 2016 / 2017 draft classes that I don’t, because they continue to amass picks for what appear to be rotation players / potential starters at best.
We are putting the Sixers on probabtion. One more dumb move like this and we are shipping your whole organization to the D-League.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: F
Sent: Michael Carter-Williams, KJ McDaniels
Acquired: JaVale McGee, Isaiah Cannan, First Round Pick (LA Lakers top-five protected in 2015, protected 1-3 in 2016 and 2017, unprotected in 2018), the lesser of Denver or Minnesota’s 2015 second-round pick, first-round pick from Oklahoma City (protected 1-18 in 2015, 1-15 in 2016 and 2017, becomes two second-round picks if not conveyed by 2018), second-round pick from Houston.
Unlike many out there, I don’t have an issue with the 76ers dumping MCW. They clearly didn’t seem him as their point guard of the future, and frankly, neither do I. But dumping KJ McDaniels seemed premature.
The 76ers claim that they are not looking to buy out JaVale McGee, but honestly – what the hell is he doing there? You don’t need JaVale McGee on that team. He doesn’t want to be on that team. It doesn’t make any sense at all.
The Sixers must see something in the 2016 / 2017 draft classes that I don’t, because they continue to amass picks for what appear to be rotation players / potential starters at best.
We are putting the Sixers on probabtion. One more dumb move like this and we are shipping your whole organization to the D-League.
DRAFT DAY GRADE: F
