The NBA trade deadline ended yesterday some smart moves, some questionable ones and plenty of surprises. This is a breakdown of the moves with the most impact on the league and playoff considerations, and what it means for the teams moving forward.
Carmelo goes to the Knicks in three-team trade
New York Knicks (29-26) get:
F Carmelo Anthony, G Chauncey Billups, F Renaldo Blackman, G Anthony Carter, C Sheldon Williams
Denver Nuggets (34-25) get:
F Wilson Chandler, G Raymond Felton, F Danilo Gallinari, C Kosta Koufous, C Timofey Mozgov, $3 million, 2014 first-round pick (from Knicks), 2012 and 2013 second round picks (from Knicks, originally owned by Golden State Warriors)
Minnesota Timberwolves (13-45) get:
C Eddy Curry, F Anthony Randolph, 2015 second-round pick (from Nuggets), $3 million
Carmelo Anthony went to the team he truly wanted to play for and gives the Knicks a dynamic duo with him and Amar’e Stoudemire. Denver got plenty in the trade and shouldn’t end up like the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers when their franchise players left. Felton and Gallinari were good offensive additions with Anthony’s departure.
Nets settle for Deron Williams
New Jersey Nets (17-40) get:
G Deron Williams
Utah Jazz (31-27) get:
F Derrick Favors, G Devin Harris, 2011 first-round pick (from Nets), 2012 first-round pick (from Nets, originally owned by Warriors), cash considerations
No one saw this coming as New Jersey snatched up Deron Williams for less than they were offering for Carmelo Anthony. Utah avoids Williams’ 2012 contract negotiations and gets a former All-Star point guard and young, big man with potential.
Cavs get Davis for Williams and Moon
Cleveland Cavaliers (10-47) get:
G Baron Davis, 2011 first-round pick (from Clippers)
Los Angeles Clippers (21-37) get:
F Jamario Moon, G Mo Williams
Cleveland continues to rebuild post-LeBron James with a former All-Star. The Clippers made this move to let Blake Griffin know it’s his team. Williams waived the early termination option in his contract so he will be with the Clippers until at least 2012-13.
Celtics’ Perkins to Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder (36-20) get:
C Kendrick Perkins, G Nate Robinson
Boston Celtics (41-15) get:
F Jeff Green, C Nenad Krstic, future first-round pick (from Thunder)
Perhaps the most shocking deal on deadline day, Boston broke up a starting lineup that never lost a playoff series when healthy. The Celtics lose defense without Perkins but gain more offense and depth with Green and Krstic. But if Shaquille O’Neal isn’t healthy for the playoffs, they could be in trouble. Green is a restricted free agent this summer but could fit in well as a role player with the Big Three in Boston like Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis. Krysic is also on an expiring contract. Oklahoma City is looking for a defensive anchor to match up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Perkins’ contract is expiring but Robinson’s is not.
Trail Blazers add depth with Bobcats’ Wallace
Portland Trailblazers (32-25) get:
F Gerald Wallace
Charlotte Bobcats (25-32) get:
F Dante Cunningham, C Joel Przybilla, C Sean Marks, 2011 first-round pick (from New Orleans Hornets) and 2013 first-round pick, cash considerations
With LaMarcus Aldridge carrying the team and Brandon Roy returning, Portland bought some depth at forward in its playoff push. Charlotte is looking at the future by eliminating some long-term salary weight and adding draft picks.
NBA Championship Odds (provided by Titan Bet)
Miami Heat: 2/1
Los Angeles Lakers: 13/4
Boston Celtics: 4/1
San Antonio Spurs: 9/2
Orlando Magic: 14/1
Dallas Mavericks: 16/1
Chicago Bulls: 20/1
Oklahoma City Thunder: 20/1
New Orleans Hornets: 50/1
New York Knicks: 50/1