The trade deadline was a big day in the world of basketball, as we saw the movement of many big names in the NBA, such as Andre Drummond, Clint Capela, and D’Angelo Russell.
While some may argue that a bunch of these trades were “lopsided”, many of these trades happened for a reason that many NBA fans may not have picked up on yet.
In no specific order, here are the results and the winners/losers of 3 of what could be the most impactful trades of the 2020 NBA trade deadline…
1. Andre Drummond to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Brandon Knight, John Henson, and a 2023 second round pick.
Many fans argued that this trade was a COMPLETE STEAL for the Cleveland Cavaliers. An All-Star caliber center and board cleaner in Andre Drummond, is now being paired up in the Cleveland front court with Kevin Love, who was almost traded during today’s deadline. Love had seemed aggravated with the Cavaliers organization in various points this season. The addition of Drummond could potentially increase the morale of Kevin Love in Cleveland, and can fit very nicely into the John Beilein’s system of young talent (aside from Love).
Now on the Pistons’ side of things, this actually could’ve been not such a terrible move for them. Although they acquired Knight and Henson, who are both under fairly large contracts, there are many other factors that could’ve went into this trade.
The Pistons acquired a second round pick in 2023. Now with the departure of Drummond and the season ending surgery of Blake Griffin, maybe it’s time to tank for a high lottery pick (the Pistons do have their 2020 first rounder). Andre Drummond also is on an expiring contract, so who knows what was going on behind closed doors in Detroit? Maybe Drummond was unhappy on Detroit and they had to get some value out of him now so that they won’t just let him walk in Free agency.
2. Andre Iguodala, Jae Crowder, And Solomon Hill to the Miami Heat for Justise Winslow, James Johnson, and Dion Waiters (James Johnson would head to Minnesota for Gorgui Dieng).
This trade looks like an easy win for Memphis, but looking into the details, the Grizzlies got ROBBED. When Heat president Pat Riley makes a push for a trade or signing, he has to be MARRIED to it. Pat Riley has much experience, and knows what it takes to win a championship. After the loss of LeBron and the retirement of Bosh, Pat Riley still managed to keep the Heat as a decent team — and are now a championship caliber team. Andre Iguodala knows what it takes to win a championship, as he was responsible for maintaining Lebron in the 2015 finals, and went on to win the finals MVP. The addition of Iggy is HUGE for Miami, and brings them a step closer to being and even better and more experienced team.
On the Grizzlies’ side of things, Justise Winslow has missed an average of 30 games in each of his 5 seasons, and it can only get worse from there. Dion Waiters is being waived, and James Johnson is now a Minnesota Timberwolf.
So, Miami got more championship experience, more depth, and Memphis got… an injury prone player and a below average center?
3. D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 top 3 protected first round pick, and a 2021 second round pick.
The trade that could change NBA history, and will be remembered as a huge win-win situation.
Wiggins is in a new environment, surrounded by a fantastic coach and a superstar lineup. The former No. 1 selection is set to THRIVE alongside Curry, Thompson, and Green.
On the other side, the Timberwolves have 2/3 of what could be a potential project of a young big three of D’Angelo Russell, Karl Anthony Towns, and Devin Booker. Despite the fact that Booker is under a multi year deal with Phoenix, there is a high possibility he will demand out of Phoenix within the next 3 seasons. Booker is a leader of a weak Suns team that is determined to WIN. Devin Booker has had ENOUGH of losing seasons and missing the playoffs. If the Suns continue to miss the playoffs, Booker could be out of Phoenix to join his two close friends in Minnesota in no time.
Photo: David Berding / USA Today
