Trade Deadline: Who’s Where Now?
The Trade Deadline has passed.
Big names like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant were heavily rumored to change teams before the February 5 trade deadline. After the dust has settled, who actually went where? How will the inception of these players affect their new team’s stats?
Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors
Season Averages: 17 points; 5 rebounds; 3 assists; 1 block; 17 games played
Warriors fans were hoping to get the Greek Freak before the trade deadline ended, but what they got instead was Kristaps Porzingis–a unicorn big who can defend and stretch the floor. Steph Curry is still very much an offensive juggernaut, but he sorely needs help, and the Unicorn could actually be the number two guy in the absence of Jimmy Butler. The Warriors organization did not get Giannis, but achieved something very important–they got Jonathan Kuminga a new team. The question now is this: can Porzingis stay healthy and play some games this season in the hopes of helping the Warriors get a better record, or is he just another trade piece to be cashed in during the offseason?
Verdict: HOT! Porzingis can have a role in the team with Curry and Green, and he is potentially a double-double machine. The Warriors got a big who can shoot threes and defend the rim.
James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Season Averages: 25.4 points; 5.3 rebounds; 8.5 assists; 1.3 steals; 44 games played
The Clippers were having a hot streak when it was announced that Harden is now headed to Cleveland. A lot of Cavs fans believe that he will not be able to co-exist with Donovan Mitchell as they practically function similarly during offense–ball handler/scorers who run pick and rolls. But who knows, maybe they could, as he was doing so well playing next to Kawhi before the trade interrupted that, and these things sometimes work as in the case of Luka and Kyrie 2 seasons ago.
Verdict: HOT! James Harden will probably produce similarly and can complement the Cavs’ bigs Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in PnR situations.
Jonathan Kuminga the Atlanta Hawks
Season Averages: 12 points; 6 rebounds; 3 assists; 20 games played
Kuminga just got his wish–a fresh start in a new team. This guy is expected to have an increase in production, and he is going to have a field day around the Hawks’ relatively young core (Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Zaccarie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu, Dyson Daniels).
Verdict: HOT! If he lives up to the expectations, he is captain/vice-captain material.
Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards
Season Averages: 20 points; 11 rebounds; 3 assists; 1.7 blocks; 20 games played
5 years earlier and this would really have been mindblowing, but AD is not even healthy and the Wizards are 14-36. They now have a potential core of Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and a bunch of young guys (Kyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Jalen Johnson).
Verdict: NOT! Anthony Davis will probably sit-out the rest of the season. The Wizards are likely going to focus on developing their younger players.
Ivica Zubac to the Indiana Pacers
Season Averages: 15 points; 11 rebounds; 2 assists; 43 games played
The Pacers are 13-38, which is a total 180 degree turn from what they achieved last season. It is possible that Zubac may just be in passing, but he is a great addition to the team as the departure of Myles Turner had a negative impact. He can potentially be a great fit alongside Tyrese Haliburton, but Hali’s not coming back anytime soon.
Verdict: HOT! Zubac is a double-double machine provided that he gets playing time. He can be a vice-captain material.
Bennedict Mathurin to the Los Angeles Clippers
Season Averages: 18 points; 5.4 rebounds; 2.3 assists; 28 games played
The Clippers were red hot before they were shaken by the departure of star guard James Harden. If Mathurin can stay healthy and produce, he could be in for a great time with the Clippers. The team would need his scoring, and he may have to work on his defense if they have postseason hopes.
Verdict: MID! Can he play with Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard? If he can, this could play out well and he could produce.
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