What Trades Are Happening In The NBA?
The NBA trade deadline is approaching and there are a lot of rumors flying around about which teams are interested in which players. Keep up with the latest news and rumors with our trade tracker, and check back here for analysis of any major trades that happen.
The Kyrie Irving Trade
On Tuesday morning, the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the NBA world by completing a trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, and the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round draft pick. The Cavaliers also received a 2020 second-round draft pick from the Celtics as part of the deal.
The Boston Celtics Receive: Kyrie Irving
The Boston Celtics have reportedly agreed to trade Kyrie Irving to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, the 2018 Nets first-round pick, and a 2020 second-round pick via the Miami Heat.
The Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, Brooklyn’s 2018 1st Round Pick
The Brooklyn Nets will receive: Kyrie Irving
The Cavs also get the Nets’ 2018 first-round pick, which is lottery-protected.
Cleveland is parting with one of its best players in Irving, but in return, the Cavaliers get back a solid haul that should help them remain competitive in the short term while also adding some long-term value.
For the Cavaliers, Thomas is the centerpiece of the deal. He’s a two-time All-Star who averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game last season. Thomas is coming off a season-ending hip injury, but if he can return to form, he gives Cleveland another much-needed scoring punch alongside LeBron James.
Crowder is also a solid two-way player who averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. He’ll add some much-needed perimeter defense for the Cavs, who lost a key piece in that department when they traded away defensive specialist Dahntay Jones earlier this offseason.
Zizic is a young center with some upside who should be able to contribute right away. And while the 2018 first-round pick isn’t as valuable as it could be because it’s lottery protected, it still has some value as a potential trade chip down the road or as an asset to build around if Cleveland decides to rebuild at some point in the future.
The Carmelo Anthony Trade
It’s official, Carmelo Anthony is a New York Knick. After weeks of rumors and speculation, the Knicks have finally pulled the trigger on a trade that sends Melo to the Big Apple. In return, the Knicks give up a package that includes Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, and Timofey Mozgov.
The Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, Chicago’s 2018 2nd Round Pick
OKC also gets Portland’s 2018 first-round pick (via Charlotte), which is top-20 protected, meaning it could turn into two second-round picks. The biggest get in this deal for Oklahoma City is clearly the first-rounder, as the Thunder currently sit outside the playoff picture and will likely be picking in the lottery. This gives them a chance to add a young piece to their core of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams.
The New York Knicks Receive: Carmelo Anthony
The New York Knicks have agreed to trade Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to reports.
The Knicks will receive Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and a 2018 second-round draft pick in exchange for Anthony.
This is a significant trade for both teams, as Anthony is a superstar player who has been one of the best scorers in the NBA for many years. The Thunder are a young and very talented team, and they will be hoping that Anthony can help them take the next step and become true contenders in the Western Conference.
The Knicks, on the other hand, are embarking on a rebuild and they will be looking to use Kanter and McDermott as part of that process. This trade gives them two young players who have some potential, and they will also have an extra draft pick to use in the future.
The Jimmy Butler Trade
The NBA is a league full of trades. Some are good, some are bad, but all shapes the league into what it is today. The most recent trade that is making waves is the Jimmy Butler trade. Butler was traded to the Sixers in return for Robert Covington, Jerryd Bayless, and Dario Saric.
The Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen
The Timberwolves trade Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and Lauri Markkanen. The Wolves also receive the 7th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft from the Bulls.
The Chicago Bulls Receive: Jimmy Butler, Justin Patton
The Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen
The Chicago Bulls have agreed to trade All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler and backup center Justin Patton to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen, according to league sources familiar with the deal.
The Wolves also will receive the draft rights to forward/center Albert Miralles in the deal, which won’t be official until Wednesday. Sources told ESPN that Chicago will send Minnesota a 2018 second-round pick in exchange for Miralles’ draft rights.
