Teams make deals for short and long term
The NBA’s annual trade deadline has come and gone, and Anthony Davis still is a New Orleans Pelican.
Despite weeks of speculation that the superstar forward would ultimately end up in Los Angeles to play alongside LeBron James, general manager Dell Demps and the Pelicans stood pat and didn’t bite on the Lakers’ offer, keeping their options open for this summer.
But even though Davis doesn’t have a new home just yet, a handful of big-name players do.
Below are the notable deals that went down leading up to last week’s trade deadline.
Raptors add former DPOY
Grizzlies get: Jonas Valanciunas, CJ Miles, Delon Wright, 2024 second-round pick
Raptors get: Marc Gasol Analysis: While not the AllStar he once was, Gasol, 34, remains one of the most versatile bigs in the league, and he better positions the Raptors in their fight for a spot in the NBA Finals. He’s one of just three players (also Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo) averaging at least 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a block this season.
Former No. 1 overall pick dealt to Orlando
Magic get: Markelle Fultz Sixers get: Jonathon Simmons, first-round pick, secondround pick
Analysis: This obviously isn’t what the 76ers had in mind when they took Fultz with the first overall pick in 2017, but the 20-year-old guard has played just 33 games due to injury since being drafted, and Simmons gives them a versatile wing to come off the bench. For Fultz, this could be the change of scenery he needs to jump-start his career.
Mirotic heads to Milwaukee
Bucks get: Nikola Mirotic Pelicans get: Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson, four secondround picks
Analysis: This is a big move for the Bucks, who rank second in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game and 12th in 3-point percentage. Mirotic should have no problem finding a role in Mike Budenholzer’s potent offense, and the Pelicans get future assets to help their rebuild. The deal also reportedly includes Detroit.
Kings gear up for playoff push
Kings get: Harrison Barnes
Mavericks get: Justin Jackson, Zach Randolph
Analysis: The Mavericks are trying to create salary cap space to go after a quality free agent in the summer, and Jackson has shown flashes of becoming a solid 3-and-D guy during his second NBA season. The Kings wanted a veteran wing player such as Barnes, who has a player option for 2019-20 and can help the team with their playoff push. The Kings, who haven’t been to the postseason since 2006, are currently in ninth place in the West at 28-26.
Wizards unload big money
Bulls get: Otto Porter Jr. Wizards get: Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, 2023 secondround pick
Analysis: The news that John Wall will miss the next 12 months or so with a ruptured Achilles prompted the Wizards to shed salary, and they did just that by dealing Porter, who signed a four-year, $106 million deal in the summer of 2017. While Porter has mostly underperformed since being taken third overall in 2013, he’s still just 25, and he could be a nice fit alongside Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen. The Wizards also dealt Markieff Morris to New Orleans.
Sixers take a gamble
Clippers get: Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, two first-round picks, two second-round picks
Sixers get: Tobias Harris, Mike Scott, Boban Marjanovic
Analysis: Rookie Sixers general manager Elton Brand swung for the fences by adding Harris, who becomes a free agent this summer but immediately gives Philadelphia one of the best starting lineups in the NBA. As for the Clippers’ return, Muscala was dealt to the Lakers, but Shamet has blossomed into a knockdown 3-point shooter, and now they don’t have to worry about paying Harris. The future is bright for both franchises.
Mavs land a unicorn
Knicks get: Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, two first-round picks
Mavericks get: Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke, Courtney Lee
Analysis: The Knicks get salary cap space to pursue two max players, while the Mavs get to pair Porzingis with rookie sensation Luka Doncic. The Mavs look like winners right now, but this could end up working out beautifully for both franchises.