Here’s what we think about every NBA trade deadline deal.
The 2017 NBA trade deadline is here. As we roll throughout the day and past the finish line, we’ll provide a running tally of grades on each trade made. From the blockbuster to the minor transaction, we’ll carefully evaluate the risks, rewards, and rationale behind the deal and assign it an appropriate score.
Keep in mind that deals don’t happen in vacuums. It’s important to consider not just the talent of the players involved, but also their salaries, contract lengths, injury history, and, frankly, personality. Teams are willing to do a lot to get rid of players who annoy them. (See: DeMarcus Cousins and Spencer Hawes.)
There are also market considerations to take into account. When an All-NBA center gets traded for Jimmer Fredette 2.0 and a first-round pick, it’s hard to demand much for your rotation player. There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty in the league right now as teams and players try to assess how the new collective bargaining agreement will affect free agency and even the draft. The 2017 draft is expected to be one of the best in years, which could affect how willing teams are to move picks.
Without further adieu, here are our NBA trade grades. Be sure to check back after each trade to see our judgment. And follow our NBA trade rumor tracker throughout the day so you don’t get blindsided.