The NBA didn’t have as many big deals as was projected; however, there were quite a few that might be significant.
Wolves trade Wiggins for Russell
Warriors get: Andrew Wiggins, top-three protected 2021 first-round pick, 2021 second-round pick
Grade: D-
Timberwolves get: D’Angelo Russell, Omari Spellman, Jacob Evans
Grade: A+
This deal is an incredible deal for the Timberwolves because of how Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell were teammates at Kentucky. However, for the Warriors it shows that they felt that the time was up for Russell. Even Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, said, “To be perfectly blunt, the fit was questionable when we signed him.” The funny part about all of this is that the Warriors said that they didn’t sign him to trade him. Nevertheless, this might not be a terrible deal for the Warriors. They get a young wing player, something that they have desperately needed, that averages around 22 points. Even though the Warriors are obviously not going to make the playoffs, they at least get something that they could use next season.
Rockets, Hawks, and Nuggets’ Threeway Deal
Houston Rockets get: Robert Covington, Jordan Bell
Grade: B+
Atlanta Hawks get: Clint Capela, Nene
Grade: A
Minnesota Timberwolves get: Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Evan Turner, Jarred Vanderbilt, first-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets that was transferred by the Hawks.
Grade: C
This deal is very controversial for the Rockets. Trading away Clint Capela leaves them with no center other than their G-League players. However, this puts their small-ball tactics to its limits. Their tallest player would be 6’9 Robert Covington. In a conference full of bully ball centers, Lakers’ Anthony Davis and Jazzs’ Rudy Gobert, the Rockets are left to rely on their perimeter defense and offense. The Hawks on the other hand, get a star center in Clint Capela and some much needed help for Trae Young. This deal doesn’t affect the Timberwolves much. They just get some assets and a FRP.
Heat Go All In
The Miami Heat get: Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill
Grade: A+
The Memphis Grizzlies get: Justise Winslow, Gorgui Dieng, Dion Waiters
Grade: B
Minnesota Timberwolves get: James Johnson
Grade: B-
This is an incredible deal for the Heat. They suddenly jump from a playoff team to contenders. Andre Iguadala, a tremendous defender with three rings and a finals MVP, is a fantastic addition to an already hot Miami Heat. The addition of Jae Crowder definitely helps too. The Grizzlies aren’t in a terrible spot either. They basically add Justise Winslow and Gorgui Dieng for almost nothing. The Timberwolves don’t significantly improve with the solid addition of veteran James Johnson.
Cavs Plan For The Future
Cleveland Cavaliers get: Andre Drummond
Grade: B+
Detroit Pistons get: John Henson, Brandon Knight, second-round pick
Grade: F–
This deal is simply a mind-boggler. First of all, how in the world did the Cavs turn absolutely nothing into the NBA’s leading rebounder? Second of all, why would the Cavs ever turn two expiring contracts into one expiring contract? The Cavs might be trying to sell their culture so that he signs with them next year, accelerating their rebuild in the post-LeBron era.
