NBA Trade Deadline Analysis

With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, a ton of players will be moved and some big stars may be traded before 3PM tomorrow. I wanted to grade and give my analysis on the trades that have happened since Tuesday, and will happen before the deadline tomorrow. I hope you enjoy it.

Tuesday

Mavericks receive: Caleb Martin
Sixers receive: Quentin Grimes, 2025 DAL SRP

Mavericks
Grade: C+
I don’t really understand this move. Maybe Dallas views Martin as a better player,
but Grimes fits more of what they need, and honestly was having a better year.
The Mavericks did acquire Max Christie in a trade with two bums, but I still believe Grimes had the potential to become one of the better 3/D role players in the league. The only reason I understand is that Grimes was an UFA after this year and may not have resigned, whereas Caleb is signed for the next 3 years. 

Sixers
Grade: A
This is a great move for the Sixers. There was no chance they were making a playoff run this year, so why not take a flyer on a great 3/D guy. Outside of McCain and Maxey, there is not a ton of young talent on this team. You get off of Caleb Martins contract, and acquire a second rounder. Grimes should make an impact in an iso heavy lineup, and if they pay him, he will be a cornerstone for years to come.

Wednesday

Bucks receive: Kyle Kuzma, Patrick Baldwin Jr, 2025 WAS SRP

Wizards receive: Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, 2028 MIL FRP swap

Bucks

Grade: C+

I don't mind this for the Bucks, but I'm also not the biggest fan. They get younger, and the attached second round pick this year is good to grab some depth to make a push in the next 2 years. The downside to this, is Kuzma has had his worst statistical year since his sophomore season, and the worst overall shooting year of his career. The Bucks were looking for a more reliable and available 3rd option, as Khris Middleton has only played 23/48 games this year (Kuzma 32/47), and Kuzma can provide some ball handling and scoring to take the weight off Giannis and Dame. Overall this is just an odd move to me, as the Bucks could have gotten more for Middleton.

Wizards

Grade: A

I love this for the Wizards. You bring in a season vet (unless they buy him out), to teach your young wings and give them a reliable shooter and scorer off the ball. The attached swap is great, because who knows where Dame and Giannis will be in 3 years. The Bucks could be terrible by then, which would give the Wizards a high lottery pick at that point. AJ Johnson is an athletic young guard, and he gets the chance to play basketball with no pressure, and hopefully turn into a high level role player in a few years. 

Thunder receive: Daniel Theis, draft compensation

Pelicans receive: TBD

Thunder

Grade: B+

Thunder got a good backup big who is always available, and some picks for what will probably be cash or a few second rounders. With Chet out, the Thunder could use the depth right now. This is a small but impactful move.

Pelicans

Grade: A

Even if it's cash or a second rounder, this opens more time for Yves Misi to play. The Pelicans have a lost season right now and they should focus on their young guys.

Celtics receive: Future SRP

Rockets receive: Jaden Springer, 2030 SRP

Celtics:

Grade: B-

There's just no room for Springer, a future second is fine. This is a minimal move and it was simply to try to get under that second apron as much as they can, or potentially get a backup big with that second round pick.

Rockets:

Grade: A

After getting torched by Brunson on Monday, the Rockets must've wanted to get all the defense they can. Springer wont play much, but he's an excellent hustle player and a great defender. It’s not ground shaking but I like this move.

Pistons receive: KJ Martin, 2027 PHI SRP, 2031 PHI SRP

Sixers receive: N/A

Pistons:

Grade: A+

KJ Martin reminds me a lot of Josh Hart, a talented player, but included in so many trades for some odd reason. Martin shoots 62% from the field and 38% from 3, he's also a great defender and can jump out of the gym. This is a great “take a chance” trade for the Pistons, who also acquired two future second round picks while giving up nothing. I’m interested to see how KJ Martin plays with Cade, and I think he may have finally found a home.

Sixers:

Grade: B+

The Sixers just needed cap relief. Martin wasn't playing a ton, and two future second round picks don't have much value unless they are horrible in 2 years. This was purely a cap space move for the Sixers.

Kings receive: Jonas Valanciunas

Wizards receive: Sidy Cissoko, two SRP

Kings:

Grade: B-

Getting a guy who averages 11-8 in 20 minutes for 2 second round picks and a 4th string player is never bad. The Kings desperately needed a backup big, and they can even run out a big lineup with Jonas at the 5 and Sabonis at the 4. I like this move a lot for the Kings, but the spacing with Sabonis and JV is atrocious, and it will be hard to find a positive defensive lineup with them on the floor. Overall not a bad move at the deadline, and may help the Kings make a playoff push, and miss having to play in the play-in.

Wizards

Grade: A

JV was a great half season veteran add, but it was time for him to go so Washington could create more minutes for young guys. With Kuzma gone as well, this opens a ton of minutes for Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Justin Champaignie. Getting two second round picks is great too, as the value for Jonas was low, with teams knowing he would eventually be dealt. The Wizards have officially committed to the tank, and will most likely end up with one of Ace Bailey, Cooper Flagg, or Dylan Harper.