NBA Trade Deadline 2021’s 3 Biggest Winners
NBA | March 31, 2021
After a record setting NBA trade deadline last week, where 46 players switched teams and countless draft picks changed hands, fans needed some time to digest everything and let the dust settle. While transactions are being reported in real time and break on Twitter, it’s difficult to absorb the true impact of a trade as details trickle in piecemeal.
With some time to think about everything that ensued, we can start to take a look at who made out well during the transaction spree last week. Who are 3 of the NBA’s biggest winners after the trade deadline?
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks were never going to be involved in a blockbuster that completely revamped the core of the roster, but they had a chance to supplement their already talented team with players who could help them get over the hump. It registered as just a blip on the NBA radar, but Milwaukee acquired veteran player P.J. Tucker in hopes he could make an impact down the stretch.
His influence will almost never translate to the box score, but Tucker is universally recognized as one of the toughest players in the NBA. He won’t back down from anyone, and is known for playing some of the most physical defense in the league. With the Rockets, 6’5” Tucker was forced to guard centers several inches taller and dozens of pounds heavier than him. He brings an intangible that Milwaukee did not previously have.
Orlando Magic
Teams who function intelligently during the trade deadline often have one trait in common. They accurately self assess where they are as a franchise, and how they need to get to where they want to go. The Orlando Magic admitted to themselves that they were not going to compete in the Eastern Conference any time soon, and decided to build for the future by jettisoning a few key players.
Orlando dealt center Nikola Vucevic to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for young big man Wendell Carter Jr, an expiring contract in Otto Porter Jr, and two future first round picks. In two additional separate deals, they sent Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics, and shipped Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets. The Magic will receive two second round picks from Boston, and future first round picks from Denver. It was the perfect way to reset a franchise who was going nowhere.
Victor Oladipo
The singular player who may have been the biggest winner at the deadline was Victor Oladipo. He was traded from the sliding Houston Rockets, to a promising Miami Heat team looking to make a playoff push. As has been well documented, Oladipo is in the final year of his contract, and is looking for a lucrative contract in free agency.
He may not get paid by the Heat, but Oladipo has an excellent chance to rehabilitate his value in Miami. They’re known as one of the best organizations in basketball, and Oladipo will likely have the chance to shine on a postseason stage. Considering the combination of both team success and individual potential, he arguably could not have landed in a better situation.
Tags: aaron gordon | evan fournier | houston rockets | miami heat | Milwaukee Bucks | nba trade deadline | nikola vucevic | orlando magic | victor oladipo
