NBA Trades: Grading How Each Team Fared at the Trade Deadline
Some big names have new homes in the NBA. From Carmelo Anthony to Deron Williams to Kendrick Perkins, some trades were expected, and others were surprising.
Who were the winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline? Some teams stayed dormant, making fans wonder if it was the right move. Other teams shook things up, making fans wonder even more if it was the right move.
Some team needs were addressed and others went ignored. Some teams made moves looking to the future and other teams tried to restructure for the present.
But who accomplished their goals at the deadline and who failed?
Here are grades for how each team fared.
30. Orlando Magic
1 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: No moves, huh? Well, there was the move that got rid of Marcin Gortat and any physical post presence besides Dwight Howard some weeks ago. It's the same move that brought in more shooters. Putting Howard in the middle and surrounding him with shooters works against most of the league. But it's not enough against the elite.
I don't know what moves would have been out there for Orlando to work on the problem, but general manager Otis Smith not even looking for one as the team slips was a poor move.
Grade: D
29. Boston Celtics
2 of 30
Moves: Sent Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic; sent Luke Harangody and Semih Erden to Cleveland for 2012 second round pick; sent Marquis Daniel to Sacramento for future draft pick.
Analysis: Doc Rivers tried to sell it. Remember when the Celtics used that small lineup with James Posey at the four and Kevin Garnett at the five at times in their 2008 NBA championship season? Rivers said that Green can help them get back to that. But what about the rest of the time?
Trading Perkins was a shock. Then shipping out Erden, a reasonable replacement, and Harangody for just a second round pick was crazy. Boston is putting a lot of faith in Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal, a couple of injured and aged big men.
Grade: D+
28. Indiana Pacers
3 of 30
Moves: Attempt to acquire O.J. Mayo from Memphis for Josh McRoberts and a 2011 first-round pick; missed the deadline.
Analysis: Indiana almost landed a potential star for a role player and a draft pick. But it's debatable whether the move would have been a good one anyway. Mayo has had his issues with a failed PED test and a fight with teammate Tony Allen.
The trade would have been good for Mayo and would have helped Indiana's shooting. Indiana should have done more to get this deal done in time.
Grade: C-
27. Detroit Pistons
4 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: It's not surprising that Detroit was unable to move Rip Hamilton. His contract still has three two years beyond this season on, all at $12.65 million. Nobody wanted to pick up that type of a commitment with the uncertainty that Hamilton can still contribute enough to make it worthwhile.
The disappointment was not being able to use Tayshaun Prince's expiring contract for either a player or a draft pick. Prince is a long defender that had to draw decent interest. Unless the Pistons are set on re-signing him, it would have been wise to move him on for whatever the going rate was.
Grade: C
26. Los Angeles Lakers
5 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: True, the Lakers current payroll doesn't offer much flexibility. Their only expiring contracts are small. But Los Angeles has some issues. The Lakers could have looked for ways to improve their defense, shooting and youth.
O.J. Mayo could have helped in two of those categories. How realistic it would have been to nab him is unknown. But L.A. packing it in well before the trade deadline was a disappointment.
Grade: C
25. Atlanta Hawks
6 of 30
Moves: Sent Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans and a 2011 first-round pick to Washington for Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong.
Analysis: Atlanta definitely upgraded its point guard defense. Bibby has seen better days in his career, and Hinrich will relish getting back into a starting lineup. But was the cost too high?
Bibby and Evans are essentially equal to Hinrich. Armstrong and Crawford are a push. But then there is that first-round pick. This move constituted Atlanta reaching desperately for the now, which they should. But it might hurt down the road.
Grade: B-
24. Memphis Grzziles
7 of 30
Moves: Failed to ship O.J. Mayo to Indiana for Josh McRoberts and a 2011 first round draft. Sent Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll and a 2013 draft-lottery protected draft pick to Houston for Shane Battier and Ishmael Smith.
Analysis: Memphis had a chance to rid itself of a troubled player in Mayo and get a quality player and pick but missed the deadline. That was a bad miss.
But it did rid itself of a busted pick in Thabeet, picking up a veteran, defensive presence in Battier. Added value is Battier's expiring contract. One bad miss and one nice move pretty well equal out.
Grade: B-
23.Sacramento Kings
8 of 30
Moves: Sent Carl Landry to New Orleans for Marcus Thornton and cash considerations.
Analysis: Smart move by Sacramento. They exchanged expiring contracts with money still coming their way. This is obviously a team looking toward the future at 14-41.
It was surprising, however, to see Samuel Dalembert and his $13+ million contract stay in Sacramento. The Kings could have landed some draft picks in exchange for cap flexibility with somebody.
Grade: B
22. Miami Heat
9 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: Miami is sticking to its theory that it has enough to compete for and win an NBA title. You have to give them points for their courage, but outsiders see flaws. Mainly, the Heat lack bench scoring.
There wasn't much for the Heat to do, however, with little cap flexibility. After all, they need to add to their team rather than change its parts.
Grade: B
21. Toronto Raptors
10 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: The Raptors made a couple of smaller moves earlier in the season but stayed quiet near the trade deadline. There was no real reason to make a move for Toronto, but it would have nice to see them get in on some of the action to get some draft picks.
With a few small expiring contracts, there could have been some promising dealings out there. Toronto staying dormant wasn't a bad thing, but it could have missed an opportunity.
Grade: B
20. Charlotte Bobcats
11 of 30
Moves: Sent Gerald Wallace to Portland for Joel Przybilla, Sean Marks, Dante Cunningham, a 2011 first-round pick and a 2013 protected first-round pick. Sent Nazr Mohammed to the Thunder for Morris Peterson and D.J. White.
Analysis: When the move was first announced, it just involved Joel Przybilla coming to Charlotte, which didn't make sense dollars-wise. With Mark and Cunningham also coming back to the Bobcats, it helps offset the loss of Wallace.
This was great move with the future in mind. However, it could very well undermine their playoff aspirations. I'm of the mind that making the playoffs now is better than organizing for the future, especially when one of the picks is two years away and protected.
There is good and bad to this deal. Since Charlotte can still fight for a playoff spot while getting interest for its future, there is more good than bad.
Grade: B
19. Milwaukee Bucks
12 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: Apparently Milwaukee is confident that Michael Redd's return can help them make a run at the playoffs. Not only were there any rumors involving Redd's $18 million expiring contract, but the Bucks have said they haven't even thought about buying him out.
The Bucks didn't have much in the way of possible moves. Staying put with a 22-35 team is hard to justify, nevertheless.
Grade: B
18. Dallas Mavericks
13 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: Although Dallas could have made a move for Caron Butler's expiring contract, it stayed with the group it currently has.
The message to the team and its fans was loud and clear: no changes needed hear. It's hard to disagree. The team is in sync with the playoffs approaching. Dallas is on the short list for contenders in the Western Conference.
Grade: B+
17. Golden State Warriors
14 of 30
Moves: Sent Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright to New Jersey for Troy Murphy.
Analysis: This wasn't a groundbreaking move for the Warriors, but it was prudent. They dumped two minimal producers for a large contract that they are expected to buy out for cap space.
Golden State isn't in realistic playoff contention, so making the move for next year without giving up too much was a nice, concise deal. The other positive is that they have called Jeff Adrien up from the D-League. The Warriors can give him some run to see if he's ready for the next level long term.
Grade: B+
16. New Orleans Hornets
15 of 30
Moves: Sent Marcus Thornton and cash to Sacramento for Carl Landry.
Analysis: The Hornets managed to get more size and production by acquiring Landry. New Orleans was pretty loaded at guard and now gets some depth at forward.
The added bonus is that Landry's expiring contract provides future flexibility. New Orleans has several million dollars coming off the books at the end of the year.
Grade: B+
15. Philadelphia 76ers
16 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: Philadelphia was once in discussions to move Andre Iguodala, but then the 76ers actually started playing really well, threatening to move up the playoff ladder in the Eastern Conference.
There's no reason to mess with a nucleus of young players that are trending upward. Philly is in no need of cap flexibility with some players coming off the books at the end of the year.
Grade: B+
14. Washington Wizards
17 of 30
Moves: Sent Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong to Atlanta for Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford and a 2011 first-round pick.
Analysis: The Wizards did very well getting that first-round pick. Swapping Armstrong for Crawford wasn't a bad move either. Crawford hasn't gotten many minutes and could flourish in Washington. Bibby still has game left, and Evans' contract expires at the end of the year.
Grade: B+
13. Los Angeles Clippers
18 of 30
Moves: Sent Baron Davis and an unprotected first-round pick to Cleveland for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.
Analysis: With the constant evolution of Eric Bledsoe, Davis was expendable as long as the Clippers got a veteran guard in return. Mo Williams fits the bill. He can score take the load of Bledsoe running the offense.
Giving up the draft pick was a tough move, but it was worth the cap space that Moon will provide.
Grade: B+
12. Phoenix Suns
19 of 30
Moves: Sent Goran Dragic and a first-round pick to Houston for Aaron Brooks.
Analysis: Phoenix strengthened an already strong position by bringing Brooks in to backup Steve Nash at point guard. Brooks is worthy of a starting position but will come off the bench.
Apparently, Phoenix sees Brooks as its future. Or at least they see him as a viable option to re-sign and keep in the fold whether or not Nash is extended.
Grade: B+
11. New York Knicks
20 of 30
Moves: Received Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman from Denver and Corey Brewer from Minnesota. Sent Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and $3 million to Minnesota. Sent Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mosgev, Danilo Galinari and a 2014 first-round pick to Denver.
Analysis: The bottom line is that New York got its man: 'Melo. Billups was a solid pickup as well, and Corey isn't a coup to scoff at.
It was expensive, though. Felton, Mosgev and Galinari are promising players. The first round hopefully won't be worth that much with an Amar'e Stoudemire and 'Melo led team taking the Knicks to new heights.
It got the job done but at a steep cost.
Grade: B+
10. San Antonio Spurs
21 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: For some reason, a 47-10 San Antonio team with a core that's won three NBA championships can't get any believers. Mainly, critics are unimpressed with the Spurs' front court.
True, Tim Duncan's game is less effective than it was five years ago. And DeJuan Blair is undersized. But results are results. There was no reason to mess with a rotation that has the best record in the league.
The Spurs are 6-1 against the Mavericks, Lakers and Thunder—the teams that hold the three next best records in the Western Conference.
Grade: A-
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
22 of 30
Moves: Joined in on the Carmelo Anthony trade, sending Corey Brewer to New York for Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry and $3 million.
Analysis: First of all, the Timberwolves drop Brewer, who was a player they weren't favored to keep anyway. In return, they get $3 million and Curry's $11 million expiring contract. That would have been enough really, considering the money saved.
But they also got Anthony Randolph. He's a promising player with a strong outside shot that can straight up replace Brewer. This was a stupendous move by Minnesota.
Grade: A-
8. Chicago Bulls
23 of 30
Moves: None
Analysis: The move that Chicago made was finally getting Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah healthy at the same time. That makes what was already a formidable team all that more impressive.
This team is extremely well set up, with its best players locked into long term contracts but still under the salary cap.
Grade: A-
7. Houston Rockets
24 of 30
Moves: Sent Shane Battier and Ishmael Smith to Memphis for Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll and a future first-round draft pick. Sent Aaron Brooks to Phoenix for Goran Dragic and a 2011 first-round pick.
Analysis: For some reason, a lot of people are frowning on the first deal. I don't see why as the Rockets used Battier's extending contract to get Thabeet, a still-promising shot-blocker with rare length. He's a project, but he's also not all they got. Carroll doesn't offer much now, but Houston can let him go for cap room.
The second move was great, shipping out a seemingly unhappy Brooks for a solid Dragic and a first-round pick. If Phoenix makes the playoffs, it will be the Suns' pick. If Phoenix doesn't, it will be Orlando's pick, which the Suns acquired earlier this season.
Grade: A-
6. Denver Nuggets
25 of 30
Moves: Sent Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman and Anthony Carter to New York. Received Raymond Felton, Danilo Galinari, Wilson Chandler, Timofey Mosgev and a 2014 first-round draft pick.
Analysis: Usually when a team has to restructure itself with the departure of a superstar, it's left picking up the pieces and looking to future.
That's not the case for Denver.
Felton has turned into an upper-echelon point guard, and Chandler and Galinari fit nicely in Denver's run-and-gun offense. The ball won't stop anymore with 'Melo. This could work out nicely for both sides.
Grade: A-
5. New Jersey Nets
26 of 30
Moves: Sent Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round draft picks and cash to Utah for Deron Williams. Sent Troy Murphy and a 2014 second-round pick to Golden State for Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright.
Analysis: How about that for a recovery? Carmelo Anthony ends up next door, and New Jersey turns around to nab maybe the best point guard in the NBA in Williams.
They have a lot invested in it now, giving up those draft picks and favors. Williams is a noticeable upgrade over Harris. Now the Nets need only convince Williams to stick around after 2012.
Grade: A-
4. Portland Trailblazers
27 of 30
Moves: Sent Sean Marks, Dante Cunningham, Joel Przybilla and two first-round draft picks to Charlotte for Gerald Wallace.
Analysis: Remember when the power was shifting to the East with Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony heading to the east coast? Not so fast. Portland just went from a contribution to the West's depth to one of its elite.
Already keeping pace in the West, Portland adds an extremely versatile player who is an elite defender. Getting Brandon Roy back from injury is a tremendous boost as well.
Grade: A
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
28 of 30
Moves: Sent Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Clippers for Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round pick. Sent a 2013 second-round picks to Boston for Luke Harangody and Semih Erden.
Analysis: Cleveland had an awesome day on Thursday. First, it upgraded its best player by bringing in Davis and keeping Antawn Jamison. Secondly, it pulled in a first-round pick. Then it nabbed two second-round talents with real promise in Harangody and Erden for one distant second-round pick.
Cleveland just advanced its rebuilding calendar significantly. These are the kinds of moves that have to be made for an aggressive rebuild.
Grade: A
2. Utah Jazz
29 of 30
Moves: Sent Deron Williams to New Jersey for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors and two first-round picks.
Analysis: The Jazz had to face the truth that Williams didn't want to be there. With no chance of him extending his contract, getting rid of him and the associated free agent drama that it would face next year was wise. Getting a quality point guard in Harris and a promising prospect in Favors was solid.
But Utah sent the trade over the top by snagging two first-round draft picks. Small market teams have to build through the draft and trades. It's rare to get a solid free agent player without overpaying (See: Carlos Boozer signing in 2004.).
Grade: A
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
30 of 30
Moves: Sent Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic to Boston for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson. Sent Morris Peterson and D.J. White to Charlotte for Nazr Mohammed.
Analysis: And just like that, there is another elite team in the NBA. Oklahoma City was already flirting with a deep playoff run and may have just secured it at the trade deadline.
Oklahoma City needed size and physicality. It will get it from Perkins, maybe the most physical post presence in the league, and Mohammed. It also upgraded its third-string point guard by picking up Robinson and sending out White.
The first deal was terrific. But losing Green and Krstic was rough. Then the Thunder came through with the second deal, getting Mohammed to offset losing Krstic.
It was a brilliant day for Oklahoma City.
Grade: A+
