By NICK TISO
The much hyped NBA trade deadline came to an end Feb. 23rd, at 3pm with only one truly significant trade made between New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings.
Official NBA.com article discussing the trade deadline.
The trade between the Pelicans and the Kings involved DeMarcus Cousins (Kings), considered a steal by many that know the game. Other then this, there was not much going on, teams like the New York Knicks, and Boston Celtics did nothing after many rumors swirled around.
“Boogie” Cousins Traded to the Pelicans
The Pelicans by far made the biggest splash by adding 3 time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins to their roster, in a trade in which many people are labeling a “steal.” The Pelicans were able to trade for Cousins, (also got Omir Capsi who was later waived) and in return only had to give up a first round pick, some second rounders, Tyreke Evans, who was originally drafted by the Kings, Buddy Hield and Langston Galloway. The big hope for the Kings is that Hield will turn out to be a future star.
Essentially this was nothing but a no brainer for the Pelicans who were able to get someone to help them make a playoff push. Cousins will join the likes of Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, and the rest of the Pelicans lineup. The Pelicans sit 5 spots out of a playoff spot, currently the last spot is held by the Denver Nuggets.
Cousins left a heart felt message on his Instagram thanking, and expressing how hard it was for him to leave the city of Sacramento.
AUDIO: Kings’ fans such as Mike Clifford felt absolutely robbed and had no faith in the Kings and general manager Vlade Davic. Clifford commented on the Kings’ trade and how he thinks the Kings will do without Cousins.
An article from here from USAtoday.com discusses the trade for DeMarcus Cousins.
Knicks & Celtics Do Nothing in Wake of Trade Rumors
There was much anticipation about the Knicks, and Celtics making a trade or two with all the rumors going around. The Knicks would have been sellers at the deadline since their playoff chances are slim. The Celtics, on the other hand, are a top team in the East who could make a deep playoff run and could possibly use another star player.
There were rumors involving Carmelo Anthony of the Knicks waiving his no-trade clause for certain teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers but remained with New York. Also Derik Rose remained with the team after talks of possibly being dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a point guard swap for Ricky Rubio. The Knicks kept both players and still hope to make the playoffs as they’re on the outside looking in.
Vinny Bruno, 22 of Suffern, NY lives and dies with his Knicks and it’s been a rough year for him, as well as for the team. “I like Melo, and I like Rose and I expected a good year but at the end of the day they don’t play defense.” Vinny just wants to watch a winning team, and that means changes “we need to rebuild and get younger.”
Chris Gurrero, also 22 and from Suffern, NY felt very similar to Vinny but faulted management. “Makes me even less confident in the Knicks organization and in Phil Jackson to be honest. Hopefully there are significant moves in the off-season.”
As for the Celtics who have the best future ahead of them, picks wise, after robbing the Brooklyn Nets in 2013 for a boatload of first rounders, and some bench players for veteran players Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and then two depth players in Jason Terry, and D.J. White, didn’t make any crazy moves.
The Celtics are second in the East and still seem to be missing that extra star played to help Isiah Thomas. Many felt a move would come, but it never did. There was mixed emotions about the Celtics sticking with their future. Andrew Choai a 23 year old die hard Celtics fan from Suffern, NY was happy no move was made. “I thought it was the right move, they’ve been winning and whatever they have seems to be working.” Choai is a huge fan of Danny Ainge (General Manager of the Celtics) and what he’s been able to do for the team in the past. “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” Choai said, and used the previous night’s win vs. the the top team in the East (Cleveland Cavaliers) as an example of why no move were a good move, Choai also didn’t want to trade key role players such as Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and draft picks for a star player.
Blake Griffin of the Clippers, Paul George of the Indiana Pacers, and Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls were all names floating around. When push came to shove the Celtics stuck with their future Ainge didn’t trade any of their future first round picks.
A good read here from NBA.com talks about the big NBA players staying put.
Trades Made Around the NBA
The NBA trade deadline was fairly silent after the Cousins trade, but there were some moves that were significant around the league.
The Toronto Raptors who are another top team in the East were able to get Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic and gave up Terrance Ross, and a first round pick. This was a great deal for the Raptos as Ibaka as is averaging over 15 points, and 5 rebounds a game. The Raptors were also able to add veteran P.J. Tucker from the Phoenix Suns for 2 second rounders, and Jared Sullinger.
The Oklahoma City Thunder who are poised to make the playoffs in the bottom of the West were able to acquire a second round pick, Taj Gibson, as well as Doug McDermott from the Chicago Bulls for Joffrey Lauvergne, Anthony Morrow, and Cameron Payne. The Thunder hope Gibson, and McDermott can help Russel Westbrook out who’s leading the team single handedly with his MVP like numbers.
There were many other smaller deals made but nothing that made national headlines. NBA teams seemed more conservative on keeping their draft picks, and building their team from the draft, and signing free agents in the off-season.
AUDIO: Sam Meyers, 23, a college student who’s a big Brooklyn Nets fan, and overall just a big basketball fan, talked about the best trade outside of Cousins trade, and the deal the Nets made trading away Bojan Bogdanovic, and Chris McCullough to the Washington Wizards who also plan to make a deep playoff run.
A great article here from Bleacher Report talks about every trade and gives the team a grade.
Great article, I liked how you mentioned the significant trade between the Pelicans and Kings. I would have like if you talked about the trade between the Nets and Celtics which is the reason why the Celtics have stock piled on so many first round picks un protected. Also is the first round pick the Pelicans sent to the Kings protected?
I thought this story provided a lot of insight about the NBA trade-line and also included a good amount of media and audio, making it look very professional.