NBA Trade Deadline: The Winners, The Losers

Ellis for Bogut

Initially, I thought this move was not smart on both parts; after further consideration however, I like this move for both teams. Although Monta Ellis was a vital part of the Warriors' offense, I believe he was expendable due to the talent in the back court at Golden State. With a healthy Steph Curry, and the emergence of Klay Thompson, along with the offensive fire power of Nate Robinson, the Warriors' back court will be fine. The lack of help up front for David Lee, however, was a problem that needed to be addressed, and will be fixed with the acquisition of Andrew Bogut. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this gives Brandon Jennings a side kick who can take some pressure off of him. Although both are known to take a lot of shots, I believe they compliment each other well because both can play either off the ball or on the ball. The development of Larry Sanders is bound to help fill the void of losing Andrew Bogut, therefore I don't think that this trade was much of a loss. For these reasons, this trade was a win for both teams.

Nene to DC, McGee to Denver, Young to LAC

I like this trade for all the parties involved. I believe that the young Wizards needed a veteran with somewhat of a winning experience and a moderately good low post game, and Nene provides all the above. I don't expect him to completely change the franchise around, but it's a step in the right direction. In terms of McGee to the Nuggets, it could turn out really good for them, or it'll end up having no effect. Either way, it won't hurt. The emergence of Kenneth Faried made Nene somewhat expendable, therefore the potential failure of McGee to live up to expectation won't hurt. McGee, however, might be able to turn his extremely sloppy career around with the help of George Karl's leadership. Nick Young to the Clippers addresses their need for a two-guard, to help make up for the absence of Chauncey Billups. Young's ability to score will definitely come in handy for the Clippers who sometimes go through difficulties putting up points. The Clippers lost almost nothing to make this acquisition, therefor a good move for them. Overall, this trade was a win for all teams involved.

Sessions to LA

 

The Lakers are officially back to contender status with this move; that's how much I love it. The major problem they've had all year (for some years now really) has finally been addressed. Ramon Sessions will be a great fit for the Lakers because he is a solid facilitator of the offense who can score the rock if needed. Derek Fisher might have been perfect for the triangle offense, however the move into the Mike Brown system made it inevitable to have a pure point guard like Sessions. Considering all the Lakers gave up was a 1st round draft pick (which definitely won't be a lottery pick), Jason Kapono, and the human victory cigar, Luke Walton, this trade was definitely worth it. Keep in mind that Christian Eyenga, who was also acquired, is an athletic defensive minded player who can definitely produce if need be. For all these reasons, this trade was a big win for the Lakers, however not much of a loss for the Cavs, due to status of their season, and their up and coming franchise point guard Kyrie Irving.

Fisher for Jordan Hill

This trade is one that I believe was made simply to avoid Derek Fisher having to become a bench player. With the acquisition of Ramon Sessions, and the production of Steve Blake, Derek Fisher was bound to receive sporadic playing time, and this trade avoided that situation all together. Don't get me wrong, Jordan Hill is a good player, but the Lakers don't necessarily need him. Besides Bynum and Gasol, they have Josh McRoberts and even Troy Murphy, who are productive bigs. This move, to me, was kind of pointless and unnecessary. Due to the acquisition of Marcus Camby, the Rockets may not miss Hill; if anything he will be missed slightly. The Lakers, however, even though improved at the point guard position, will definitely miss Fisher's leadership. The Rockets can certainly benefit from Fisher's leadership, but I see no major impact on the court. For this reason, this trade was neither a loss or a win for Houston. The Lakers, on the other hand, took a slight loss, due to the fact that a man of Fisher's character cannot be replaced.

Marcus Camby to Houston

 

Being the experienced veteran that he is, Marcus Camby is definitely a plus for what ever team he goes to. He could certainly contribute to the Rocket's push for a playoff spot with his leadership and his defensive abilities. The loss of Hasheem Thabeet and Jonny Flynn, who rarely received any playing time, is definitely not a big factor, therefore this move was a win for the Rockets. The Blazers on the other hand seem to be in rebuild mode, which gives these young players a chance to make a name for themselves. Considering the team has basically eliminated itself from playoff contention with its moves this trade deadline, the Blazers have taken a loss for this move, along with the other moves they made.

Gerald Wallace to the Nets

 

This move, was one that made no sense to me, from either perspective. From the Blazer's perspective, I didn't understand the sudden urge to split up the team. Despite their struggles, the Blazers could've made it to the playoffs, even if as a very low seed. From the Nets perspective, I didn't understand why they would give up a first round pick which is most likely going to be a lottery pick in a draft that is sure to be filled with many up-and-coming stars. As of right now, it was a good move to acquire Gerald Wallace, as it might give Deron Williams some much needed help. Temporary success can lead to the draft pick being less valuable, which will make this trade a smart move by the Nets. Until then however, I see this trade being a loss for The Nets, as Wallace isn't likely to turn this franchise around, and may not be worth the draft pick. I see this trade as a loss for the Blazers too, as the loss of Wallace ultimately eliminates the Blazers from playoff contention.

Stephen Jackson for Richard Jefferson

A move like this is worthy of a nod and a shrug; meaning that it's a good move, however not too big of a deal. I believe both players will enjoy their new roles, as it may be a better fit for them. Jefferson will get the chance to put up many points for the Warriors, like he did back in New Jersey, and Stephen Jackson will get the chance to utilize his versatility in San Antonio. I mentioned that I don't think this move is a big deal because I doubt that it'll make the Spurs any more of a championship contender than they were, nor will it make the Warriors a sure fit for the playoffs. Considering Stephen Jackson was yet to play a game for the Warriors this season, he won't be missed. On the other hand, all the services that Richard Jefferson provided for the Spurs are capable of being handled by Stephen Jackson. For its fairness, this trade is a win for both teams.

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