NBA Trade Deadline Aftermath: Winners, Losers, and Incomplete Grades

The NBA’s trade deadline, a whirlwind of speculation and roster upheaval, has come and gone, leaving a trail of altered team dynamics and heightened playoff aspirations. With roughly 18 games played since the February 6th deadline, and about 15 remaining in the regular season, we can begin to assess the early returns on some of the most significant blockbuster trades that shook the league. While some teams have seemingly struck gold with their acquisitions, others are grappling with the consequences of bold moves that haven’t quite panned out as envisioned.

The Lakers’ Acquisition of Luka Doncic: A Promising Start Derailed by Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers, already a formidable force in the Western Conference, made a splash by landing Luka Doncic in a trade that sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. The initial returns were overwhelmingly positive. From January 15th through March 6th, the Lakers were on a tear, posting an impressive 20-4 record. The pairing of Doncic and LeBron James proved to be a match made in basketball heaven, with both players thriving alongside each other. Doncic’s ability to carry the offensive load during James’s rest periods was a revelation, providing the Lakers with a consistent scoring threat throughout the game.

On March 6th, the Lakers stood tall with a 40-21 record, tied for second place in the Western Conference, after an overtime victory against the New York Knicks. However, their momentum was abruptly halted when James suffered a groin injury, sidelining him for approximately two weeks. The Lakers subsequently endured a four-game losing streak, highlighting the team’s reliance on James’s playmaking and leadership. They managed to rebound with wins against Phoenix and San Antonio, but now sit in fourth place, one game behind both Denver and Houston.

The Lakers’ playoff aspirations hinge on James’s successful return to the lineup. The early signs were encouraging, suggesting that a healthy James and Doncic could propel the Lakers deep into the playoffs. However, the uncertainty surrounding James’s injury and the team’s performance in his absence raise questions about their ability to contend for a championship.

Mavericks’ Doncic Trade: An Early Incomplete Grade

The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade away Luka Doncic, a generational talent entering the prime of his career, was met with widespread criticism. In exchange for Doncic, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft pick. To say the trade has backfired so far would be an understatement.

Davis only managed to play a fraction of one game with the Mavericks before succumbing to an adductor strain. As if that wasn’t enough, Kyrie Irving, another key player for Dallas, suffered a season-ending knee injury on March 3rd. Since the Doncic-Davis trade, the Mavericks have stumbled to a disappointing 7-13 record, losing eight of their last nine games.

The Mavericks currently occupy the 10th spot in the Western Conference with a 33-36 record, desperately trying to fend off the Phoenix Suns (32-37) for the final play-in tournament berth. The only silver lining has been the emergence of Max Christie, who has capitalized on his increased playing time, averaging 11.9 points (38.6% from three-point range), 4.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 19 games with Dallas.

The Mavericks’ decision to trade Doncic is shaping up to be one of the most ill-advised moves in recent NBA history. The team’s struggles since the trade and the injuries to Davis and Irving have compounded the situation, leaving the Mavericks’ playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Warriors’ Butler Acquisition: A Resounding Success

The Golden State Warriors’ acquisition of Jimmy Butler has been a resounding success. The Warriors are 14-2 in games in which Butler has suited up, a testament to his impact on both ends of the court. While his individual statistics of 16.8 points, 5.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals may not be eye-popping, his value extends far beyond the box score.

Since acquiring Butler, the Warriors have surged from 10th place to a tie for sixth place in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors have experienced a significant improvement in both offensive and defensive efficiency with Butler on the court. Prior to his arrival, they were scoring 111.8 points and allowing 112.2 points per 100 possessions. Since Butler’s arrival, their offensive output has increased by 7.6 points, while their defensive rating has improved by 4 points per 100 possessions. The Warriors also register more assists, steals, and free throws per game with Butler in the lineup.

Butler’s leadership, defensive intensity, and clutch performances have transformed the Warriors into a legitimate playoff contender. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the Warriors’ system has exceeded expectations, making him a valuable addition to the team.

Kings’ LaVine Experiment: A Mixed Bag

The Sacramento Kings have experienced a mixed bag of results since acquiring Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls. They have posted a 9-9 record with LaVine in the lineup, which includes a seven-game winning streak followed by a four-game losing streak.

The Kings, who traded De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs at the trade deadline, are currently in ninth place in the West with a 34-33 record, two games ahead of the Mavericks and 3.5 games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for eighth. Golden State and Minnesota are 4.5 games ahead of the Kings, tied for sixth place.

LaVine has brought his offensive prowess to Sacramento, averaging 22.7 points on 52.7% shooting from the field, 44.1% from three-point range, and 89.4% from the free-throw line. However, the Kings’ defensive performance has declined since the trade, raising concerns about the team’s overall balance.

The Kings’ experiment with LaVine is still a work in progress. While his scoring ability has provided a boost to the offense, the team’s defensive struggles need to be addressed if they hope to make a deep playoff run.

Spurs’ Fox Acquisition: A Glimpse of the Future

The San Antonio Spurs were hoping to pair second-year sensation Victor Wembanyama with De’Aaron Fox, whom they acquired at the trade deadline. However, their plans were derailed when Wembanyama was shut down for the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder, and Fox was scheduled for season-ending finger surgery.

Despite only playing five games together, Fox showcased his abilities in 17 games with San Antonio, averaging 19.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while shooting 44.6% from the field. Having both players healthy at the start of next season is paramount for the franchise’s future.

The Spurs’ acquisition of Fox provides a glimpse of the team’s potential with a dynamic backcourt duo leading the way. While their short-term prospects have been diminished by injuries, the Spurs are building for the future with Wembanyama and Fox as their cornerstones.

Heat’s Post-Butler Struggles: A Precipitous Fall

The Miami Heat’s decision to trade Jimmy Butler has proven to be disastrous. Since trading Butler, the Heat have plummeted to a 4-15 record, losing eight consecutive games. They have fallen from sixth place in the Eastern Conference to a tie for ninth place with Chicago. The Heat have also struggled offensively, ranking as the second-worst offensive team in the league since the trade.

In return for Butler, the Heat acquired Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Kyle Anderson. While Wiggins has averaged 18.3 points, his shooting efficiency has been subpar. Mitchell has provided solid minutes, averaging 8.9 points per game, while Anderson has struggled to make a significant impact.

The Heat also possess Golden State’s top-10 protected first-round pick in the 2025 draft, which should fall in the low 20s. However, the Heat’s struggles since the trade raise questions about their ability to contend in the Eastern Conference.

The Heat’s decision to trade Butler has backfired spectacularly, leaving the team in a state of disarray. Their offensive struggles and defensive deficiencies have been exacerbated by Butler’s absence, raising serious concerns about their playoff hopes.

Cavaliers’ Hunter Addition: A Strategic Masterstroke

The Cleveland Cavaliers, already the top team in the Eastern Conference, made a savvy move by acquiring De’Andre Hunter, a reliable three-point shooter and defender. Hunter has been a valuable addition to a team that is poised to challenge the Boston Celtics for the Eastern Conference crown.

The Cavaliers are 13-1 with Hunter in the lineup, with him averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and shooting 48% from the field and 48.5% from three-point range. The Cavaliers’ already strong defense has improved even further with Hunter on the court, allowing just 106.2 points per 100 possessions compared to their season mark of 110.8 points per 100 possessions.

Hunter’s ability to seamlessly integrate into the Cavaliers’ system has made him a valuable asset on both ends of the court. His three-point shooting and defensive versatility have solidified the Cavaliers’ status as a legitimate championship contender.

Bucks’ Kuzma Gamble: A Net Negative

The Milwaukee Bucks are 11-7 with Kyle Kuzma, whom they acquired in a trade with Washington. However, the Bucks’ performance has not improved significantly since the trade. They are tied for fourth place with Indiana, five games behind the New York Knicks.

The Bucks traded away longtime franchise cornerstone Khris Middleton to acquire Kuzma, a decision that has been met with skepticism. Kuzma is averaging 13.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and shooting 42.4% from the field and 29.3% from three-point range. Milwaukee’s offensive production has declined since the trade, while their defense has improved slightly. However, the Bucks have a negative net rating per 100 possessions and were plus-4.5 with Middleton.

Adding to their woes, Bobby Portis received a 25-game suspension on Feb. 20 for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

The Bucks’ gamble on Kuzma has not paid off as hoped. The team’s offensive struggles and defensive improvements have not translated into a significant improvement in their overall performance. The loss of Middleton, a key player in their championship run, has been difficult to overcome.