Mavericks – Knicks: Knicks receive Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews (waived) and two future first-round picks for Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee.
Winner – Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks get a legitimate NBA star in Porzingis to complement the young Luka Dončić, making them a potential contending threat for the future. They also add a great scorer in Hardaway Jr., although he is slightly overpaid. Giving up Dennis Smith Jr. as well as the first round picks is definitely a tough loss for the Mavericks, but Smith Jr. was already ready to move on and Porzingis is a guaranteed all-star rather than a potential one. The Knicks’ goal was mainly to create cap space, however, it’s hard to imagine them signing any stars with their current roster, even as a high-market team.
Magic – 76ers: 76ers receive Jonathon Simmons, Cleveland’s 2019 second-round pick and Oklahoma City’s 2020 first-round pick (top-20 protected) for Markelle Fultz.
Winner – Orlando Magic
The Magic are seeing this as a low-risk, high-reward trade as they get the number one overall pick from the 2017 draft for a late first-round pick, a second rounder and a decent role player. Simmons is only averaging 6.8 points per game in his second year with Orlando, and the late picks are worth surrendering in hopes that Fultz will return from his bizarre injury and reach his full potential.
Raptors – Grizzlies: Grizzlies receive CJ Miles, Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright and a 2024 second-round pick for Marc Gasol.
Winner – Toronto Raptors
The Raptors become immediate contenders in the East with the addition of Marc Gasol, and can now roll out a starting five of Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka or Pascal Siakam, and Marc Gasol. They only give up CJ Miles and Delon Wright from their roster, who both average under 20 minutes per game. This helps the Grizzlies with their tank and can potentially give rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. more minutes, however, they could have possibly been able to get more for an all-star level player.
Bucks – Pelicans – Pistons: Bucks receive Nikola Mirotić – Pistons receive Thon Maker – Pelicans receive Stanley Johnson, Denver’s 2019 second-round pick, Milwaukee’s 2020 second-round pick, Washington’s 2020 second-round pick, Washington’s 2021 second-round pick.
Winner – Pelicans
The Pelicans have Julius Randle returning soon, meaning Mirotić was likely headed back to the bench. The choice to flip Mirotić for a solid young bench player in Johnson, as well as four second-round picks is a great one by the Pelicans as they look to rebuild with Davis sure to be traded in the offseason. They can even attempt to group some of these picks for a late first-rounder.
Kings – Mavericks: Kings receive Harrison Barnes for Zach Randolph and Justin Jackson.
Winner – Kings
The Sacramento Kings add the starting wing they’ve been looking for with Harrison Barnes as they make their final push to make the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. They give up Justin Jackson, who averaged only 6.7 points per game, and Zach Randolph who hasn’t played a single minute all season. Sure, Barnes isn’t the best at moving the basketball, but his ability to score and defend as the Kings new small forward is worth giving up essentially only Justin Jackson for.
Wizards – Bulls: Wizards receive Jabari Parker, Bobby Portis, and a 2023 second-round pick for Otto Porter Jr.
Winner – Wizards
The Wizards shed Otto Porter Jr.’s terrible $90 million contract, a huge overpayment for a player averaging only 12.6 points per game on 45% shooting this season. In exchange, they get Jabari Parker who has a team option on his contract after this season, and Bobby Portis, who is a promising young power forward. Portis is averaging 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game this year in only 24 minutes. These numbers are solid for a 23-year-old and he is an underrated asset to have on any team.
76ers – Clippers: 76ers receive Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and Mike Scott for Landry Shamet, Mike Muscala, Wilson Chandler, a 2020 first-round pick (lottery protection), Miami’s 2021 first-round pick, Detroit’s 2021 second-round pick, and Detroit’s 2023 second-round pick.
Winner – 76ers
This was probably the most even trade this season, as both teams will benefit to achieve their current goals from this trade. The Clippers enter full-rebuild mode in order to keep their first-round pick and get highly valued future picks, including Miami’s 2021 unprotected pick. However, the 76ers getting Tobias Harris might be the key to launch them to the NBA Finals this year. Harris is an all-star caliber player that completes Philadelphia’s big four with Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler.