Grading NBA Trades
Carlos Osorio | Credit: AP
The NBA Trade Deadline is one of the most exciting and important parts of the NBA season. It marks the final period during the season when teams can trade players to improve their current or future winning potential. Because this is the last opportunity for trades for many months, it’s often thrilling to follow the news of various deals and see how rosters change. This year, the trade deadline was the most exciting it has ever been, with blockbuster trades happening all around the league.
Lakers - A+
The Lakers received Luka Doncic, one of the premier players in the NBA, setting them up to contend for around 10 years. Since the trade has been made, the team has been 13-4 and has moved up to the two seed in the Western Conference. However, the trade leaves them without a starting-caliber center as they lost Anthony Davis, who has been incredible for the Lakers over the last six years. In addition, they gave up Max Christie, who has been a great guard thus far for Dallas. Despite surrendering several picks and valuable players, the value that Luka Doncic brings to the Lakers cannot be overstated, as he is a top-10 player in the NBA at just 25 years old.
Received: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Sent: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers First-Round Pick, 2025 Clippers Second-Round Pick (via Lakers)
Mavericks - F
The Mavericks gave up their star Luka Doncic, leading to an immediate uproar among their fans. This uproar is justified as the team has sputtered tremendously since the trade has been made. He was supposed to be the face of Dallas for years to come, but they traded him for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future pick. Although Christie has been good so far for the Mavericks, Davis is already injured and out for at least a month. This trade does not improve the Mavericks' current or future winning potential and is widely viewed as a disaster.
Received: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 Lakers First-Round Pick
Sent: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Jazz - B+
Utah gave up nothing yet gained two second-round picks and Jalen Hood-Schifino. While not a game-changer, it’s still a positive move.
Received: Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 Clippers & Mavericks Second-Round Picks
Sent: N/A
Spurs - A
San Antonio paired Victor Wembanyama with star point guard De’Aaron Fox, making them contenders for years to come. Fox has already proven to be extremely valuable, averaging 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists while shooting 47% from the field. They also did not jeopardize their future, keeping several promising young players and holding four first-round picks over the next three years. However, with Wembenyama out indefinitely due to injury, the team hasn’t been able to perform as well as they should.
Received: De'Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
Sent: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Sidy Cissoko, Bulls 2025 First-Round Pick, 2027 First-Round Pick, Denver's 2028 Second-Round Pick (Top-33 Protection), Minnesota's 2031 First-Round Pick, Charlotte's 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protection; converts to 2026 & 2027 seconds if not conveyed)
Bulls - D
Chicago lost star Zach LaVine and received minimal return. A 2025 first-round pick does not make up for the tremendous loss of LaVine, who was having an incredible year and was the face of the franchise. They lose any potential of winning now and gain little to improve their future.
Received: Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Tre Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick (via San Antonio)
Sent: Zach LaVine, 2028 Second-Round Pick
Kings - B+
Sacramento lost Fox but acquired LaVine and valuable draft capital, reshaping their roster. Reuniting LaVine and DeRozan is also very big as the two proved to be a great duo that can win games during their time in Chicago. The Kings have performed just as well as before the trade while also gaining draft capital.
Received: Sidy Cissoko, Zach LaVine, Charlotte's 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protection; converts to 2026 & 2027 seconds if not conveyed, via San Antonio), Chicago's 2025 Second-Round Pick, San Antonio's 2027 First-Round Pick, Denver's 2028 Second-Round Pick (Top-33 Protection, via San Antonio), 2028 Second-Round Pick (via Chicago), Minnesota's 2031 First-Round Pick (via San Antonio)
Sent: De’Aaron Fox
Warriors - A-
The Warriors finally acquired an All-Star caliber player in Jimmy Butler to pair with Stephen Curry. The Warriors have been great since this trade has been made and they are 12-1 when Butler starts for them! This trade has turned the Warriors from an average team in the West to a real threat when the postseason arrives. However, losing Wiggins and Schröder does cost valuable depth, and giving up a first-round pick is unfortunate.
Received: Jimmy Butler
Sent: Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schröder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)
Heat - C
Miami lost Butler but gained a first-round pick and Andrew Wiggins, who has been solid, averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 38% from the three-point line. Wiggins is a tier below Jimmy Butler as a player and he’s likely past the prime of his career. The team has performed poorly since this trade, and they didn’t gain a lot of draft capital.
Received: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, P.J. Tucker, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Golden State, Top-10 Protected)
Sent: Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson
Pistons - B
Detroit added two players for free, though neither significantly impacts their roster enough to make a difference.
Received: Lindy Waters, Josh Richardson
Sent: N/A
Jazz - A-
Similarly to the Pistons, the Jazz gave up nothing but gained veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, whom they quickly flipped for additional assets.
Received: Dennis Schröder
Sent: N/A
By Efe Colakoglu