This season’s trade deadline may not have been what anyone expected but it did provide some raised eyebrows and head scratches. In between surprise non-trades (Kyle Lowry) and less compelling trades (Nemanja Bjelica, Daniel Theis, Brad Wanamaker), there were mid-season moves that will, at very least, make the upcoming playoffs — and play-in games — all the more interesting.
Victor Oladipo (28)
After being on the Houston Rockets’ roster for less than three months Oladipo is headed to the Miami Heat. The star guard, who became an All-Star with the Indiana Pacers, has suffered some injury setbacks over the past couple of seasons and has yet to get back to his best form. Both this season and last rumours swirled about his desire to play for a contending team and now one imagines he will be more enthusiastic about his future. In him, the Heat gain a scoring wing who has defensive capabilities that should fit nicely into the Heat’s Culture. Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk and picks head to the Rockets.
Evan Fournier (28)
Coming off of a hot few games, Fournier has capped his week off by landing with the Boston Celtics. Although the versatile guard does not have extensive playoff experience, having played for the Orlando Magic since 2014, it is expected that his ability to shoot and create his own shot will help the Celtics out with spacing and add to their scoring prowess. He was acquired in exchange for Jeff Teague (who might be waived) and draft picks.
Nikola Vučević (30)
The lone Orlando Magic All-Star for this year and star scoring centre was moved to the Chicago Bulls, in effect getting the ball rolling for the Magic to begin rebuilding. Along with him, the Magic sent forward Al-Farouq Aminu. The Bulls sent back Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter and draft picks.
Aaron Gordon (25)
Recently it was reported that Gordon asked to be traded from the Magic and he has got his wish as he heads to the Denver Nuggets. He has struggled with some injuries over the past couple of seasons and since he was drafted there the Magic have not had much playoff success. He will now get a much greater chance of winning at least the conference in Denver. The Magic received Gary Harris, R.J. Hampton and a draft pick in exchange.
Rajon Rondo (35)
The veteran point guard who just won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers has been with the Atlanta Hawks since the top of the season. He now joins the Los Angeles Clippers because of their well noted need for a capable, battle-tested point guard particularly when it comes to playoff time. He came in exchange for the Clips’ veteran marksman Lou Williams, a couple of second-round picks and cash considerations.
Norman Powell (27)
The Toronto Raptors versatile shooting guard has proven himself indispensable as a shooter and defender over the past few years. His trade to the Portland Trailblazers gives them an explosive player who has championship experience as they look to make a deep playoff run. The Raptors receive two shooting guards in Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.
JJ Redick (36)
After signing with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 and ending his record 13-year playoff streak, the veteran shooter has experienced some lulls in his play this season. He now moves to the Dallas Mavericks where he will be an additional offensive weapon to the Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis-led team.
JaVale McGee (33)
Coming off a championship run with the Lakers, McGee was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he has been drawing interest across the league in a shallow market of solid centres this season. He will now join the Nuggets for the second time in his career where he will offer some defensive reprieve to star centre and MVP frontrunner Nikola Jokić. The Cavaliers receive Isaiah Hartenstein and draft picks.
George Hill (34)
After the Bucks’ playoff exit last season, the veteran point guard was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He now joins the overall second-seed Philadelphia Sixers who are looking to go further than where they’ve been this season. Hill’s expertise will fortify the Sixers’ punch particularly for the second unit. The trade was executed by way of three teams and included Tony Bradley, Terrance Ferguson, Austin Rivers and draft picks.
Editor’s note: The trade deadline was littered with notable trades, especially with Victor Oladipo’s trade to the Miami Heat happening after the deadline concluded. This was a relatively quiet year compared to past NBA seasons, but there were still some major moves involved, we suggest that you watch the attached video for a deeper overview.
