The NBA trade deadline did not deliver on the potential fireworks that would’ve resulted from seeing All-Stars like Jimmy Butler and Paul George switching uniforms. But there were a few key moves that could wind up affecting the dynamic of this season’s playoffs, particularly for what appears to be the trade deadline’s biggest winner—the Toronto Raptors.
The Toronto Raptors acquired P.J. Tucker from the Phoenix Suns for Jared Sullinger and two future second round picks. Earlier in the month, the Raptors’ Masai Ujiri was also able to swing a deal for Serge Ibaka. The two moves address the team’s pressing need at power forward and three-point shooting. Both Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tuckers shoot well from the deep, with the added bonus of the latter being able to play the small ball power forward position. As noted by CBSSports.com, the current Eastern Conference’s fourth seed will is also expected to get back injured forward Patrick Patterson, giving them a full lineup for that final playoff push.
As pointed out by Bleacher Report, the Oklahoma City Thunder also got an upgrade, acquiring Doug McDermott and Taj Gibson form the Chicago Bulls for Cameron Payne, Anthony Morrow and Joffrey Lauvergne. The Thunder have been awful at providing Russell Westbrook some much needed space to operate, placing second to the last in the entire league in three-point shooting.
The Philadelphia 76ers finally resolved their three-headed logjam at center, trading Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for Andrew Bogut, Justin Anderson and a protected first round pick. As noted by Bleacher Report, the deal appears underwhelming on the surface with the Sixers getting an aging, injury riddle center and a backup swingman for a former sixth overall pick, who remains a promising big man who can both defend the rim and rim run. Zach Lowe of ESPN also points out that if the Dallas Mavericks’ pick falls outside the top 18, it will be converted to a pair of second round picks.
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