2021 Trade Deadline Deals

Heat: A

Oladipo is a better version of Avery Bradley. Miami had to pay just Kelly Olynyk and a draft swap to make that upgrade. Easy decision.

Rockets: F

Rockets got fleeced.

Grade by: Zeke Palermo

Clippers: B+

They added a veteran guard whose playoff resume speaks for itself … but lost a lot, giving up two 2nd round-picks and cash.

Hawks: B

At first glance, this is a great addition as Atlanta needs a scorer off the bench and a vet who can help this team as they look to enter the playoffs. Lou Williams is now the Hawks 6th guard, as depth hasn’t been their BFF. Overall, a great move and got more bark than bite.

Grade by: James Macey

Nuggets: A+

Nuggets fill a void at the 4-position as Aaron Gordon has played extremely well this past week leading up to the deadline. A young, athletic forward who can help Denver make a fun in the postseason.

Magic: A+

It’s clear that Orlando is offloading everyone and rebuilding. What a better way to rebuild than a promising young talent in RJ Hampton. Gary Harris is a bit of a question mark, but his salary made this deal work. Not sure how he will fit in the rotation.

Grade by: James Macey

Bulls: B+

Bulls finally get a true big man to work with LaVine. The move won’t win them any rings, but makes them a much more serious contender in the East.

Magic: B

Orlando begins their rebuild with two first from Chicago, but have to take on Porter’s awful contract. Good move to start the rebuild. 

Grade by: Zeke Palermo

Mavericks: B

The Mavericks get Redick to stretch the floor for Luka, but I am not too sure what he brings to the table that Tim Hardaway Jr doesn’t. Expect Redick to replace Richardson in key moments.

Pelicans: B

Getting rid of Redick’s salary is a huge win & getting a 2nd-round pick is nice as well. This was clearly to get assets for a potential Lonzo trade in the summer.

Grade by: Brandon Rosenthal

Blazers: A+

By far my favorite Trade today is Norman Powell to the Blazers. He’s having the best season of his career, a great three point threat, and Portland adds another offensive option to cater to Lillard, McCollum, and even Melo. This move was made because the Blazers want to win now. This team fully healthy is scary

Raptors: B+

Additions of Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood essentially help a struggling Raptor team who is looking to make a final push at a playoff berth. Both will thrive in Toronto.

Grade by: James Macey

Thunder: C+

OKC keeps stockpiling picks.

76ers: B+

Philly gets a veteran that can run the backcourt with Simmons late game. 

Knicks: C

Knicks get a good dunker? Not sure why they are apart of the deal.

Grade by: Zeke Palermo

Celtics: C

This was a money move, plain and simple. The Celtics get under the luxury tax which is good for the future but slightly frustrating for the present considering they traded away a starter in Daniel Theis (more playing time for Rob Williams though Celtics fans!). Mo Wagner and Luke Kornet may contribute but ultimately, this doesn’t move the needle. Sending 1.3m to sweeten the deal also isn’t a good look.

Bulls: B+

Daniel Theis will be a great backup for Vucevic and he can also play alongside him in the frontcourt. Javonte Green offers upside athletically and as a Celtics fan, I’m sad to see his dance moves and overall positivity go to the windy city. Troy Brown has shown flashes of being a competent NBA player in his three seasons in Washington and that’s pretty much all I have to say about him. Overall, the Bulls did well on the day as a whole and this trade only solidified it as they look to make a run to the playoffs.

Wizards: C+

Daniel Gafford afford was a good player coming out of college and I still feel like he can be a quality NBA player. He’ll get an opportunity in Washington and it’s a gamble worth taking. His only competition should be Alex Len and Robin Lopez for minutes.  Chandler Hutchison went to school 30 minutes away from where I live (Mission Viejo High School) and this is the first time I’ve ever heard of him. I’m not sure why Washington felt the need to involve themselves in this trade but trading Gafford’s upside for Wagner seems legit.

Grade by: Sean Curley

Heat: B+

Harkless and Silva have plajed a combined 207 minutes all season for Miami. Bjelica replaces now-Rocket big Olynyk.

Kings: C

Kings don’t get much better but add depth.

Grade by: Zeke Palermo

Celtics: B+

Finally, Danny Ainge made a move at the deadline. Evan Fournier is a solid scorer who is averaging a career best 19.7 points on 38% shooting from three. Fournier gives Boston another offensive option and some help to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Magic: C+

Picks are a great addition in trades, but giving away a 20 ppg scorer for two second round picks is very insulting and helps in no way shape or form to an organization. The trend of the rebuild in Orlando is in full effect and they are willing to do anything to offload their talent.

Grade by: James Macey

Nuggets: A

Adding McGee could come as a shock to some, but Denver fans know that Jokic needs help. Giving Jokic rest is huge looking at it from a playoff perspective. Gives Denver rim protection, rebounding, and toughness down low

Magic: B-

Haven’t seen much of Hartenstien, but Cleveland has been a very weird franchise this year as many have no clue what direction they want to go in. Getting rid of you like McGee on a non contending team is a huge plus though.

Grade by: James Macey