One of my favorite traditions is to look back at the previous year’s NBA trade deadline, see how we felt about the deals at the time and update those assessments. With the benefit of hindsight, we can see if any or all were as meaningful or meaningless as initially believed.
I’ve done this trade-season column for years now, though this year we’re cutting it loose before the deadline as opposed to after. I reviewed the 15 trades leading up to the 2018 deadline, the 22 we saw ahead of the 2019 buzzer and 15 deals in 2020. I examined 22 deals leading up to the 2021 trade deadline. In 2022, we had 18 trades to revisit and 17 from 2023.
We also have the Trade Deadline FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) scale, which is measured with a rating between 1 and 10. The lower the score on the scale, the more legitimate that move was to make for the team’s construction. The higher the score, the more likely it was the team made that trade just to see its name in a breaking news notification.
With a year of hindsight, let’s dive into those 24 deals leading up to the 2024 trade deadline.
Dec. 30: Knicks grab OG Anunoby from Toronto
Knicks acquire: OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, Precious Achiuwa
Raptors acquire: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, 2024-second round pick
What we thought at the time: The Knicks got the trade season moving by taking a calculated risk. They wanted to upgrade the wing position but didn’t want to give up picks to do it. With Donte DiVincenzo, they had backcourt depth to offer up Quickley and Barrett. As long as Anunoby re-signed in the offseason, it was a great deal adding big talent to the Knicks.
As for the Raptors, they were retooling/rebuilding anyway, so grabbing a couple of talented young players was a great start, especially since Anunoby was likely leaving in the summer.
What it looks like a year later: It was a great start to the Knicks retooling their starting lineup around Jalen Brunson. They’d eventually trade for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason, which paved the way for us enjoying one of the best offenses in the NBA. They’re also starting to really play some defense. Anunoby re-signed with the Knicks, as they expected him to.
In the Raptors’ case, they were going to make one more significant trade before the deadline (you’ll see below), and Barrett has been pretty good. Quickley has been injured a lot this season, but they signed him to a five-year, $175 million extension in the summer.
Did this really help either team? The Knicks have become one of the best teams in the league, so this trade absolutely helped. The Raptors are still in the rebuilding process around Scottie Barnes, but Quickley and Barrett help in the long run.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Knicks; 1 for Raptors
Jan. 14: Wizards bring in Marvin Bagley III
Wizards acquire: Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, 2025 second-round pick, 2026 second-round pick
Pistons acquire: Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala
What we thought at the time: Two things come to mind. The Pistons were fresh off the longest single-season losing streak in NBA history and looking to get some different, veteran blood into the rotation. Bagley wasn’t going to really get a chance to thrive with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart there, so I truly felt like the Pistons were giving him a chance to get some burn with the Wizards, who needed someone like him for development opportunities.
The second part of this was that Isaiah Livers was so bad, but Monty Williams refused to sit him. It seemed like they traded him away just so Williams couldn’t play him anymore.
What it looks like a year later: Unfortunately, this amounted to a whole lot of nothing for both sides. The Pistons didn’t really get much out of Muscala or Gallinari, as both were waived a month and a half later. The Wizards eventually waived Livers, and Bagley hasn’t done much.
He played fine to finish last season, averaging 13.3 points and 8.1 rebounds in 24 minutes. This season, though, he’s barely been on the court with last year’s second overall pick, Alex Sarr, who is playing the same position. Moreover, Bagley is also dealing with a knee sprain that will keep him out for some time.
Did this really help either team? Williams couldn’t play Livers anymore, so technically yes. The Wizards did not get help from this deal, but Bagley could be a nice backup.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 3 for Wizards; 2 for Pistons
Jan. 17: Three-team deal lands Pascal Siakam in Indiana
Pacers acquire: Pascal Siakam
Raptors acquire: Bruce Brown Jr., Kira Lewis Jr., Jordan Nwora, 2024 first-round pick, 2024 first-round pick, 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected)
Pelicans acquire: Cash
What we thought at the time: OK, the Raptors are really starting over around Barnes. After moving Anunoby to the Knicks, they decided to get Siakam elsewhere and not worry about him leaving in the summer.
This was a big move for the Pacers, who had been playing really well but needed a second guy next to Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam should give them a better chance on defense and even more reliable offense.
The Raptors were mostly getting first-round picks and whatever Brown could net them in a trade when they flip him. The Pelicans? Everybody loves cash.
What it looks like a year later: This trade really worked out for the Pacers! Siakam had some good moments for them the rest of the season, and he helped Indiana get to its first conference finals since 2014. The Pacers re-signed him to a new deal, so he and Haliburton are running mates for a while.
The Raptors haven’t really done much with their trade components. We’ll see if Brown gets flipped to a title contender or a postseason hopeful before Thursday’s trade deadline.
They drafted Ja’Kobe Walter with the 19th pick, but he hasn’t had a great rookie campaign. He shows some promise, but shot making has been an issue. They moved the other 2024 first-round pick in a trade we’ll get to in a few moves.
Did this really help either team? The Pacers truly benefited from this deal already and could add even more success. The Raptors have a long way to go before we know if this helped them. I have no idea what New Orleans spent that cash on — hopefully something fun.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Pacers; 2 for Raptors; 10 for Pelicans
Jan. 23: Heat acquire Terry Rozier for Kyle Lowry
Heat acquire: Terry Rozier
Hornets acquire: Kyle Lowry, 2027 first-round pick (lottery protected)
What we thought at the time: Uh … the Heat are going for it? Cheaply? Or maybe not so cheaply? Rozier is a solid scoring option, and the Heat were definitely challenged offensively. But giving up a future pick for someone of Rozier’s caliber didn’t exactly make a ton of sense. The Heat have turned stranger players into success stories, and they’d have some time with Rozier under contract. The Hornets were simply getting a first for Rozier, as they continued trying to find some good footing in the league.
What it looks like a year later: Now that Jimmy Butler wants out, this could be an outright disaster of a trade. Rozier has not really been a reliable weapon for Miami. If the Heat miss the playoffs, then the Oklahoma City Thunder get their unprotected first-round pick in 2026. That means this lottery-protected pick owed to Charlotte in 2027 moves to a 2028 pick, and it’s unprotected in 2028. Even if 2028 ends up being a weak class, there’s no way Rozier will have been worth it.
Did this really help either team? The Heat did not really get better, which is surprising considering Lowry was doing nothing for them. The Hornets have a potentially valuable first from Miami moving forward, so yes.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 4 for Heat; 2 for Hornets
Feb. 1: Rockets get bigger with Steven Adams
Rockets acquire: Steven Adams
Grizzlies acquire: Victor Oladipo, 2024 second-round pick, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: Long play for the Rockets? Oladipo wasn’t really doing anything for them because his body had failed him, and giving up three second-round picks for Adams would normally seem like a no-brainer. However, Adams was out for the season with an injury and missed the entire campaign. The Rockets were simply looking for size and depth in the seasons moving forward because Adams wouldn’t be available for them until 2024-25.
What it looks like a year later: It was a pretty smart move by the Rockets front office. We’re not seeing the same Adams who was a great role player in OKC and Memphis, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been valuable for Houston. He’s come off the bench for about 10 minutes a game this season, and he’s been a fantastic rebounder and screen-setter.
This deal was a good play for putting a big guy next to Alperen Şengün or Jabari Smith Jr. The Grizzlies did end up with a positive. Jaylen Wells (39th overall) was one of the second-round picks they received, and he’s been one of the league’s better rookies this season. It’s a weak rookie class, but he’s good.
Did this really help either team? The Rockets benefited from it. The Grizzlies have a nice rotation player of the future already from this.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 2 for Rockets; 2 for Grizzlies
Feb. 7: Celtics upgrade frontcourt depth
Celtics acquire: Xavier Tillman
Grizzlies acquire: Lamar Stevens, 2027 second-round pick, 2030 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: The Celtics might need some extra size for the interior if they face Denver in the NBA Finals. Having Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet wasn’t a ton of heft against Nikola Jokić. Tillman added another big body to lean on, if needed. And it was some possible good injury insurance with Porziņģis. The Grizzlies were simply getting second-round picks here — no offense to Stevens.
What it looks like a year later: It’s been exactly what we thought. The Celtics did need some injury insurance with Porziņģis, but they didn’t end up needing the size against Jokić. But Tillman was a nice guy on the fringe of the rotation.
Did this really help either team? The Celtics won the title, and Tillman played a little, so the deal did help Boston. It has yet to help Memphis, though. Again, no offense to Stevens.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 3 for Celtics; 8 for Grizzlies
Xavier Tillman has brought some needed size to Boston’s bench. (Eric Canha / Imagn Images)
Feb. 7: Wolves upgrade backup point guard depth
Wolves acquire: Monte Morris
Pistons acquire: Troy Brown Jr., Shake Milton, 2030 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: It was a great pickup for the Wolves as they bolstered the backup point guard position they desperately needed to upgrade. They weren’t really giving up much because Brown and Milton weren’t integral parts of the rotation. The Wolves may not have needed Morris a ton, but he was great insurance if Mike Conley or somebody else got hurt. Morris is generally one of the best backup point guards in the league. Detroit might have done this just for the second-round pick.
What it looks like a year later: Morris was solid in limited minutes for the Wolves, hitting over 40 percent from 3 and boasting a 12:1 assist-to-turnover ratio for Minnesota. He played about 18 minutes per night but then barely got on the court in the postseason. Morris signed with Phoenix in the summer. Brown barely played for the Pistons, and Milton was waived about a month later. So, they really did just do it for the second-rounder.
Did this really help either team? It helped Minnesota a little. Maybe Detroit gets a nice player in 2030, but it hasn’t helped the Pistons so far.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 5 for Wolves; 5 for Pistons
Deadline Day: Pacers bring in Cory Joseph
Pacers acquire: Cory Joseph, 2025 second-round pick (top-55 protected)
Warriors acquire: 2024 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: The Warriors were shedding a roster spot for a second-round pick, and the Pacers were just adding to some veteran point guard depth. If Joseph had to start playing, it would probably be because of injury trouble in Indiana.
What it looks like a year later: The Pacers immediately waived Joseph, and the Warriors took big man Quinten Post with the 52nd pick in the draft.
Did this really help either team? Not in the slightest.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 10 for Pacers; 9 for Warriors
Deadline Day: Sixers unload Danuel House Jr.
Sixers acquire: 2028 second-round pick (top-55 protected)
Pistons acquire: Danuel House Jr., 2024 second-round pick, cash
What we thought at the time: We knew the Pistons were just doing this for the second-round pick and that they’d be waiving House. At the same time, Philly was just getting an open roster spot because House’s run on the team was over.
What it looks like a year later: Exactly what we thought. House was waived immediately after the trade and still hasn’t made it back on an NBA roster. The Pistons drafted Cam Spencer (53rd) with the pick and moved him to Memphis shortly after. They received Bobi Klintman and Wendell Moore Jr. from Minnesota in the four-team deal. Moore has played a little bit for them, and Klintman has appeared in one game.
Did this really help either team? I like Moore enough as a 12th or 13th guy, so I guess the Pistons got a tiny bit of help. Philly did not.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 10 for Sixers; 8 for Pistons
Deadline Day: Jazz get a first for Olynyk, Agbaji
Jazz acquire: Otto Porter Jr., Kira Lewis Jr., 2024 first-round pick
Raptors acquire: Kelly Olynyk, Ochai Agbaji
What we thought at the time: The Jazz were doing this deal to bring in another first-round pick to use in 2024. The Raptors were looking to add Olynyk to eventually flip in a future trade, and Agbaji was going to be an athletic wing to add to the mix. Masai Ujiri loves him some athletic wings.
What it looks like a year later: Pretty much what we expected. Porter retired about a month after the trade. Lewis didn’t play, and then got waived by the Wizards before the season started. The Jazz took Isaiah Collier with the 29th pick, which was actually the Thunder’s pick due to swaps and other trades by OKC and Dallas.
Collier is off to a rough start, but he’s a decent prospect. The Raptors have not yet flipped Olynyk, who has a year left on his deal. Agbaji has been a nice role player for the Raptors this season.
Did this really help either team? Utah got a little help for the future here, and the Raptors definitely benefited from the trade.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 4 for Jazz; 3 for Raptors
Deadline Day: Bucks trade Brook Lopez’s brother
Bucks acquire: Rights to Dimitrios Agravanis
Kings acquire: Robin Lopez, cash
What we thought at the time: A lot of us looked up Dimitrios Agravanis. Many more of us were bummed that the Lopez brothers had been broken up from existing together in Milwaukee.
What it looks like a year later: Not much has changed. I’m assuming the cash the Kings received went toward lighting the beam. Agravanis is a 30-year old Greek player in the Lithuanian league. The Kings immediately waived Lopez, who hasn’t signed with anybody since.
Did this really help either team? Not at all.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 10 for Bucks; 10 for Kings
Deadline Day: Blazers bring in Banton
Blazers acquire: Dalano Banton, cash
Celtics acquire: 2027 second-round pick (top-55 protected)
What we thought at the time: The Celtics needed to open up a roster spot, and the Blazers could develop another young guy like Banton. But this was mostly just to get the Celtics a different perimeter guy for some depth.
What it looks like a year later: Exactly what we thought. The Celtics used that open spot in the next trade we’ll discuss. The Blazers have a nice little player in Banton. He’s had a couple of good moments this season.
Did this really help either team? Technically, the Celtics were helped because they won the title. I do think Portland got a little better with Banton in the mix.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 4 for Blazers; 7 for Celtics
Deadline Day: Celtics add Springer to the mix
Celtics acquire: Jaden Springer
76ers acquire: 2024 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: Here’s an athletic wing for the Celtics to have just in case they need a little help defensively — that is if some injuries hit their wings. In all likelihood, they won’t need Springer in their run toward a shot at the title, but he’s a potential rotation guy for the future.
What it looks like a year later: Exactly that. Springer didn’t play much the rest of the way, but he is someone the Celtics are looking to develop. He’s just 22 and can really move on the court. The Sixers took Adem Bona with the 41st pick and he’s sporadically played for them.
Did this really help either team? I’m not sure it helped either team, but Springer got a ring. At least both teams have a young guy in which to invest.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 7 for Sixers; 6 for Celtics
Deadline Day: Mavericks get Gafford
Mavericks acquire: Daniel Gafford
Wizards acquire: Richaun Holmes, 2024 first-round pick
What we thought at the time: The Mavs really need some help protecting the paint, and Gafford could be a great help to Dallas on both ends of the court. Holmes wasn’t really doing much for Dallas, and Gafford has always been a very intriguing rim presence. The Mavericks had been middling in the West, and the status quo wasn’t going to get it done. The Wizards got a first-round pick for Gafford, which is better than what they got from some of the other trades they’d made when sending off veterans.
What it looks like a year later: Given the impact, it was arguably the best deal at the deadline. Gafford, along with another trade we’ll get to in a minute, helped transform the Mavericks’ defense. They went from one of the 10 worst defenses in the league to the best over the final quarter of the season.
Gafford shut off the middle for opponents and helped get the Mavericks to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011. And then the Mavericks traded Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis this past weekend and changed everything.
The Wizards drafted Dillon Jones with the 26th pick before moving him that night to acquire Kyshawn George (24th pick by the Knicks). The 21-year-old George has had some ups and downs this season, but he is someone they’re very high on.
Did this really help either team? Dallas absolutely got better, and the Wizards did a nice job with the draft pick.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Mavericks; 1 for Wizards
Daniel Gafford dunks for an easy two points against Denver. (Jerome Miron / Imagn Images)
Deadline Day: Mavericks, Thunder swap firsts
Mavericks acquire: 2024 first-round pick
Thunder acquire: 2028 first-round pick swap with Dallas
What we thought at the time: One big shrug because the Thunder with future first-round picks are a lot like Will Ferrell’s mom in “Wedding Crashers” with the meatloaf. We never know what they’re doing back there. The Thunder were moving their rights to the 2024 Clippers first-round pick to Dallas to use in a trade. And they get to swap with Dallas in 2028, if they so choose.
What it looks like a year later: The pick the Mavericks received from the Clippers via OKC went to the Wizards in the Gafford trade. And it meant the Jazz received the 29th pick in last year’s draft, which they used on Collier (as we mentioned earlier). This was just shuffling some picks around to complete deals.
Did this really help either team? It helped facilitate the Gafford deal, so it absolutely helped Dallas. I assume Sam Presti always wins these trades with future picks, so let’s just say it helped OKC too.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 2 for Mavericks; 1 for Thunder
Deadline Day: Bucks want Beverley
Bucks acquire: Patrick Beverley
76ers acquire: Cameron Payne, 2027 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: To quote Chief Grady from the movie “Super Troopers,” desperation is a stinky cologne. The Bucks were hoping Beverley still had anything left in the tank to provide a spark on defense. The Sixers were willing to give him up for Payne and mostly a future second-round pick.
What it looks like a year later: Neither team got much out of what they acquired. Payne played fine for the rest of the Sixers’ season but didn’t do much in the playoffs. Beverley was better in the postseason than regular season but still not a difference-maker for Milwaukee.
Did this really help either team? Absolutely not.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 8 for Bucks; 7 for Sixers
Deadline Day: Nets swap Dinwiddie for Dennis
Nets acquire: Dennis Schröder, Thaddeus Young
Raptors acquire: Spencer Dinwiddie
What we thought at the time: It felt like a no-brainer win for the Nets in moving off Dinwiddie’s second stint with the franchise. They upgraded at the point guard and acquired Young in the process, although Young was not expected to play for the Nets. The Raptors were just clearing guys off the roster because Dinwiddie was supposed to be waived.
What it looks like a year later: The Nets waived Young. The Raptors did the same with Dinwiddie. But Schröder played really well for the Nets. He closed out the season strong, then played well for Brooklyn this season before being traded to Golden State for essentially some second-round picks.
Did this really help either team? The Nets got briefly better. The Raptors unsuccessfully tanked, so no.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 4 for Nets; 9 for Raptors
Deadline Day: Knicks bring in vets
Knicks acquire: Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks
Pistons acquire: Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacano, 2028 second-round pick, 2029 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: I didn’t like them giving up Grimes in this deal, but that’s how you get it done without having to give up a first-rounder. Plus, the Knicks still had Miles McBride, so they had another young guard in the mix. New York wanted veteran bodies for a deep playoff run, and Bogdanović was a perfect addition, in theory. Burks could even do some things in short doses. For Detroit, it was a really good haul to get Grimes for two veterans with no future on the Pistons.
What it looks like a year later: I don’t think anybody involved in this deal is still on either team. Bodganović didn’t do much for the Knicks, but Burks had a solid playoff run for them. He’s now in Miami after signing there this summer. Bogdanović was moved to the Nets in the trade for Mikal Bridges. Grimes got flipped by the Pistons for Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer. Fournier is playing in Greece. Flynn is in the G League, as is Arcidiacono. Flynn did drop 50 in a game for Detroit at the end of last season. It may be the most inexplicable one in league history.
Did this really help either team? The Knicks did by using Bogdanović to get Bridges. The Pistons did not directly benefit, but Hardaway has been solid for them.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 2 for Knicks; 2 for Pistons
Alec Burks helped the Knicks in last year’s playoffs, but he’s in Miami now. (Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)
Deadline Day: Mavericks get P.J. Washington too
Mavericks acquire: P.J. Washington, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
Hornets acquire: Grant Williams, Seth Curry, 2027 first-round pick (top-two protected)
What we thought at the time: Good for the Mavericks to get away from that Williams contract, but Washington has a lot to prove outside of Charlotte. This was probably more about getting a future first for Washington, and while he was a good player, he’s not much of an impact role player. Maybe the Mavericks are hoping he’ll have a bump the way Rui Hachimura did when he was traded from the Wizards to the Lakers.
What it looks like a year later: Wow, what an amazing trade for Dallas! Washington did transform his game for the Mavericks. He helped Gafford turn them into the top defense in the league over the final 20 games of the season. He shot the lights out to help eliminate OKC in the second round. And he played a role in the Mavs getting to the NBA Finals. Again, they just traded Dončić, though. As for the Hornets, Williams has been decent enough for what his expectations are, and the first they received is the biggest part of it for them.
Did this really help either team? The Mavericks became contenders. The Hornets might be better in the future.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Mavericks; 2 for Hornets
Deadline Day: Thunder want Gordon Hayward?
Thunder acquire: Gordon Hayward
Hornets acquire: Tre Mann, Davis Bertāns, Vasilije Micić, 2024 second-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, cash
What we thought at the time: The Thunder have almost no playoff experience on the roster, so maybe Hayward can play enough to help boost that for them. He is an expiring contract, so there’s no long-term effects of the trade. The Hornets were receiving two guards in Mann and Micić who should help them play with better depth in the backcourt, especially with Rozier gone.
What it looks like a year later: Hayward did almost nothing for the Thunder and retired from the NBA last summer. Mann and Micić have been pretty good for the Hornets when they’re on the floor. They also got KJ Simpson with the 42nd pick, and he is very much a work in progress.
Did this really help either team? The Thunder did not improve from this deal, the Hornets did get better with Mann and Micić. The new M&M? Nobody calls them that.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 7 for Thunder; 2 for Hornets
Deadline Day: Three-team deal gets Royce O’Neale to Suns
Suns acquire: Royce O’Neale, David Roddy
Nets acquire: Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, rights to Vanja Marinković, 2026 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick, 2029 second-round pick
Grizzlies acquire: Chimezie Metu, Yuta Watanabe
What we thought at the time: Really good move by the Suns to get a 3-and-D wing with O’Neale. Roddy probably shouldn’t be in their rotation, but O’Neale is the type of wing you need next to Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. The Nets were mostly just doing this for second-round picks when they couldn’t get a first for O’Neale. The Grizzlies were just in the mix to get Metu and Watanabe for available bodies.
What it looks like a year later: It was still a nice pickup for the Suns, but O’Neale did not help their fortunes. They got swept in the first round of the playoffs. The Nets haven’t reaped any benefits from the deal yet, and the Grizzlies don’t have either of the players they acquired.
Did this really help either team? The Suns, yes. The Nets, no. The Grizzlies, no.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Suns; 6 for Nets; 8 for Grizzlies
Deadline Day: Sixers swing for Buddy Hield
Sixers acquire: Buddy Hield
Pacers acquire: Furkan Korkmaz, Doug McDermott, 2024 second-round pick, 2029 second-round pick, cash
Spurs acquire: Marcus Morris, 2029 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: You need shooting around Joel Embiid, and Hield gives you a lot of that. This was a good pickup for the Sixers, even with the threat that Hield would likely walk in the summer. The Pacers were bringing in some shooting depth with McDermott, plus getting some second-round capital. The Spurs really just wanted to be involved for a second-round pick.
What it looks like a year later: The Sixers didn’t do much with Hield, but they did sign-and-trade him for a future second-round pick in that historic six-team deal that landed Klay Thompson on the Mavericks. The Pacers made it to the conference finals and used the 2024 second on Juan Nuñez before trading him to San Antonio for Johnny Furphy. The Spurs get to say they once employed a Morris twin.
Did this really help either team? The Sixers did not get help. The Pacers didn’t really either. The Spurs will probably turn that 2029 second-rounder into a rotation guy.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 1 for Sixers; 5 for Pacers; 10 for Spurs
Deadline Day: Nuggets grab some cash
Nuggets acquire: Cash
Clippers acquire: Rights to Ismaël Kamagate
What we thought at the time: Who? What?
What it looks like a year later: What? Who?
Did this really help either team? The Nuggets got some cash to not pay Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Clippers got to be in this story.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 10 for Nuggets; 10 for Clippers
Deadline Day: Pistons get rid of Kevin Knox
Pistons acquire: Simone Fontecchio
Jazz acquire: Kevin Knox II, rights to Gabriele Procida, 2024 second-round pick
What we thought at the time: Fontecchio is a solid role player, and the Pistons no longer have to keep throwing Knox into the mix to make “fetch” happen. The Jazz are probably doing this more for Procida and the second than for Knox.
What it looks like a year later: Exactly what we thought for the Pistons and the Jazz. Fontecchio has been a nice player off the bench for Detroit. Procida is still playing overseas, but the Jazz used the second-round pick on Kyle Filipowski (32nd). They immediately waived Knox.
Did this really help either team? The Pistons got better, and the Jazz get to develop Filipowski. Both received help in this deal.
Trade Deadline FOMO score (scale of 1-10): 4 for Pistons; 6 for Jazz
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; top photos: G Fiume, Cole Burston, Sam Hodde / Getty Images)
