With the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline complete, it’s now time to evaluate all the moves and discuss which teams are winners and losers. Note that this list is strictly for trades made within the few days prior to the trade deadline. So deals such as the Pascal Siakam or James Harden trade will not be accounted for, and any free agent signings from players that got bought out or waived will not be included either.
Winner: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks shook things up this season, as they acquired forward OG Anunoby earlier this year from the Toronto Raptors. However, even removing that move from the equation, the Knicks still had an amazing trade deadline. They made a deal with the struggling Detroit Pistons, bringing in Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic, Heading out was Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Quintin Grimes, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two 2nd round picks. The fact that New York was able to receive this package without giving up a 1st round pick was quite shocking, especially with the way Bogdanovic has played this season.
Bogey is averaging 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on 46.8/41.5/77.9 shooting splits while Burks is averaging 12.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 39.4/40.1/90.3 splits. Both of these players will add depth and bench scoring to the red-hot Knicks and this team will have a legit shot to compete for a deep playoff run this postseason.
Loser: Chicago Bulls
Despite being rumored to be sellers during the deadline, the Chicago Bulls stood pat and did not make any moves. This was a puzzling decision considering the state of the current team, as they are stuck in mediocrity with no direction. Currently the 9th seed at 25-28, the Bulls are in the worst possible position as an NBA team; not good enough to compete for a deep playoff run but not bad enough for a top 5 pick.
With players such as DeMar Derozan and Andre Drummond becoming free agents at the end of the season. It was assumed that the front office would trade them away to get some value in return but by holding onto them and attempting to be competitive the rest of the season, they risk losing both players for nothing this July. Defensive menace Alex Caruso was another name on the trade block, and with his production and contract, teams would be willing to give up a 1st round pick for his services. Instead, Caruso will now remain in the Windy City and this organization will continue to be stuck in “no man’s land” for another season.
Winner: Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs added some much needed front court depth this off season, acquiring Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards for Richaun Holmes and a first-round pick. Dallas also brought in P.J. Washington and 2 second-round picks from the Charlotte Hornets in return for Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a future first-round pick.
Gafford will provide an extra big body behind rookie Dereck Lively II while still being young and cheap for his on-court production. The center will be another lob threat for superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. As for Washington, he’ll provide spacing at the power forward position for the Mavs and in specific situations, he can play the small ball center. He will be an upgrade over off-season signing Grant Williams and he’ll fit nicely alongside the dynamic duo.
Loser: Toronto Raptors
After trading away Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby earlier this season, it seemed like the Toronto Raptors were entering a rebuild/retool this season. However, with the moves the Canadian team made this trade deadline, the front office’s view for the remaining of the season is now more confusing than ever. A young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley seemed like a good starting point for the future of this team. With tradable assets like Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, and Dennis Schroder, the Raps could have gotten some nice returns for these players talents. Instead, Toronto seemed to be “buyers” rather than “sellers” this deadline.
First, the team acquired Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji for Otto Porter Jr., Kira Lewis Jr., and a first-round pick. The Raptors don’t have their 2024 first-round pick, as it was dealt in the Jakob Poeltl trade last season. It is top-6 protected and if the season ended today, that pick would be 7th overall in the draft. Instead of going all-in for a rebuild and hoping to retain rights to their 2024 draft pick, they decided to double-down on this season and compete for a play-in spot. While Agbaji is still a young player who can develop into a quality piece for this team, giving up a first-round pick for Kelly Olynyk who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer was questionable.
The Raptors also traded away Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young for Spencer Dinwiddie, who was then waived. While it’s understandable this move was to clear cap space for this offseason, its head scratching that this package couldn’t bring back a pick, even if it was a second rounder.
Recap
Overall, this trade deadline wasn’t as eventful compared to past years. Despite the lack of star players moved, quality pieces still switched teams that will help teams compete this postseason, and it will be interesting to see which trades end up being the most impactful at the end of the year.