The NBA trade deadline was Thursday, and some teams left looking very different than they had Wednesday night. The Ringer put together a list of winners, losers and key takeaways from the day.
In the winners bracket: Cleveland Cavaliers, who deserve a ton of credit for their creativity and courage in overhauling their roster. They traded three guards, Isaiah Thomas, Derrick Rose, and Dwyane Wade, who were all part of the problem defensively, and added Rodney Hood, George Hill, and Jordan Clarkson. They only play three games during the next two weeks, so they will have plenty of time to integrate. The Lakers are also winners, and they got a first-round pick and the expiring contracts of Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye. The Lakers now have $34.6 million in guaranteed salaries this upcoming offseason, and LeBron James and Paul George can become unrestricted free agents. The Pistons and the Suns are also winners.
In the loser bracket: Ex-lottery picks. Elfrid Payton, the No. 10 overall pick in 2014, was dealt for a second-round pick. The Nuggets traded Emmanuel Mudiay, drafted seventh in 2015, in a three-way trade for 34-year-old point guard Devin Harris. The Kings cut Georgios Papagiannis, the no. 13 pick in 2016. The Memphis Grizzlies are also losers.
Whether you’re looking to get into shape, or just get out of a funk, The Charge has got you covered. Sign up for our new wellness newsletter today.
