Trade deadline shakes up NBA races
Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets among teams bolstering lineups in run to playoffs.
The player who could’ve helped a contender the most stayed put at the NBA’s trade deadline on Thursday.
The Raptors didn’t find an offer they liked – and no team liked the king’s ransom Toronto wanted – for veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who will remain with the Canadian club for the remainder of the season.
But there were other moves that could have an impact on the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs.
Could is the key word. Looking at last year’s trade deadline, there weren’t many moves that ended up making a huge difference.
Denver acquired Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee, the Bulls landed Nikola Vucevic, the Celtics traded for Evan Fournier in the Magic’s roster overhaul, and the Heat got Victor Oladipo from Houston.
USA TODAY takes a look at the winners and losers at the trade deadline.
Winners
Nuggets
After struggling all season with inconsistent performances and injuries, the Nuggets have moved back into the championship-contending conversation. By acquiring Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee in separate deals, the Nuggets have bolstered their athleticism and defense. While McGee will help All-Star forward Nikola Jokic with rim protection, Gordon will offer perimeter defense and some outside shooting. These additions will help offset free agent losses Jerami Grant and Mason Plumlee and give the Denver team additional depth to complement Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Bulls
It’s not every day you can add a current All-Star to the roster, but that’s what Chicago did with Vucevic. The Bulls had to give up Wendell Carter Jr.,