There is always plenty of movement whenever the NBA Trade Deadline comes around, and this year was no different. I will breakdown the best to the worst Trade Deadline moves in the 2019-20 season.

Great

Minnesota Timberwolves:

In: D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, Omari Spellman, James Johnson, Malik Beasley, Juan Hernangomez, Evan Turner, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2020 First-Round Pick via Nets (Lottery Protected)

Out: Andrew Wiggins, 2021 First Round Pick (Top 3 protection) 2021 Second Round Pick, Gorgui Dieng, Keita Bates-Diop, Shabazz Napier, Noah Vonleh

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired 2019 All-Star Guard D’Angelo Russell from the Golden State Warriors. The Timberwolves have had trouble finding themselves in the win column ever since the acquisition of star Center Karl-Anthony Towns via the 2015 NBA Draft. The team has tried to find ways to win with the young core of Towns and wing Andrew Wiggins. To no avail, it was time for the Wolves to work a trade. Not only is it a great trade for the Wolves to add a proven offensive threat with Karl-Anthony Towns, they were also able to move Andrew Wiggins’ terrible contract without sacrificing their 2020 First Round Draft Pick. On top of moving the Wiggins contract, they also completely revamped their bench adding several key role-players at every position. The Timberwolves know they have a special talent in Towns and are not wasting time any longer. This is the best trade of the deadline.

Atlanta Hawks:

In: Clint Capela, Dewayne Dedmon, Skal Labissiere, Nene (Waived), 2020 Second Round Pick, 2021 Second Round Pick

Out: Alex Len, Jabari Parker, Evan Turner

The Atlanta Hawks made the first big move of the Trade Deadline. Atlanta added former Houston Rockets Center Clint Capela in the first few hours of the day Wednesday. Capela has been a proven big man in the league with plenty of playoff experience. The Hawks currently have Trae Young, who was voted an All-Star starter in just his second season. Adding Clint Capela creates opportunities for young stud John Collins who has been a key contributor in the post for the Hawks. Atlanta sees the potential in the young core they have and wanted to make moves sooner rather than later to compete in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta was also able to add a few future draft picks as well in the deal and parted ways with a few role-players to create the cap space for the move. Adding a 25-year-old player who has played in multiple playoff series creates a very stable foundation for Atlanta moving forward and is a great trade overall.

Miami Heat

In: Andre Iguodala, Solomon Hill, Jae Crowder

Out: Justice Winslow, Dion Waiters, James Johnson

The Miami Heat did exactly what they wanted to do at the Trade Deadline. They wanted to add veteran wings who can defend but maintain their young core and Max Salary Cap Room in 2021. The Heat were able to add former Finals MVP, Andre Iguodala, who has yet to play any minutes this season. The Heat also added veteran wing Jae Crowder who is known for his defense, along with Solomon Hill. The Heat gave up a very good prospect in Justice Winslow who has been battling injuries this season and last, playing in only 77 of the last 131 games for the Heat. They were able to dump the contracts of Dion Waiters and James Johnson who have seen minimal playing time this season and opened cap space for 2020 as well. Iguodala signed a 2-year extension with Miami including a team-option for 2021 incase the Heat need to free up more cap space. Overall, not giving up much young talent as well as adding veterans to a top team in the East makes this a great trade for Miami.

Philadelphia 76ers:

In: Alec Burks, Glen Robinson III, Second Round Pick via ORL

Out: James Ennis, 2020 Second Round Pick via DAL, 2021 Second Round Pick via DEN, 2022 Second Round Pick via Toronto

The Philadelphia 76ers have been a threat in the Eastern Conference for the past few seasons. The team is led by All-Stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Despite having a competitive record in the Eastern Conference standings, it has been clear the team was not built to make a deep playoff run. The 76ers have been lacking perimeter scoring, despite replacing All-Star Jimmy Butler with Josh Richardson. It has been very clear this season that the 76ers needed more fire power to assist their star core. Philadelphia added two key perimeter players from the Golden State Warriors in Alec Burks and Glen Robinson III. Adding these two perimeter scorers will pay many dividends for the offense as this will spread the floor to allow Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid more room to work within the paint. The best part about this trade for the 76ers is that they did not have to give up a First Round Pick in this deal. Philadelphia had obvious holes in the roster and made a great move to fill them.

Good

New York Knicks:

In: Maurice Harkless, LAC 2020 First Round Pick, 2021 Pick Swamp LAC, 2021 First Round Pick via DET

Out: Marcus Morris

The New York Knicks have been far from competitive this season. After missing out on superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the team made a seemingly less thought out attempt to make the team competitive. This summer the Knicks signed several role players to surround rookie RJ Barrett, who was selected with the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. This plan never panned out as the team currently holds the third worst record in the Eastern Conference and has shown little to no signs of potential. The Knicks were able to move a player who can be a key piece to a contending team while obtaining a return beneficial to their growth. The Knicks traded Marcus Morris and received 3 future draft picks over the next 2 years. The Knicks are in a clear rebuild mode, and now have the assets to either improve in the draft or trade for an impact player in the future. This was a very good trade for the franchise as they stand currently.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

In: Andre Drummond

Out: Brandon Knight, John Henson, 2023 Second Round Pick via CLE/GS (worst of the two)

The Cleveland Cavaliers are another team that has been struggling to find wins in the 2019-20 campaign. The Cavs are the worst team in the Eastern Conference with a 13-39 record. Despite the growing pains of the young team, the Cavs made a late move as the Trade Deadline was nearing a close and acquired two-time All-Star Andre Drummond. As far as what the team had to give up, this is a phenomenal trade. Cleveland gave up two bench players and a 2023 draft pick. Drummond has been a very successful player statistically his entire career and is only 26 years old. The Cavaliers pulled off the steal of the Deadline, but the fit is awkward to say the least with the way the roster is constructed. Star Forward, Kevin Love, has shown displeasure with the franchise most of this season in large part due to the lack of success from the team. The Cavaliers also still have Center Tristan Thompson on the roster and have no plans of parting ways with him. The Cavaliers seem to be trying to make moves to be competitive, but this year it is too little too late. Drummond also can opt to become a free agent and leave the team this summer. For the asking price of Drummond its nearly impossible to pass on the chance to try and convince him to stay long term and build the young core around him. It may be a weird fit, but this is a good trade for a fanbase that needs a spark.

Denver Nuggets:

In: Gerald Green, Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan McRae, Noah Vonleh, 2020 First Round Pick via HOU

Out: Malik Beasley, Juan Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt

The Denver Nuggets have been a big threat in the Western Conference all year. The Nuggets are 36-16 on the year and are in 3rd place in the Western Conference. Despite being one of the better teams in the association, they found ways to improve at the Deadline. Denver added 4 players to add depth to their already stacked roster. Denver was mostly a facilitator for bigger trades during the deadline but made sure they were compensated for making the numbers work in the Rockets/Hawks trade. Denver was able to sneak out of the four-team trade with a 2020 first round pick without giving up much themselves. 2020 First Round Picks are hard to come by this off season due to a lackluster projected free agency class. This was a very well-played deadline for Denver, and they have created an opportunity to continue competing this season as well as improve in the future.

Los Angeles Clippers:

In: Marcus Morris, Isaiah Thomas (Waived)

Out: Derrick Walton Jr, Moe Harkless, 2020 First Round Pick via LAC, 2021 Pick Swamp LAC, 2021 Second Round Pick via DET

Just like the Denver, the Los Angeles Clippers are also a top team looking to improve their roster. The Clippers have the 2nd most wins in the Western Conference sitting at 36-15. The Clippers added 2019 Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard and 6-time all star Paul George this summer, instantly throwing them into the championship hunt. The Clippers were not complacent with the roster as it stood and took charge in adding more depth. As the Clippers plan to compete for the foreseeable future, they have little use for draft picks. The Clippers flipped 3 draft picks to add Marcus Morris, a strong two-way player who can play both the wing and in the post. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George missing significant time throughout the regular season, Morris adds needed depth and scoring to a roster that has its focus on post-season basketball. This is a strong move by Los Angeles, and it is clear their only goal is to win now.

Memphis Grizzlies:

In: Justice Winslow, Gorgui Dieng, Jordan Bell, Dion Waiters (Waived)

Out: Andre Iguodala, Bruno Caboclo, Jae Crowder, Solomon Hill

The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most exciting teams in the NBA this season. Led by Rookie Ja Morant and 2nd year Forward Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies are currently sitting in 8th place in the western conference. Despite the young groups above expected results this year, 2015 Finals MVP Andre Iguodala refused to join the team despite being traded to the team this summer. This gave Memphis a strong asset to try and improve their roster at the risk of having a player on their team that they cannot utilize. The Grizzlies were able to gain the number 10 overall pick from the 2015 Draft, Justice Winslow, in exchange for the veteran Iguodala. The move comes with its risks however as Winslow has been fighting injuries for the better part of the last year and a half and received no draft compensation if the experiment with Winslow does not work out. The addition of a young impact player when healthy is worth giving up a player who has not suited up for your team this year and raises the ceiling for this young team. If healthy, the Grizzlies are position to sneak into the playoffs and make some noise.

Okay

Washington Wizards:

In: Jerome Washington, Shabazz Napier

Out: Isaiah Thomas, Jordan McRae

The Washington Wizards have not had much success this season. Star Point Guard John Wall has been sidelined since last season and is not expected to return until the 2020-21 season, and their star Shooting Guard Bradley Beal has also been banged up this season. The Wizards do not have a roster that they want to blow up and start from scratch but also are not in position to compete this year. The Wizards traded average bench players for more average bench players and are essentially in the same position they were a week ago. Nothing really changed in Washington this go around.

Sacramento Kings:

In: Jabari Parker, Alex Len

Out: Dewayne Dedmon, 2020 2nd Round, 2021 2nd Round

The Sacramento Kings have been leaning on young Stars De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, and Buddy Hield this season. The Kings have the third worst record in the heavily talented Western Conference but have built a roster that can compete on any night with any team and will find their way around as they gain more experience. The Kings gave up a few 2nd round picks and the large contract of veteran Center Dewayne Dedmon in return for two solid post players. The Kings are currently heavily stacked in the front court so Len and Parker might not see much playing time. But they do add some competition within the roster.

Portland Trailblazers:

Out: Skal Labissiere

The Portland Trailblazers stayed relatively silent this deadline. The Blazers have been on a bit of a roll over the last 11 games as Superstar Point Guard Damion Lillard has been destroying everyone in his sight. The Blazers traded Skal Labissiere for cash considerations, not a huge move by any means.

Bad

Houston Rockets:

In: Robert Covington, 2024 Second Round Pick via GS

Out: Clint Capela, Nene, 2020 First Round Pick

The Houston Rockets have been hunting for a Finals Appearance for the better part of 5 years now. The team has paired Superstar James Harden with several star players such as Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and now Russell Westbrook. Paul and Harden nearly knocked off Golden State Warriors in the 2018 Conference Finals, taking the series to a Game 7. But the Rockets are trying everything in their power to get to the top, and they have made yet another roster change in hopes of winning. Houston traded Center Clint Capela to the Atlanta

Hawks for Robert Covington and a 2024 Second Round draft pick. This move does not seem to improve Houston as much as it hurts them. Adding a perimeter scorer in Robert Covington fills a hole that needs filled, but in the process the Rockets gave up their 2020 first round pick and starting Center with no other big men left on the team. As the roster stands now the Rockets plan to start PJ Tucker, who stands at 6’5 at the Center position, in a conference filled with very skilled big-men. This is a very risky move for Houston that leaves them with no cushion if it does not work out this year. The risk does not add up to the reward they are looking for and this will go down as one of the worst trades for Houston in a very long time.

Golden State Warriors:

In: Andrew Wiggins, 2021 First Round Pick (Top 3 protection) via MIN, 2021 Second Round Pick via MIN, 2020 Second Round Pick via DAL, 2021 Second Round Pick via DEN, 2022 Second Round Pick via Toronto

Out: D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, Omari Spellman, Alec Burks, Glenn Robinson III

The Golden State Warriors are much different than the team we knew a year ago. Last year, Golden State was looking to win their 3rd straight championship behind the team filled with 5 former All-Stars, and a deep rotation. Now the Golden State Warriors are the worst team in the entire NBA and are fighting injuries and themselves to stay relevant. The Warriors traded 3 key role players to this year’s team, including former All-Star D’Angelo Russell. Getting rid of these players is not a bad move considering the result of the team this season, but what they brought back in return is what will doom this team. Andrew Wiggins has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves since he was drafted number one overall 2014. He has yet to prove he was worth that selection as he has never made an All-Star game or All-NBA team. Wiggins is set to make an average of $29.5 Million through the 2022-23 season. The Warriors when healthy are known for their three-point shooting and defense to win them games, both of which are not Wiggins strongpoints. The Warriors are now stuck on this hefty contract, with a player who does not fit, and did not receive the very coveted 2020 first round pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors could’ve asked for much more when taking on Andrew Wiggins but failed to do so.

Detroit Pistons:

In: Brandon Knight, John Henson, 2023 Second Round Pick via CLE/GS (worst of the two)

Out: Andre Drummond

The Detroit Pistons have been a struggling team for a long time. They have had marginal success behind their star Center Andre Drummond. Drummond has competed in 2 All-Star games over his career and is only 26 years old. The Pistons took a gamble in acquiring former All-Star Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers, but the move never translated into wins. It was clear the team was not moving forward with the current roster and was not close to being a contending team in the East. Moving Drummond was a clear option for Detroit, but the return they received was embarrassing. Drummond was most likely going to leave Detroit this summer, clearing up the same cap space they would free up by trading him. Detroit failed to secure any first-round picks, young prospects to build from, or anything of value to their current team. This trade is as lopsided as it gets in favor of the Cleveland Cavaliers and this must be a tough pill to swallow for Detroit Fans considering the current state of Detroit Sports. Hang in there Detroit fans, it can’t be this bad forever.

Los Angeles Lakers:

In: None

Out: None

The Los Angeles Lakers have been the best team in the Western Conference this year, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the best players on the planet. It is hard to fault a team that is winning as consistently as Los Angeles. But there are a few factors as to why the Trade Deadline was very bad for the Lakers. The Lakers have had very poor play from the perimeter. There has not been one single player who has stepped up as far as ball handling or perimeter shooting outside of LeBron James this season. The Lakers also have a young talent in Kyle Kuzma who has struggled to fit in well with the addition of Anthony Davis. The Lakers have a very short window to win as LeBron just turned 35 this year and Anthony Davis is expected to enter free agency this summer. This is a bad time to sit still at the Deadline for the Lakers and they now must focus on the buyout market and free agents to compete for a championship.