The NBA trade deadline came and passed on Thursday and it was the biggest one in recent memory. A huge amount of players were traded and many teams will feel a shift in culture due to the trades. Some teams traded only for specific role players to help with a strong playoff push, while others traded for players that will become starters on their new teams.
Kevin Garnett, who most people assumed would want to retire as a Celtic, agreed to waive his no trade clause and go back to Minnesota where he was a Timberwolf from 1995 to 2007. The Nets got Thaddeus Young in return, who should be starting for them at the four position and will most likely increase their front court production.
In perhaps the biggest trade of the deadline, Miami landed brothers Goran and Zoran Dragic from a point-guard-heavy Suns team. Goran will definitely be starting at the point for them and will try to fill the Heat’s star role with Chris Bosh out for the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs and Dwyane Wade in a state of perpetual injury.
In return, the Suns seemed to be preparing for the future and received Danny Granger, two first round picks and John Salmons. New Orleans got Norris Cole, Justin Hamilton and Shawne Williams who should provide depth to their bench.
An extremely happy Reggie Jackson successfully forced his way out of Oklahoma City and got traded to the Detroit Pistons. The Thunder received Enes Kanter, Steve Novak, D.J. Augustin and Kyle Singler. Only Kanter and Augustin should receive significant playing time, and Kanter will help exponentially with the Thunder’s front court situation.
The Thunder gave up Kendrick Perkins and Grant Jerrett along with a couple of undisclosed draft picks to the Jazz. The Jazz are expected to release Perkins as soon as they can, and he is expected to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
