There hasn’t been another NBA trade deadline like the one that just passed and there might never be again. In what’s been a week filled with wild twists and turns, several All-Stars have switched teams, the type of movement that’s often reserved for the offseason. The names involved in some of these transactions have already caused fans, media, players, and executives to voice impassioned opinions.
Only time will tell who actually made the best and worst moves during the trade period. However, at Last Word on Sports, we’ll attempt to tell you how a few should be classified already.
Best NBA Trade Deadline Deals Of 2024-25
Miami Heat – Trade Jimmy Butler to Golden State Warriors for Andrew Wiggins in multi-team deal
In this trade, the Miami Heat rid themselves of Jimmy Butler’ s increasingly toxic presence. Though the multi-time All-Star is an outstanding player and led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, the situation became untenable. With little to no hope of sweeping their dirty laundry under the rug, trading him was the best option. Amazingly, they were able to come away with a star who has become a model player in Andrew Wiggins . Not only is Wiggins an All-Star-caliber two-way wing, he just keeps his head down and gets to work. Like Butler used to do.
Los Angeles Lakers – Acquire Luka Doncic in trade with Dallas Mavericks
A lot of people are hung up on the idea that the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic for any reason. Whether it was his conditioning, defense, or some other undisclosed factor, he’s now on the Los Angeles Lakers. It likely feels like a godsend to the Western Conference contenders, as they had seemingly maxed themselves out before Nico Harrison called them up. With the pairing of Doncic and LeBron James , winning another NBA championship seems even more realistic than it did at the start of the season.
San Antonio Spurs – Acquire De’Aaron Fox from Sacramento Kings in multi-team trade
The San Antonio Spurs gave up less for De’Aaron Fox than the New York Knicks sent the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges ; let’s start there. Being able to add a player at Fox’s level in the prime of his career was one thing. However, giving up three players that weren’t in the rotation and just three first-round picks was solid negotiating by the Spurs. Now, they have an All-Star-level point guard to pair with Victor Wembanyama , who already appears to be on a Hall of Fame trajectory. In just one game together, the two have already looked like a dynamic duo.
Philadelphia 76ers – Acquire Quentin Grimes in trade with Dallas Mavericks
Quentin Grimes might not be in the star plane but he’s one of those guys who can star in their role. An x-factor for the Dallas Mavericks in his brief time with the team, he averaged 10.2 points per game while shooting 39.8 percent from three. Those were his best numbers since 2022-23, when he started 66 games for the New York Knicks. Now back in the Atlantic Division, the Philadelphia 76ers hope that he can provide the boost they need on the perimeter. Given how well he plays the 3-and-D role, areas where the Sixers have struggled, he may even emerge as a starter.
Detroit Pistons – Acquire Dennis Schroder in multi-team trade
Oftentimes, there’s a team that makes a Cinderella run in the regular season or playoffs. In 2024-25, there have been a few franchises that fit the bill. However, the Detroit Pistons have been the most surprising of all. After finishing last season with 14 wins, they already have 25 wins before the All-Star Break this season. Now seventh in the East, they’re trying to keep their momentum . Adding a starting-caliber combo guard in Dennis Schroder , who can take pressure off of Cade Cunningham as a scorer and playmaker, should help.
Cleveland Cavaliers – Acquire De’Andre Hunter in trade with Atlanta Hawks
The Cleveland Cavaliers have shored up three key problem areas by trading for De’Andre Hunter , who they once had interest in drafting. For one, they need someone who can successfully and consistently defend longer and more athletic wings. Secondly, they need a player who can step into the oft-injured Dean Wade ‘s role as a stretch-four with defensive upside. Last but not least, they’ve lacked a small forward who can light up the scoreboard, until now. Hunter isn’t the only reason why the Cavs would make it to the NBA Finals but he should be a big factor .
Washington Wizards – Acquire Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart in trades with Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzles
The Washington Wizards were able to do more with less, attaining Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart after trading Kyle Kuzma and Marvin Bagley III . In both Middleton and Smart’s case, their arrival is more about how they can help their teammates than themselves. However, that obviously requires a certain level of selflessness; one that Kuzma did not have . With that being said, the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets have already demonstrated the way a couple of veterans can accelerate a team’s timeline by playing well but allowing young pieces to develop.
Worst NBA Trade Deadline Deals Of 2024-25
Atlanta Hawks – Trading De’Andre Hunter (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (Los Angeles Clippers)
It’s not that the Atlanta Hawks didn’t get anything useful in return for De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic . Still, the Hawks traded two longtime rotation players, one of whom was in the midst of a career season and only came off the bench by choice. Furthermore, none of the players that they acquired match up to Hunter or Bogdanovic as players individually. The problem with all of that is that Atlanta still has Trae Young on the roster. At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising if Young requested a trade this offseason , causing Atlanta to go into a full rebuild.
Orlando Magic – Nothing
While other up-and-coming teams endeavor to make their roster stronger, the Orlando Magic didn’t do anything at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, their team is 2-8 over their last 10 games. The biggest and most obvious reason is that they have multiple guards allergic to scoring, placing undue pressure on Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner at the offensive end. It doesn’t help that the team as a whole struggles to shoot from beyond the arc and Banchero is at his best in the mid-post. Starting Cole Anthony may help solve their problems but a trade that upgraded their backcourt would’ve been even better.
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