NBA Trades: Predicting the Fallout of Every Deal Made
NBA Trades Are Shaping the Future of the League
After a wild trade deadline, the NBA looks very different going forward. However, are the teams better off for their moves?
Here, we will be going through the 16 teams that made moves and predicting how the trades will effect them going forward this season.
While some of the trades look good for teams, there are certainly some that left fans scratching their heads.
Let us know which deals you are most excited about.
The Atlanta Hawks Will Win a Playoff Series After Upgrading at Point Guard
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Trade(s): Acquired Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong from Washington for Mike Bibby, Jordan Crawford, Maurice Evans and a 2011 first-round pick.
Positive Effect: Mike Bibby has been deteriorating over recent years and for Atlanta to really make a move in the Eastern Conference, they needed to upgrade the point guard position. Hinrich is an upgrade over Bibby and once he gets acclimated to living in Atlanta it will really help out the team.
Negative Effect: Besides giving up a first-round pick, the Hawks also had to sacrifice depth on the wings in order to make this move. Evans and Crawford could end up being a tough loss for Atlanta.
Outcome: If the Hawks remain in about the same position, they would likely face the Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs. The Magic have been struggling and I think the Hawks matchup nicely with them. I think the Hawks beat the Magic in the playoffs, further fueling speculation that Dwight Howard will be departing Orlando soon.
The Boston Celtics Will Be Wishing They Still Had Perkins for the Playoffs
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Trade(s): Acquired Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic and a 2012 first-round pick from Oklahoma City for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson
Acquired a 2013 second-round pick from Cleveland for Luke Harangody and Semih Erden
Acquired a future draft pick from Sacramento for Marquis Daniels
Positive Effect: Boston needed an injection of youth to the wings and Jeff Green absolutely gives that. He was originally drafted by the Celtics, so now, he finally gets to play for the team that picked him.
Negative Effect: The thing that made the Celtics championship contenders was the fact that they had such strength and depth in the post. Now that Perkins is gone, that depth is gone.
Outcome: I don't think the Celtics are going to feel the loss of Perkins in the Eastern Conference portion of the playoffs, but if they reach the finals, I think they are really going to wish they still had him, especially if they get matched up with the Lakers again.
The Charlotte Bobcats Will Be Challenging for the Top Pick in 2012
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Trade(s): Acquired Joel Przybilla, Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, a conditional 2011 first-round pick, a conditional 2013 first-round pick from Portland for Gerald Wallace
Acquired D.J. White and Morris Peterson from Oklahoma City for Nazr Mohammed
Positive Effect: The two first-round picks from the Portland Trail Blazers are going to help in the Charlotte rebuilding process, but honestly, I don't know if there is a single championship-caliber player on the Bobcats roster.
Negative Effect: The Bobcats saved a lot of money by making these trades, but they traded away their only player that was worth anything when they shipped away Wallace.
Outcome: Looking at the Bobcats' 2012 roster I don't see them being capable of even thinking about a playoff spot and I think they would be more likely to finish with the worst record in the NBA.
The Chicago Bulls Will Regret Missing out on a Shooting Guard
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Trade(s): Acquired a 2011 first-round draft pick from Toronto (Miami) for James Johnson
Positive Effect: Moving James Johnson for a first-round pick seems like a great move for the Bulls. Johnson had only played in 13 games in Chicago this year and to get a first-round pick for a bench player feels like armed robbery.
Negative Effect: The Bulls have a chance to compete for a championship this year and obviously, Johnson wasn't going to be a huge part of that. The problem is, I think the Bulls could have used him as a piece to trade for a shooting guard, which they need more than a draft pick.
Outcome: Ultimately, this deal doesn't hurt the Bulls all that much this year. If they had gotten a shooting guard, I think the Bulls would be a lock to reach the Finals this year.
The Cleveland Cavaliers Helped the Rebuilding Process by Getting Baron Davis
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Trade(s): Acquired Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round pick from the Clippers for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon
Acquired Luke Harangody and Semih Erden from Boston for a 2013 second-round pick
Positive Effect: Although it seems like the Cavaliers took on a ton of money when they got Davis from the Clippers, they also are getting a lottery pick this year to go along with the one they already will have. So, when the lottery is set, the Cavs could end up having the top two picks in this year's draft.
Negative Effect: Like I said, Davis is owed a ton of money of they next two seasons and to be honest, I don't know how much he is going to be motivated to actually try in Cleveland. Mo Williams was at least somewhat motivated to help the team.
Outcome: If the draft was deeper this year, I would be willing to say the Cavs really got a great trade from the Clippers, however this draft is not that good and I don't know if they will be able to rebuild with guys picked in the first-round this year.
The Denver Nuggets Will Be Better After the Carmelo Anthony Trade
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Trade(s): Acquired Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, a 2014 first-round pick, a 2012 second-round pick, a 2013 second-round pick, and $3 million from New York for Carmelo Anthony, Chancey Billups, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman, and Shelden Williams
Acquired Kosta Koufos from Minnesota
Positive Effect: Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari will really help the Nuggets replace Carmelo Anthony. Sure, they aren't quite the same guy, but the whole trade demand really handcuffed the team and now that a deal is done, I think there is a weight off their shoulders and both Chandler and Gallinari will be able to step in and just play basketball.
Negative Effect: It's never easy losing a top 10 player, especially when he was the reason your team was competing in the very tough Western Conference.
Outcome: I don't know if the Nuggets are going to be able to get it together this year, but I think they got a very good package for Carmelo and they will be better in the future.
The Golden State Warriors Are Headed in the Right Direction
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Trade(s): Acquired Troy Murphy from New Jersey for Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright
Positive Effect: The Warriors did this so that they could then buy out Murphy and save themselves a lot of money going forward.
Negative Effect: Despite the desire to clear cap space, the Warriors could have used Gadzuric and Wright. Neither are really marquee guys, but they both are good role players that could help the Warriors make the playoff next year.
Outcome: I know the Warriors have been to the playoffs just once in the last decade, but I trust the people that are running this team now. They have a good young nucleus and with a few more pieces, they could develop into a legitimate playoff team going forward.
The Houston Rockets Will Be Back in the Playoffs Next Year
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Trade(s): Acquired Goran Dragic and a future first-round pick from Phoenix for Aaron Brooks
Acquired Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll a future first-round pick from Memphis for Shane Battier and Ish Smith
Positive Effect: Houston needed to make some changes in order to get back to playoff contention and adding a center in Thabeet, although he is raw, and two first-round picks really make Houston an interesting team going forward.
Negative Effect: Losing Battier is tough. He is one of the best defensive wing players in the NBA and he was one of the few guys that could slow down Kobe Bryant.
Outcome: I think it will take time for the Rockets to be contenders, but I think they have enough interesting pieces that they could be a real factor in the playoff picture...in 2012
The LA Clippers Will Make the Playoffs in 2012
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Trade(s): Acquired Mo Williams and Jamario Moon from Cleveland for Baron Davis and a 2011 first-round pick
Positive Effect: The Clippers not only upgraded the point guard position with a guy that plays with passion in Williams, they upgraded the small forward position with the high-flier Moon. They also save a ton of money going forward.
Negative Effect: The downside of the trade is the fact that they ditched their first round pick, which happens to be a lottery pick. However, it seems like the Clips have all the guys needed to really compete on the roster right now, so this might turn out to be a wash.
Outcome: I really like Williams and Moon on the Clippers. I think they could end up being a solid team in 2012 that could end up making the playoffs.
The Memphis Grizzlies Will Provide the Toughest First-Round Matchup This Year
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Trade(s): Acquired Shane Battier and Ish Smith from Houston for Hasheem Thabeet DeMarre Carroll and a future first-round pick
Positive Effect: Memphis turned two non-productive players into a legitimate defensive stopper. Sure they had to send a future first-round pick to Houston to get it done, but for a team that has a ton of talent I don't know that they will miss the pick.
Negative Effect: If the Grizzlies think the roster they have right now is going to win a championship, they are gravely mistaken. Sure they are a playoff team but they don't have a high ceiling.
Outcome: The Grizzlies are young, athletic, and hungry. Looking at their possible first-round matchups it seems like Memphis could steal a series from one of the older teams that have a tough time dealing with athleticism.
The Minnesota Timberwolves Will Make a Free Agent Splash
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Trade(s): Acquired Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry from New York for Corey Brewer
Positive Effect: The Timberwolves have a few nice young players and by getting the fat Eddy Curry expiring contract from New York they are going to have a lot of cap room to make a signing this offseason. Randolph is also a nice prospect that has a chance to progress in the right system.
Negative Effect: The tough part of the trade is going to be trying to convince someone to sign in Minnesota.
Outcome: I think with all the cap room Minnesota has, plus the young talent currently on the roster, a solid veteran looking to lead a team could end up signing with the Wolves this year.
The New Jersey Nets Will Re-Sign Deron Williams
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Trade(s): Acquired Deron Williams from Utah for Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, a 2011 first-round draft pick and a 2012 first-round draft pick
Acquired Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright from Golden State for Troy Murphy
Positive Effect: Getting Williams from Utah is the move that Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has been trying to make since he bought the team. It gives the Nets a marquee player capable of building a team around.
Negative Effect: Williams is slated for free agency in 2012 and unless the Nets can sign him to a long-term deal they could be looking at a historically bad franchise going forward.
Outcome: Ultimately I think Williams does sign in Utah and the Nets become a threat to sign some marquee free agent in 2012.
This Will Be the New Orleans Hornets' Last Playoff Run with Chris Paul
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Trade(s): Acquired Carl Landry from Sacramento for Marcus Thornton
Positive Effect: The Hornets grabbed Carl Landry who is a real legit power forward from the Kings for Thornton who deserved more playing time than he was getting. Landry gives the Hornets some good depth in the front court.
Negative Effect: Not many know this but currently the NBA is in control of the Hornets so all of their moves have to be agreed upon by commissioner David Stern. Not only do I think the Hornets are going to have a tough time consistently fielding a winning team, but they could end up being contracted if a collective bargaining agreement isn't reached quickly.
Outcome: Chris Paul is slated for free agency in 2012 and I think this could be his last season in New Orleans. I don't think it has anything to do with this trade and everything to do with the state of the franchise.
The New York Knicks Will Be Contenders in the East Next Year, Not This Year
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Trade(s): Acquired Carmelo Anthony, Chancey Billups, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman and Shelden Williams from Denver for Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofy Mozgov, a 2014 first-round pick, a 2012 second-round pick, a 2013 second-round pick and $3 million
Acquired Corey Brewer from Minnesota for Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph
Positive Effect: The Knicks were trying to put together a few super stars like the Heat during free agency this year, but all they could muster was Amare Stoudemire. With this trade they now have a legit second super star.
Negative Effect: The Knicks paid a steep price for Anthony and it could end up hurting them in the future.
Outcome: I don't think the Knicks are going to be legitimate contenders this year but after going through an offseason together they will be competing for a championship next year and could end up being one of the best teams in the East.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Will Be in the Western Conference Finals
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Trade(s): Acquired Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson from Boston for Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic, a 2012 first-round pick and cash
Acquired Nazr Mohammed from Charlotte for Morris Peterson and D.J. White
Positive Effect: The biggest problem surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder was the fact that they lacked depth inside to compete with the likes of the Lakers, however these two trades both erase that problem.
Negative Effect: Jeff Green was Kevin Durant's best friend and he was part of a group of Thunder players who really seemed to enjoy being together. The big question is how the chemistry will be changed by this move.
Outcome: If you could buy stock in a team my Oklahoma City stock would be at all-time high and ready to explode. I think this move is the start of the changing of the guard in the West where Oklahoma City will be the marquee team in the conference going forward.
The Phoenix Suns Have Their Steve Nash Replacement in Aaron Brooks
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Trade(s): Acquired Aaron Brooks from Houston for Goran Dragic and a future first-round pick
Positive Effect: Goran Dragic was once dubbed as the Steve Nash replacement however the fact that he is a much different type of player really hurt that opinion. Brooks isn't quite a Nash-type either but he is a little more what the Suns are looking for.
Negative Effect: I really don't understand why the Suns gave up a first-round pick for Dragic. Brooks isn't worth the future of the Suns' franchise, it seems like trade was a steep price to pay for a guy like that.
Outcome: I think the Suns are going to need move Steve Nash to rebuild their franchise. Brooks could end up being a good lead guard if there is enough talent around him and using Nash as a trade piece would be a good start.
The Portland Trailblazers Made the Steal of the Trade Deadline
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Trade(s): Acquired Gerald Wallace from Charlotte for Joel Pryzbilla, Dante Cunningham, Sean Marks, a conditional 2011 first-round pick and a conditional 2013 first-round pick
Positive Effect: Aside from the injuries that have kept Greg Oden off the floor in Portland the biggest weakness for the Trail Blazers was the fact that Brandon Roy is no longer the player he used to be. His knees are toast. Wallace is a great addition to help the Blazers deal with Roy's lack of explosion.
Negative Effect: The two conditional picks are tough to overcome but they are lottery protected so I think it shouldn't be that tough to overcome.
Outcome: I really don't understand how the Bobcats could decide to suddenly take themselves out of playoff contention by trading one of their best players, but the Blazers leapt at the opportunity and they look a lot better for it.
The Sacramento Kings Have Struck Gold in Marcus Thornton
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Trade(s): Acquired Marcus Thornton from New Orleans for Carl Landry
Positive Effect: Marcus Thornton is one of the most underrated combo guards in the NBA. He is a poor man's Monta Ellis and the Kings got him for a very fair price and the Hornets didn't use him nearly as well as they could have.
Negative Effect: When looking at the Kings I do worry that they will turn into the newer version of the Jail-Blazers from the early 2000s. They have a bunch of guys that could end up destroying the franchise and although I think Thornton has his heads on his shoulders, being with the Kings could have a negative influence on him.
Outcome: The Kings appear to be the biggest boom or bust team in the NBA right now. They have a few of the most talented youngsters in the league but they have a few headcases that could end up being the downfall of the team. I think Thornton is a good player for them to bring in because I think he is a quality guy. Hopefully he doesn't get influenced by the problematic guys on the roster.
The Toronto Raptors Need Draft Picks Not James Johnson
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Trade(s): Acquired James Johnson from Chicago for Miami's 2011 first-round pick
Positive Effect: James Johnson has started all three games he has played in since being traded to the Raptors. He hasn't broken the double-digit point barrier, but he is a nice player for a team that doesn't have a lot of talent right now.
Negative Effect: No matter how I look at it I can't understand how the Raptors could justify giving up a first-round pick for Johnson.
Outcome: The Raptors are a long way from being a playoff contender in the East and this move looks like it has taken them farther from the playoffs, not closer.
The Utah Jazz Made the Right Move for the Future of Their Franchise
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Trade(s): Acquired Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, and 2012 and 2013 first-round picks from New Jersey for Deron Williams
Positive Effect: Deron Williams was going to be leaving Utah in 2012 so the Jazz did what teams should do in this situation, moved him in order to make the team better going forward. They got talent in Harris and Favors as well as picks to get themselves better in the long term.
Negative Effect: Losing Williams is tough because he gave them the best chance to win.
Outcome: The Jazz made the right move in shipping Williams to New Jersey and the package that they got in return was outstanding. They weren't a championship team they way they were currently built but by moving Williams they raised the ceiling of the franchise.
The Washington Wizards Are Closer to Being Contenders Than You Might Think
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Trade(s): Acquired Mike Bibby, Maurice Evans, Jordan Crawford and a 2011 first-round pick from Atlanta for Kirk Hinrich and Hilton Armstrong
Positive Effect: The Wizards have a lot of young talent and a game changing player in John Wall but they weren't going to get any better by having Wall split time with Hinrich. Now the Wizards have Evans and Crawford to play on the wings for the Wizards. They also have the first-round pick to go along with the lottery pick they already have.
Negative Effect: Losing Armstrong is tough because the Wizards could use some depth in the front court.
Outcome: Putting another solid lottery pick and a late-round first round pick with John Wall and JaVale McGee could make the Wizards one of the better young players in the Eastern Conference that is ready to make the leap.
