NBA Trades: How Did Trade Flurry Change Every NBA Team's Playoffs Hopes?
Well, the NBA trade deadline has passed and a flurry of deals made this one to remember.
But the question is, how do these trades effect the NBA picture this season?
Obviously, not every team has made a trade, but every team is affected by the trades one way or another.
Here we will go through each team, whether they made a trade or not, and discuss how the trades in the last few days affect each team's playoff chances.
Let us know what you think. Will your team make the playoffs?
Atlanta Hawks
1 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Fifth in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Hawks made a trade with the Washington Wizards. They sent Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans and a first-round pick to the Wizards for Hilton Armstrong and Kirk Hinrich.
The Hawks definitely upgraded their point guard position and added some frontcourt depth, which keeps them alive and kicking in the East.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Knicks trade for Carmelo Anthony might take a little while to shake out, but with New York sitting just four games behind the Hawks in the playoff standings, it seems the Knicks could overtake Atlanta if they can figure out how to play with 'Melo.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Current Place in Standings: First in the East
How Trades Help Them: Halfway through my writing this, the Celtics shipped Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Nenad Krstic and Jeff Green.
Now the Celtics have their solid swingman they could bring off the bench in Green.
Not only do they keep their solid starting four, but they get a really nice package in return.
How Trades Hurt Them: Honestly, I don't know how the Celtics justify losing Kendrick Perkins. They suddenly have a starting five without a center if Green is pressed into the starting lineup.
If the bring Green off the bench, is Krstic the starting center? That is a downgrade. I don't see how this trade is a good one.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Charlotte Bobcats
3 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Ninth in the East, 1.5 games out of the playoffs
How Trades Help Them: The Bobcats are another team that made a last-second deal, sending Gerald Wallace to Portland for Joel Pryzbilla and a second-round pick.
They also sent Nazr Mohammed to the Thunder for DJ White and Morris Peterson.
Both trades appear to be part of a rebuilding process. Like the trade—don't love it—but that's okay.
How Trades Hurt Them: Being just a half game out of the playoffs I don't understand why they felt the need to ship out one of their best players and one of their best big men.
It seems like they could have stood pat and made the playoffs, but I guess they are more interested in the potential lottery pick.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Chicago Bulls
4 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Third in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Bulls are still trying to pry Courtney Lee out of Houston, but they are unwilling to give up Omer Asik for the shooting guard.
The only deal the Bulls have made is shipping James Johnson to the Raptors for a first-round pick.
Like the Celtics, the Bulls are in a great position to make a nice playoff run and it could get easier if other teams that made big trades have a tough time getting used to new players on the roster.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Bulls have great locker-room chemistry and a well-established roster, but they have a glaring hole at the shooting guard position.
I understand wanting to hang onto younger big men, but if they made a move they could be seen as favorites to win a title this year.
Seems like a no brainer; you make the trade.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Cleveland Cavaliers
5 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Last in the East, 16.5 out of the playoffs
How Trades Help Them: Looking at this year, the trade that sent Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers for Baron Davis doesn't help. However, the two first-round picks will help rebuild the Cavs.
The Clippers are going to be sending a lottery pick to the Cavs, who will almost assuredly have the best chance at the top overall pick.
The Cavs also got Luke Harangody and Semih Erden from the Celtics for a second-round pick.
How Trades Hurt Them: Mo Williams was trying this year in Cleveland. It might not have shown up in the win column, but he really did play hard.
I love Baron Davis, but does anyone expect him to give a crap for the worst team in the NBA?
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Dallas Mavericks
6 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Second in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Mavs are another team that was looking to improve via trade before the deadline that just couldn't find a good fit. However, sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make.
The Mavs have a solid roster with no glaring weaknesses and they have as good a chance as any at getting out of the West in the playoffs.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Mavs could have really turned into the favorites if they were able to bring in someone to add youth and depth to the backcourt.
Instead, they are standing pat and complaining about trades other teams made.
Isn't that the Mark Cuban way?
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Denver Nuggets
7 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Sixth in the West
How Trades Help Them: It's hard to imagine the Nuggets coming out of the Carmelo trade looking better than they do right now.
Not only did they really get a great package in return for 'Melo, but they also have a number of assets to be back in contention immediately.
It also gives Arron Afflalo a chance to really show what he can do. I think it might not be this year, but the Nuggets are going to be fine.
How Trades Hurt Them: Anytime you lose a franchise player it is tough to deal with. However, the fact that this trade has handcuffed the team all season has really messed with this team's mojo.
I don't know if they will be able to recover this season.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Detroit Pistons
8 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 11th in the East
How Trades Help Them: I don't see how the trades help the Pistons. Not only has Detroit been struggling this year, but the East is now better and deeper.
While I don't think a single trade could have really improved the team all that much, but some trade could have helped.
How Trades Hurt Them: Like I said, the East is now deeper and more talented and ultimately that hurts the teams that are rebuilding.
The Pistons are in rebuilding mode and for the time being, they look stuck there.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Golden State Warriors
9 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 12th in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Warriors got Troy Murphy and a second-round pick for Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright.
I know this isn't the sexiest trade ever, especially when the Warriors buy out Murphy, but I think the Warriors are headed in the right direction.
How Trades Hurt Them: Losing Wright is tough because he is a nice piece. However in the grand scheme of things, it is a minor loss.
Because of the departure of talent out of the West, I actually think the Warriors are in a good place to move forward.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Houston Rockets
10 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 11th in the West
How Trades Help Them: Another team that made a few last-minute trades is the Houston Rockets. They sent Shane Battier to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet and a first-round pick.
They also sent Aaron Brooks to the Suns for Goran Dragic and a first-round pick.
The Rockets suddenly have a center, are without a troubled point guard and have a few first-round picks to help rebuild.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Rockets have a problem with defense this year and they just got rid of their best perimeter defender. Yes, they get back a shot-blocker, but if they can't guard anyone I don't think they are going anywhere fast.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Indiana Pacers
11 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Eighth in the East
How Trades Help Them: This is a tough one because an apparent deal between the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies may or may not have gone through. Some people say it has happened, and others say the deal didn't get finalized before the deadline.
The deal would bring O.J. Mayo to the Pacers for Josh McRoberts and a first-round pick. If the deal happened, I like it for the Pacers.
They get a legit shooting guard and suddenly have a very interesting set of guards in Darren Collison, Mayo and Danny Granger.
How Trades Hurt Them: The biggest weakness for the Pacers this year is the power forward position and they may have just traded their best one. Seems like a lateral movement to me.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
LA Clippers
12 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 13th in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Baron Davis trade not only gives the Clippers a younger point guard and an explosive wing, but it helps them save a ton of money.
How Trades Hurt Them: The loss of two first-round picks is bad. I can understand the wanting to clear cap space to add free agents, but the fact that they have a good young roster that they could add to seems like a no-brainer.
Plus, what free agent is going to come play for a team owned by Donald Sterling?
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
LA Lakers
13 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Third in the West
How Trades Help Them: Anytime two of the top 10 players in a conference are traded to the opposing conference, it helps those teams that are standing pat.
The Lakers have won the last two NBA Championships and now the West just got a little easier, which helps the aging Lakers.
How Trades Hurt Them: Suddenly the biggest threat to the Lakers in the West is the Oklahoma City Thunder. They now have size and strength to matchup with the champs in the low block.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Memphis Grizzlies
14 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Eighth in the West
How Trades Help Them: I am going to discuss the Grizzlies, assuming the Mayo trade went through. The Griz did a great job today.
First, they ditched trouble child Mayo for more depth at the power forward and a first-round pick.
They also moved Hasheem Thabeet for defensive stopper Shane Battier.
Now the Grizzlies look like they could be threats in the playoffs.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Grizzlies are another team that may make the playoffs but they probably won't win a championship.
While the trades that they made look like they will help for the future, I don't see it doing much for them this season.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Miami Heat
15 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Second in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Heat are the biggest winners when you consider the Boston Celtics trade of Kendrick Perkins.
The biggest thing the Celtics had going for them in the East was their size. Now they don't have that mismatch over the Heat and I think that could spell doom for the Celtics.
How Trades Hurt Them: The Heat suddenly have a wealth of playing experience together when you judge them against the other teams in the East, but they suddenly have an emerging team in New York that matches up nicely with Miami.
While I don't think they would say so, I think Miami was really hoping Carmelo Anthony stayed in the West.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Milwaukee Bucks
16 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 10th in the East
How Trades Help Them: Suddenly, the road to playoffs in the East suddenly got tougher.
For a team fighting for the playoffs like the Bucks, that can't be good.
The nice thing for the Bucks is that they have some good young talent on the roster and they could make a run to the playoffs like they did last year.
How Trades Hurt Them: The deeper East is the worst nightmare for a team like the Bucks. They were hoping to sneak into the playoffs for the second straight season, and I don't know if that happens now.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Minnesota Timberwolves
17 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Last in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Minnesota Timberwolves snuck into the Carmelo Anthony-to-the-Knicks trade. They were able to send Corey Brewer to the Knicks and get back Anthony Randolph.
If Randolph can realize his potential in Minnesota, he could be the missing piece that makes them a playoff team.
How Trades Hurt Them: Minnesota still has a few things they need to be contenders, so it seems like they could have done more.
But would that have changed their season? Probably not.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
New Jersey Nets
18 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 12th in the East
How Trades Help Them: When the Nets missed out on Carmelo Anthony, it seemed like they were in real trouble of being irrelevant yet again.
However, they quickly made put together a package for star guard Deron Williams. Suddenly, the Nets look like they could be on the rise.
How Trades Hurt Them: Williams is just a few years away from being a free agent. If they don't re-sign him, it could doom the franchise for the next decade.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
New Orleans Hornets
19 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Fifth in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Hornets sent reserve guard Marcus Thornton to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Carl Landry.
While I do have a very high opinion of Thornton, the fact that they got Landry out of Sacramento is a huge move for the Hornets. He adds depth to a frontcourt that was lacking.
How Trades Hurt Them: Like I said, I have a high opinion of Thornton and I think he deserved more playing time in New Orleans. While Landry is a nice pickup, I just don't see the Hornets having enough to be serious contenders in the West.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
New York Knicks
20 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Sixth in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Knicks were patient and ended up getting the guy that they really coveted in Carmelo Anthony. They also got away with grabbing Chauncey Billups in the deal as well.
The good news for New York is that they have a very solid foundation now, and they will be an attractive location for someone like Chris Paul when he becomes a free agent in 2012.
How Trades Hurt Them: While the Knicks are happy to have Carmelo, they gutted their team to get a deal done. The Knicks really seemed to make a lateral move but one with a higher ceiling.
So this year, I don't see the trade helping out much.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Oklahoma City Thunder
21 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Fourth in the West
How Trades Help Them: Oklahoma City is wheeling and dealing. Their biggest weakness entering the trade deadline was their frontcourt depth. They addressed it and turned it into a strength with the addition of Kendrick Perkins and Nazr Mohammed.
They also added a nice bench guard in Nate Robinson. Also, they got Mohammed for two guys that don't play.
Seems like they are really contenders to not only come out of the West, but to take home a championship this year.
How Trades Hurt Them: It's never easy to part with a guy like Jeff Green, who does a lot of things nicely, but to be honest, I don't think the Thunder got hurt by any trade at the deadline.
They look like the team that could make the biggest jump after the deadline.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Orlando Magic
22 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Fourth in the East
How Trades Help Them: I think the only team more happy than the Miami Heat to see Kendrick Perkins move to the West is the Orlando Magic.
Now, not only do they have the best center in the East, but they have no one else who can matchup with him.
I think Orlando suddenly became a very interesting team in the East.
How Trades Hurt Them: The problem Orlando has now, though, is that they are still learning how to play together.
It's a real shame they couldn't keep their team together that made the finals a few years back. If they were still together, I think they would be favorites to win the title this year.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Philadelphia 76ers
23 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Seventh in the East
How Trades Help Them: Philadelphia decided to stand pat this year at the deadline. I have a hard time saying if that was a smart move or a dumb one.
Sure, they have a lot of young talent on the roster, but they also seem to be missing something. The good news is that they have their team built to grow together for the future.
How Trades Hurt Them: With all the movement in the East, it seems like Philly could be a team that just gets lost in the shuffle.
Sure, they have some good young guys, but they also don't seem to have a true identity yet.
Making a trade could have pushed them in a direction to form an identity.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Phoenix Suns
24 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 10th in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Suns sent a lottery-protected first-rounder and Goran Dragic to the Houston Rockets for Aaron Brooks.
I like Brooks a lot as a player and he could be a nice heir to Steve Nash. I also like that they have protected their pick enough that if they stick in the lottery, which I think they will, they keep the pick.
How Trades Hurt Them: Honestly, I think the only people who don't realize the Suns are rebuilding are the people that are making the decisions about Steve Nash's availability.
The Suns' best chance at building a winner quickly would have been to move Nash for a bunch of picks and prospects.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Portland Trail Blazers
25 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Seventh in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Trail Blazers' biggest issues this year had nothing to do with who was on their roster; they had to do with the fact that their best player, Brandon Roy, is dealing with deteriorating knees and their best prospect, Greg Oden, hasn't been healthy his entire career.
Adding Gerald Wallace while holding onto Andre Miller and Marcus Camby will really help them get passed those devastating injuries.
How Trades Hurt Them: I don't really see a downside to this trade for them. However, the Thunder look like new big boys in the West.
Depending on how things shake out, the Blazers could be stuck with either the Lakers, Thunder, Mavericks or Spurs as a first-round matchup in the playoffs.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Sacramento Knigs
26 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 14th in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Kings send Carl Landry to the Hornets for guard Marcus Thornton. I have a high opinion of Thornton and I think he could really help the Kings.
Sacramento has a nice core of young talent, but they seem to lack leadership and Thornton could provide that.
How Trades Hurt Them: I do worry about Thornton falling prey to the lack of leadership in Sacramento. I think Thornton is a standup guy, but with a roster full of knuckleheads, I could see it having a negative impact on him.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
San Antonio Spurs
27 of 30
Current Place in Standings: First in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Spurs decided to stand pat at the deadline this year, and who can blame them? They have the most consistent starting lineup in basketball.
In fact, of the 57 games they have played this year, they have had the same starting lineup in 56 of them.
Things get easier in the playoffs, too, because Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams are playing in the East now.
How Trades Hurt Them: The move made by the Thunder was a direct shot at the contenders in the West.
The Thunder have shown that they are ready to step up this year and that has to worry the Spurs, whom I don't think can matchup with the Thunder.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: Yes
Toronto Raptors
28 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 13th in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Raptors sent a first-round pick to the Bulls for James Johnson. I don't really know how it helps them, but I will say that I don't think it hurts.
The Raptors have such a need for talent that anyone helps.
How Trades Hurt Them: Dealing with all the moves in the East, it just became tougher for the Raptors to compete in their conference for a playoff spot.
The first-round pick they could have kept seemed like something they could have used later.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Current Place in Standings: Ninth in the West
How Trades Help Them: The Jazz made a huge move the day before the deadline, sending franchise point guard Deron Williams to the Nets in exchange for Derrick Favors (who would be the first overall pick in the draft this year), Devin Harris and two first-round picks.
Sure, it is tough to part ways with Williams, but that is a nice package to get to shake things up.
How Trades Hurt Them: For continuity's sake, the Jazz seemed like a team that didn't need to make a deal.
They are just half a game out of the playoffs and the could overtake the Grizzlies in the West, but now I am not so sure.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
Washington Wizards
30 of 30
Current Place in Standings: 14th in the East
How Trades Help Them: The Wizards acquired Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans and a first round-pick for Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong.
I really like this move for the Wizards. They get a veteran point guard to help teach John Wall and they get some nice young wing players to add depth.
Sure, it isn't a deal that is going to change them overnight, but it helps for the future.
How Trades Hurt Them: The East suddenly became a much tougher conference after the deadline, meaning the teams like the Wizards are going to have a tough time getting back into the playoffs.
This move doesn't really make it any easier.
Will They Make the Playoffs?: No
