2019 NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Reasons For Every Move Made
2019 NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: Reasons For Every Move Made
Tracking every trade made during the 2019 NBA trade deadline, with reasons why each team did it.
Tracking every trade made during the 2019 NBA trade deadline, with reasons why each team did it.
Raptors receive: BKN 2nd round pick
Nets Receive: Greg Monroe
Why Toronto did it: They have no need for Monroe now that they have Gasol on their roster.
Why Brooklyn did it: Brooklyn can use an extra big body for their playoff run (it feels weird mentioning Brooklyn and playoffs in the same sentence).
Celtics receive: ATL protected 2nd round pick
Hawks Receive: Jabari Bird, Cash
Why Boston did it: They get to free up a roster spot for the soon-to-be buyout market.
Why Atlanta did it: They get a free swing at seeing whether Bird can make their rotation.
Magic receive: Markelle Fultz
76ers receive: Jonathan Simmons, 2020 OKC top-20-protected 1st round pick, CLE 2nd round pick
Why Orlando did it: Orlando wants to take a chance on a number one overall pick that never found his footing in Philadelphia. They could certainly use a point guard, although it's unclear when Fultz will be ready to play again.
Why Philadelphia did it: This is mostly a punt on a failed project, but it also adds depth to a roster in dire need of it. Future picks are always nice, especially with how much was sacrificed in the Harris trade.
Grizzlies receive: Tyler Dorsey
Hawks receive: Shelvin Mack
Why Memphis did it? Memphis would have taken literally anything for him, so the bar was set pretty low.
Why Atlanta did it? Looks like he'll be getting waived. Maybe a team looking for a 3rd string guard will sign him?
Trailblazers receive: Skal Labissiere
Kings receive: Caleb Swanigan
Why Portland did it: Skal can shoot, so they're adding to their collection of back-up bigs who can stretch the floor.
Why Sacramento did it: Looks like a buy out candidate. The big man rotation in Sacramento is already crowded.
Clippers receive: Ivica Zubac, Michael Beasley
Lakers receive: Mike Muscala
Why the Clippers did it: Zubac is still a developing young big man, something that tends not to stick around on teams with LeBron James. It's a low-risk move for a young rotation player.
Why the Lakers did it: The Lakers get shooting from the PF/C position.
Grizzlies receive: Avery Bradley
Clippers receive: Jamychal Green, Garrett Temple
Why Los Angeles did it: This is fantastic value for Avery Bradley. Bradley has bounced around since Boston sold high on him in their trade with Detroit, and has since drawn criticism from fans and media. Green and Temple are both solid players who will have a lot of opportunities to boost their value in the Clippers' on-the-fly rebuild.
Why Memphis did it: Both Green and Temple are unrestricted free agents on a sinking ship. Bradley only has $2 million guaranteed on his contract next year, which is technically a higher price than letting Green and Temple walk, but one could look at this as due diligence by Memphis to kick the tires on other players to see if they can strike gold on a low-value asset. Still, it seems like a pretty poor trade for Memphis.
Hoston receives: 2nd round pick
Pacers receive: Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin IV, 2nd round pick
Why Houston did it? The Stauskas to Houston hype train lasted less than 24 hours, this is a move to clear up a roster spot for the buyout market.
Why Indiana did it? Stauskas can be productive off the bench if they choose to keep him on their roster.
Raptors receive: Marc Gasol
Grizzlies receive: Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, 2024 TOR 2nd round pick
Why Toronto did it: The top-heavy Eastern Conference has become an arms race. Milwaukee added Mirotic, Philadelphia added Harris, and now Toronto has made a power move of their own to acquire Gasol.
Why Memphis did it: Turning veterans into multiple assets is the classic start to a rebuild. They didn't get any blue-chip prospects back, but they have a few pieces to work with as they try to mold their future.
Bucks receive: Nikola Mirotic
Pelicans receive: Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson, 2019 DEN 2nd round pick, 2020 WAS 2nd round pick, 2021 WAS 2nd round pick, 2020 MIL 2nd round pick
Why Milwaukee did it: This is a home run for Milwaukee. Wow. They effectively flipped Thon Maker for Nikola Mirotic. Giannis can now drive and kick to a bunch of tall, talented shooters in Ersan Ilyasova, Brook Lopez, and Nikola Mirotic. This team is officially scary. This wasn't much to give up, either.
Why New Orleans did it: New Orleans has officially entered the asset-gathering phase of their rebuild, despite still employing their best player. They're trading decent players and getting prospects and picks.
76ers receive: James Ennis
Rockets receive: Swap rights to a 2021 2nd round pick
Why Philadelphia did it: The Sixers get a decent wing shooter (37% on three attempts per game this season), which is something they've needed since before they traded two wing shooters away in the Jimmy Butler deal.
Why Houston did it: After getting Iman Shumpert yesterday, there are only so many roster spots for wing players. Ennis hasn't been particularly productive in Houston so it's just a move to (theoretically) get a future draft asset while lowering their luxury tax bill.
Wizards receive: Wesley Johnson
Pelicans receive: Markieff Morris, 2023 WAS 2nd round pick
Why Washington did it: They did it. They finally did it. Washington is now below the luxury tax threshold.
Why New Orleans did it: They get to mess with Rich Paul by trading for a client not called Anthony Davis, and they get what might be a valuable 2nd round pick for 2.4 million (the difference between salaries).
Kings receive: Harrison Barnes
Mavericks receive: Justin Jackson, Zach Randolph
Why Sacramento did it: It seems like Barnes is in Sacramento’s long-term plans. He helps create offense in slow offensive possessions, and he can spread the floor and play minutes at PF as a Bjelica replacement.
Why Dallas did it: Salary dump. Barnes is still on the books for 25 million next season (assuming he takes his player option, which he will), and it gives them ~30 million to play with during the off-season after they offer the max to Porzingis. Not going to lie, it wasn't a great look trading a player while he was still playing, but that's the trade deadline for you. Jackson is also an interesting player. He’s streaky, but has shown signs of being a capable 3&D guy.
Rockets receive: Iman Shumpert, Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin IV
Cavaliers receive: Brandon Knight, Marquese Chriss, 2019 HOU 1st round pick (protected)
Kings receive: Alec Burks, 2nd round pick
Why Houston did it: Stauskas is going to be fun on Houston, and Shumpert gives them wing defense, which they’ll desperately need come playoff time.
Why Cleveland did it: Houston’s draft pick. Cleveland is in the early stages of a re-build, so the more picks they have, the better.
Why Sacramento did it: I'm not entirely sure, they're still in play for the 8th seed, and they've just traded away somebody who has been playing pretty well for them, and was an important piece of their locker room chemistry.
Wizards receive: Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, 2023 CHI 2nd round pick
Bulls receive: Otto Porter Jr.
Why Washington did it: Salary dump. Otto is on the books for 55 million over the next 2 seasons. He's was one of their only tradable assets, and while he's still a productive player, it's one step closer to getting under the luxury tax.
Why Chicago did it: I'm not used to Chicago making good moves, but this was one of them. Sure, he’s over-paid, but Chicago isn’t attracting any free-agents this off-season, so Otto is likely the best additional they’ll be able to make.
Heat receive: Ryan Anderson
Suns receive: Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington
Why Miami did it: To shed some salary. Tyler is still on the books for 19.2 million next season (turns out giving big contracts to averages players, like drinking milk on a warm day, is a bad idea), while Anderson’s contract next season includes a 15.6 million guarantee.
Why Phoenix did it: They get somebody they can actually play. Granted, Tyler isn’t starter worthy (even though he’s getting paid like one), but he can play, and becomes an expiring contract next season. It’s a pity they’re planning to wave Ellington.
Raptors receive: Cash
76ers receive: Malachi Richardson, 2022 TOR 2nd round pick, rights to Emir Preldzic
Why Toronto did it: So their fans can run with the “cash considerations” meme for a few days before they get sick of it.
Why Philadelphia did it: Not sure why they drafted the rights to a 31-year-old back-up playing in the Turkish league, but a 2nd round pick is still a piece they can use down the road.
Bucks receive: Stanley Johnson
Pistons receive: Thon Maker
Why Milwaukee did it: This frees up more time for DJ Wilson, and gives them a useful wing defender (who might actually become useful if he can work out how to shoot).
Why Detroit did it: Maybe they like playoff Thon?
76ers receive: Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott
Clippers receive: Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2020 PHI lottery protected 1st round pick, 2021 MIA 1st round pick, 2021 PHI 2nd round pick, 2023 PHI 2nd round pick
Why Philadelphia did it: Because a starting 5 of Simmons, Redick, Butler, Harris, and Embiid is legit. Sure, it was an over-pay for somebody who’s an unrestricted free agent, but he’s a great fit for their roster, and if all goes to plan, are a great chance of making the conference finals. Then it’s a matter of trying to re-sign both Butler and Harris in the off-season.
Why Los Angeles did it: Harris clearly wasn’t in their long-term plans, and this gives them 2 first-round picks to add to their Anthony Davis offer. And if that doesn’t work out, it’s a great way to start a re-build. Shamet also looks like a nice player.
Lakers receive: Reggie Bullock
Pistons receive: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, 2021 LAL 2nd round pick
Why Los Angeles did it: They desperately need outside shooting, and that’s one of Bullock’s main skills.
Why Detroit did it: Svi is interesting, but this seems like a nothing trade, for a 2nd round pick.
Trailblazers receive: Rodney Hood
Cavaliers receive: Wade Baldwin IV, Nik Stauskas, 2021 POR 2nd round pick, 2023 POR 2nd round pick
Why Portland did it: They get to add another wing off the bench who can score. Giving up 2 2nd round picks may have been too much, but if Portland has their way, they won’t be of any value.
Why Cleveland did it: Cleveland is at the stage of their re-build where they’ll trade almost anything for draft picks, even if they’re late 2nd rounders.
Bulls receive: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Thunder receive: 2020 CHI protected 2nd round pick, Cash
Why Chicago did it: Chicago and giving away 2nd round picks - name a more iconic duo?
Why Oklahoma City did it: TLC wasn’t getting any playing time in OKC, so getting a pick, albeit a protected 2nd rounder, is still a nice move.
Mavericks receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, Trey Burke
Knicks receive: Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, 2021 DAL 1st round pick, 2023 DAL protected (1-10) 1st round pick
Why Dallas did it: Because when you get the chance to pair up Kristaps Porzingis with Luka Doncic, you do it 10 times out of 10. Sure, he’s coming off a major injury, but he’s young, and medical teams are getting more advanced every day, so hopefully, he comes back just as strong.
Why New York did it: They get 2 1st round picks, and enough roster flexibility to sign 2 max free agents. Whether any max worthy free-agents still want to play in New York is a debate for another time, but it’s definitely got some fan bases worried.
Raptors receive: BKN 2nd round pick
Nets Receive: Greg Monroe
Why Toronto did it: They have no need for Monroe now that they have Gasol on their roster.
Why Brooklyn did it: Brooklyn can use an extra big body for their playoff run (it feels weird mentioning Brooklyn and playoffs in the same sentence).
Celtics receive: ATL protected 2nd round pick
Hawks Receive: Jabari Bird, Cash
Why Boston did it: They get to free up a roster spot for the soon-to-be buyout market.
Why Atlanta did it: They get a free swing at seeing whether Bird can make their rotation.
Magic receive: Markelle Fultz
76ers receive: Jonathan Simmons, 2020 OKC top-20-protected 1st round pick, CLE 2nd round pick
Why Orlando did it: Orlando wants to take a chance on a number one overall pick that never found his footing in Philadelphia. They could certainly use a point guard, although it's unclear when Fultz will be ready to play again.
Why Philadelphia did it: This is mostly a punt on a failed project, but it also adds depth to a roster in dire need of it. Future picks are always nice, especially with how much was sacrificed in the Harris trade.
Grizzlies receive: Tyler Dorsey
Hawks receive: Shelvin Mack
Why Memphis did it? Memphis would have taken literally anything for him, so the bar was set pretty low.
Why Atlanta did it? Looks like he'll be getting waived. Maybe a team looking for a 3rd string guard will sign him?
Trailblazers receive: Skal Labissiere
Kings receive: Caleb Swanigan
Why Portland did it: Skal can shoot, so they're adding to their collection of back-up bigs who can stretch the floor.
Why Sacramento did it: Looks like a buy out candidate. The big man rotation in Sacramento is already crowded.
Clippers receive: Ivica Zubac, Michael Beasley
Lakers receive: Mike Muscala
Why the Clippers did it: Zubac is still a developing young big man, something that tends not to stick around on teams with LeBron James. It's a low-risk move for a young rotation player.
Why the Lakers did it: The Lakers get shooting from the PF/C position.
Grizzlies receive: Avery Bradley
Clippers receive: Jamychal Green, Garrett Temple
Why Los Angeles did it: This is fantastic value for Avery Bradley. Bradley has bounced around since Boston sold high on him in their trade with Detroit, and has since drawn criticism from fans and media. Green and Temple are both solid players who will have a lot of opportunities to boost their value in the Clippers' on-the-fly rebuild.
Why Memphis did it: Both Green and Temple are unrestricted free agents on a sinking ship. Bradley only has $2 million guaranteed on his contract next year, which is technically a higher price than letting Green and Temple walk, but one could look at this as due diligence by Memphis to kick the tires on other players to see if they can strike gold on a low-value asset. Still, it seems like a pretty poor trade for Memphis.
Hoston receives: 2nd round pick
Pacers receive: Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin IV, 2nd round pick
Why Houston did it? The Stauskas to Houston hype train lasted less than 24 hours, this is a move to clear up a roster spot for the buyout market.
Why Indiana did it? Stauskas can be productive off the bench if they choose to keep him on their roster.
Raptors receive: Marc Gasol
Grizzlies receive: Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles, 2024 TOR 2nd round pick
Why Toronto did it: The top-heavy Eastern Conference has become an arms race. Milwaukee added Mirotic, Philadelphia added Harris, and now Toronto has made a power move of their own to acquire Gasol.
Why Memphis did it: Turning veterans into multiple assets is the classic start to a rebuild. They didn't get any blue-chip prospects back, but they have a few pieces to work with as they try to mold their future.
Bucks receive: Nikola Mirotic
Pelicans receive: Jason Smith, Stanley Johnson, 2019 DEN 2nd round pick, 2020 WAS 2nd round pick, 2021 WAS 2nd round pick, 2020 MIL 2nd round pick
Why Milwaukee did it: This is a home run for Milwaukee. Wow. They effectively flipped Thon Maker for Nikola Mirotic. Giannis can now drive and kick to a bunch of tall, talented shooters in Ersan Ilyasova, Brook Lopez, and Nikola Mirotic. This team is officially scary. This wasn't much to give up, either.
Why New Orleans did it: New Orleans has officially entered the asset-gathering phase of their rebuild, despite still employing their best player. They're trading decent players and getting prospects and picks.
76ers receive: James Ennis
Rockets receive: Swap rights to a 2021 2nd round pick
Why Philadelphia did it: The Sixers get a decent wing shooter (37% on three attempts per game this season), which is something they've needed since before they traded two wing shooters away in the Jimmy Butler deal.
Why Houston did it: After getting Iman Shumpert yesterday, there are only so many roster spots for wing players. Ennis hasn't been particularly productive in Houston so it's just a move to (theoretically) get a future draft asset while lowering their luxury tax bill.
Wizards receive: Wesley Johnson
Pelicans receive: Markieff Morris, 2023 WAS 2nd round pick
Why Washington did it: They did it. They finally did it. Washington is now below the luxury tax threshold.
Why New Orleans did it: They get to mess with Rich Paul by trading for a client not called Anthony Davis, and they get what might be a valuable 2nd round pick for 2.4 million (the difference between salaries).
Kings receive: Harrison Barnes
Mavericks receive: Justin Jackson, Zach Randolph
Why Sacramento did it: It seems like Barnes is in Sacramento’s long-term plans. He helps create offense in slow offensive possessions, and he can spread the floor and play minutes at PF as a Bjelica replacement.
Why Dallas did it: Salary dump. Barnes is still on the books for 25 million next season (assuming he takes his player option, which he will), and it gives them ~30 million to play with during the off-season after they offer the max to Porzingis. Not going to lie, it wasn't a great look trading a player while he was still playing, but that's the trade deadline for you. Jackson is also an interesting player. He’s streaky, but has shown signs of being a capable 3&D guy.
Rockets receive: Iman Shumpert, Nik Stauskas, Wade Baldwin IV
Cavaliers receive: Brandon Knight, Marquese Chriss, 2019 HOU 1st round pick (protected)
Kings receive: Alec Burks, 2nd round pick
Why Houston did it: Stauskas is going to be fun on Houston, and Shumpert gives them wing defense, which they’ll desperately need come playoff time.
Why Cleveland did it: Houston’s draft pick. Cleveland is in the early stages of a re-build, so the more picks they have, the better.
Why Sacramento did it: I'm not entirely sure, they're still in play for the 8th seed, and they've just traded away somebody who has been playing pretty well for them, and was an important piece of their locker room chemistry.
Wizards receive: Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, 2023 CHI 2nd round pick
Bulls receive: Otto Porter Jr.
Why Washington did it: Salary dump. Otto is on the books for 55 million over the next 2 seasons. He's was one of their only tradable assets, and while he's still a productive player, it's one step closer to getting under the luxury tax.
Why Chicago did it: I'm not used to Chicago making good moves, but this was one of them. Sure, he’s over-paid, but Chicago isn’t attracting any free-agents this off-season, so Otto is likely the best additional they’ll be able to make.
Heat receive: Ryan Anderson
Suns receive: Tyler Johnson, Wayne Ellington
Why Miami did it: To shed some salary. Tyler is still on the books for 19.2 million next season (turns out giving big contracts to averages players, like drinking milk on a warm day, is a bad idea), while Anderson’s contract next season includes a 15.6 million guarantee.
Why Phoenix did it: They get somebody they can actually play. Granted, Tyler isn’t starter worthy (even though he’s getting paid like one), but he can play, and becomes an expiring contract next season. It’s a pity they’re planning to wave Ellington.
Raptors receive: Cash
76ers receive: Malachi Richardson, 2022 TOR 2nd round pick, rights to Emir Preldzic
Why Toronto did it: So their fans can run with the “cash considerations” meme for a few days before they get sick of it.
Why Philadelphia did it: Not sure why they drafted the rights to a 31-year-old back-up playing in the Turkish league, but a 2nd round pick is still a piece they can use down the road.
Bucks receive: Stanley Johnson
Pistons receive: Thon Maker
Why Milwaukee did it: This frees up more time for DJ Wilson, and gives them a useful wing defender (who might actually become useful if he can work out how to shoot).
Why Detroit did it: Maybe they like playoff Thon?
76ers receive: Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Mike Scott
Clippers receive: Landry Shamet, Wilson Chandler, Mike Muscala, 2020 PHI lottery protected 1st round pick, 2021 MIA 1st round pick, 2021 PHI 2nd round pick, 2023 PHI 2nd round pick
Why Philadelphia did it: Because a starting 5 of Simmons, Redick, Butler, Harris, and Embiid is legit. Sure, it was an over-pay for somebody who’s an unrestricted free agent, but he’s a great fit for their roster, and if all goes to plan, are a great chance of making the conference finals. Then it’s a matter of trying to re-sign both Butler and Harris in the off-season.
Why Los Angeles did it: Harris clearly wasn’t in their long-term plans, and this gives them 2 first-round picks to add to their Anthony Davis offer. And if that doesn’t work out, it’s a great way to start a re-build. Shamet also looks like a nice player.
Lakers receive: Reggie Bullock
Pistons receive: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, 2021 LAL 2nd round pick
Why Los Angeles did it: They desperately need outside shooting, and that’s one of Bullock’s main skills.
Why Detroit did it: Svi is interesting, but this seems like a nothing trade, for a 2nd round pick.
Trailblazers receive: Rodney Hood
Cavaliers receive: Wade Baldwin IV, Nik Stauskas, 2021 POR 2nd round pick, 2023 POR 2nd round pick
Why Portland did it: They get to add another wing off the bench who can score. Giving up 2 2nd round picks may have been too much, but if Portland has their way, they won’t be of any value.
Why Cleveland did it: Cleveland is at the stage of their re-build where they’ll trade almost anything for draft picks, even if they’re late 2nd rounders.
Bulls receive: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot
Thunder receive: 2020 CHI protected 2nd round pick, Cash
Why Chicago did it: Chicago and giving away 2nd round picks - name a more iconic duo?
Why Oklahoma City did it: TLC wasn’t getting any playing time in OKC, so getting a pick, albeit a protected 2nd rounder, is still a nice move.
Mavericks receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, Trey Burke
Knicks receive: Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, 2021 DAL 1st round pick, 2023 DAL protected (1-10) 1st round pick
Why Dallas did it: Because when you get the chance to pair up Kristaps Porzingis with Luka Doncic, you do it 10 times out of 10. Sure, he’s coming off a major injury, but he’s young, and medical teams are getting more advanced every day, so hopefully, he comes back just as strong.
Why New York did it: They get 2 1st round picks, and enough roster flexibility to sign 2 max free agents. Whether any max worthy free-agents still want to play in New York is a debate for another time, but it’s definitely got some fan bases worried.