NBA Trade Deadline Round-up
In the days and even hours leading up to the recently hit NBA trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers figured to be the biggest mover and shaker as it fully commits to rebuilding its roster from the ground up, beginning with the 2014 NBA draft. The biggest move the Sixers made at the deadline was to trade away their top scorer, Evan Turner, and reserve big man Lavoy Allen to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for oft-injured forward Danny Granger and a future second-round pick. Turner apparently does not fit into their future plans.
Danny Granger was once a prolific scorer for the Pacers, but due to an unfortunate series of injuries has since dropped off in terms of production. The Sixers are expected to eventually figure a buyout for Grangers’ contract at some point in the future. Turner on the other hand, is having the best season of his career averaging 17.4 ppg. He now joins a very strong championship contender in the Pacers and figures to be their key offensive spark off the bench.
Philadelphia also traded Spencer Hawes to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Earl Clark and Henry Sims and two second-round draft picks. Not too long after, Philly chose to waive Earl Clark.
The Sixers did not stop there. To add to their growing collection of draft picks, they entered into a three-team deal with the Washington Wizards and the Denver Nuggets. Basically, the Wizards receive Andre Miller to back-up John Wall at point, the Nuggets receive Czech forward Jan Vesely, while the Sixers get Eric Maynor and two second-round picks.
Leading up to Thursday’s trade deadline, a few other teams made some moves as well. The Brooklyn Nets acquired Marcus Thornton from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jason Terry and Reggie Evans.
The Los Angeles Lakers, in an attempt to reduce their luxury tax expenditure, shipped off veteran Steve Blake to the Golden State Warriors and received Kent Bazemore and Marshon Brooks. The Warriors had been in the market for a suitable back-up for their star PG Stephen Curry for some time now. Blake, an 11-year veteran of the league, brings a lot of experience as well as solid playmaking skills and an outside touch.
While this was one of the more deadlines in recent years, the Pacers are one of the clear winners as they strengthen their roster in an attempt to make a run at the championship.