Yeah, that’s a pretty lame play on a pretty lame nineties song, but it sort of symbolizes the 2014 NBA trade deadline. There were plenty of rumors floating around for weeks, but in the end, there was very little action.
Yeah, that’s a pretty lame play on a pretty lame nineties song, but it sort of symbolizes the 2014 NBA trade deadline. There were plenty of rumors floating around for weeks, but in the end, there was very little action.
That’s been the case for the past few years, since teams have begun to grow a little wiser in terms of adding contracts and disposing of draft picks. With new penalties in the collective bargaining agreement that make going over the salary cap even harsher, most owners aren’t instructing their general managers to win at any cost. Teams have to be shrewd in their acquisitions and in their expenditures.
While names like Kevin Love, Kyle Lowry, Pau Gasol, Josh Smith, Rajon Rondo, even Carmelo Anthony were all rumored to be potential trade chips, or at least players teams might consider moving for the right offer, the deadline came and went with a few minor deals, but nothing that drastically changes the complexion of the playoff race.
The biggest splash was probably made by the Indiana Pacers, who already had the best record in the NBA. Indiana moved former All-Star Danny Granger, who used to be the face of the franchise before a serious knee injury. Granger’s expiring contract netted the Pacers Evan Turner from Philadelphia, who will now play the role of the versatile swing man off the bench. Turner was having a career year for the 76ers, averaging 17.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He won’t be getting 35 minutes a night anymore, playing behind Paul George and Lance Stephenson, but he could be a huge difference maker as instant offense for the second unit.
The 76ers were the most active team, making four separate trades to get more draft picks and clear cap space. Already the youngest team in the league, Philly has a clear plan of action. Whether it works or not remains to be seen. But in addition to Turner, the Sixers shipped out Spencer Hawes (Cavaliers) and Lavoy Allen (Pacers), while bringing in Eric Maynor (Wizards), Byron Mullens (Clippers), Earl Clark (Cavaliers), Henry Sims (Cavaliers) and five second-round draft picks.
Philly now has a plethora of picks at its disposal to try to move into future first rounds or to acquire assets. It already has a pair of lottery picks in the upcoming draft, expected to be one of the best in many years, along with Rookie of the Year favorite Michael Carter-Williams and rookie center Nerlens Noel, who hasn’t played a game after tearing his ACL last season at Kentucy.
So Indiana and Philadelphia are probably each considered the big winners of the day, while there were some also-rans who managed just small shake ups. The Washington Wizards added point guard Andre Miller, who was unhappy in Denver. It cost the Wizards former lottery pick Jan Vesely, who joins the rebuilding Nuggets. Denver also picked up point guard Aaron Brooks from the Rockets in exchange for Jordan Hamilton. That could prove important if oft-injured Jeremy Lin fails to stay healthy for Houston down the stretch.
The Spurs picked up the underachieving Austin Daye from the Raptors for point guard Nando de Colo. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Spurs can turn Daye into a productive player, because that’s just what San Antonio does.
The Heat created an open roster spot by sending veteran sharpshooter Roger Mason Jr. to the Kings. Miami will probably look for a big man once some teams buy out their veterans in the next few weeks. They need size to match up with Indiana, who recently added Andrew Bynum.
The Charlotte Bobcats made a nice trade, adding guards Gary Neal and Luke Ridnour from the Bucks for Ramon Sessions and Jeff Adrien. It gives Charlotte a little more flexibility at both guard spots, since star point guard Kemba Walker can play either back court spot, as can both Neal and Ridnour.
The Lakers made a move Wednesday, sending point guard Steve Blake to the Warriors. It’s a great pickup for Golden State, who still needs a strong finish to secure a playoff spot. Blake will fill the back-up point guard spot vacated last season by Jarrett Jack. It didn’t sit well with Kobe Bryant, but L.A. didn’t move either Gasol or Jordan Hill, which seemed like distinct possibilities.
So while the marquis names may not be moving just yet, there were a few blips in the radar screen to keep fans interested. It’s not the deadline days of old when general managers were less knowledgeable (although that was way more fun), but it’s already been a fascinating season and we’re certainly lined up for an exciting final few months.
