There’s always a lot of activity as the trade deadline nears, but not always the number of blockbuster trades we witnessed this week.
Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks: Although this trade happened days before the deadline, it was still shocking to most. I have to say that I was surprised to see Dallas as a landing spot for Kyrie. It was wise for the Brooklyn Nets to trade him at his request rather than letting him walk as a free agent at the season’s end and get nothing in return for the team. It will be interesting to see how Kyrie plays with the Mavericks’ star, Luka Doncic. These two fill the same role, so they could play well together, or things could be rocky for a while. It is good to see Dallas making moves to build around Luka, but getting a more prominent big would have been more beneficial at this point. Kyrie made his debut with the Mavericks on Wednesday and put up 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Luka was unavailable for the game due to an injury.
Kevin’s new gig (photo Sky Sports)
Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns: This was probably the most shocking trade of the deadline. It was no surprise that Durant asked for a trade after Kyrie left, but I did not think teams had enough time actually to make it happen. Phoenix is not a bad place to land, especially since the Nets would not want to trade him within the Eastern Conference. It is impressive that Phoenix acquired a player like Durant while still holding onto Booker, Paul, and Deandre Ayton. I do not necessarily think that the Suns were one player away from being back to a championship-caliber team, but there is no denying the impact of a player like Durant. The Suns have had a less-than-stellar season with a record of 30-27, making them the sixth seed and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. After seeing the shortcomings in Brooklyn’s blockbuster “Big 3” (Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden), I would be hesitant to put complete faith in the Suns’ new trio (Durant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker), but I like his fit on the team. As Durant makes his way to Phoenix, he will not only have to learn to play with a whole new team in a news conference but is also returning from injury. This is an excellent acquisition for the Suns, but it is too late to redeem this season.
D’Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell will be returning to the Lakers in a move that makes sense. But I do not see him having a huge impact, even though I’m sure he’ll play some decent minutes. This year Russell is averaging 17.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. It is no secret that things were not going well with his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, who clarified that they were open to trade options for him. The more significant part of this trade was the Lakers getting rid of Russell Westbrook in a 3-team deal with the Timberwolves and Utah Jazz, which I’ll discuss next.
Hello, Utah! (photo, Fadeaway World)
Russell Westbrook from the LA Lakers to the Utah Jazz: Russell Westbrook is now with the Jaz, but the big question is, how long? Many analysts speculate that he will be bought out of his current contract, available to sign elsewhere. Rumors suggest the Los Angeles Clippers or Miami Heat as his ultimate landing spot. I think Westbrook would make more sense with the Clippers’ roster with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and I could see him having a more significant impact there than in Miami. There is no denying that Westbrook has had a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career, but there is also no denying that his prime playing years are behind him.
These were just the headlines of a very eventful trade deadline. Some other notable trades include:
•Jae Crowder to the Milwaukee Bucks
•Pat Beverly to the Orlando Magic, Mo Bamba to the Los Angeles Lakers
•Gary Payton II to the Golden State Warriors
•James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons
•Mason Plumlee to the Los Angeles Clippers
•Bones Hyland to the Los Angeles Clippers
•Mike Muscala to the Boston Celtics
Memphis Grizzlies and the Miami Heat were quiet during the week.
The Grizzlies are confident and have never been shy about vocalizing that. Currently second in the West, I wonder if this team will be able to get over the hump by beating more experienced teams.
The Heat have had a disappointing year, sitting 6th in the East, a surprising position in that this is the same roster that went to the conference finals last season. The difference? Miami doesn’t seem to be playing with the fire it had in ’21-22. While a playoff run is possible, it’s hard for me to see anybody but the Celtics coming out of the East.
