Analyzing NBA Trade Deals

This trade deadline wasn’t as active as many others. But before the season, there were a lot of interesting deals. We will be looking at three deals, one from right before the trade deadline and two from before the NBA season.

Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Pascal Siakam got traded to the Indiana Pacers in a deal that included Jordan Nwora, Bruce Brown, and three first-round picks to the Toronto Raptors.

Pacers trade grade: B+

The Pacers acquired Pascal Siakam, an all-star forward for three players including Bruce Brown, and three first-round picks. That is a big compensation for any player, especially Pascal Siakam. Siakam was a great player last year, and he is still good this year, but not as good. Overall, he has been good for the Pacers, so that is why he gets this grade.

Raptors trade grade: A-

The Raptors received Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, Kira Lewis, and three first-round picks. This is a big return for Siakam but they could have squeezed another second-round pick or maybe a first-round pick. In general, the Raptors got a great return for Siakam but could have gotten better.

James Harden to the Los Angeles Clippers. James Harden got traded to the LA Clippers for four players, three first-round picks, and two second-round picks.

Clippers trade grade: A+

The Clippers completely transformed their team into contenders with this trade. They traded three first-round picks, two second-round picks, Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum, Kenyon Martin Jr., and Marcus Morris. In return, they got James Harden, P.J. Tucker, Flip Petrusev and a first-round pick. This trade looked bad for the Clippers at first but they are now serious contenders to win the championship.

76ers trade grade: A

The 76ers received three first-round picks and unleashed Tyrese Maxey’s potential. I think they could have gotten a bit more compensation for superstar James Harden, but this trade has worked for them. They were one of the best teams in the NBA until Joel Embiid got injured.

Damian Lillard to Milwaukee in 3-team deal. Damian Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal that included the Bucks, Trail Blazers, and Suns.

Bucks trade grade: B

The Milwaukee Bucks had to give up a medium amount for Lillard, giving up Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and three first-round picks. He has made a little difference in this team, making them very scary. But in terms of success and record, there has been about no change. He has been good and will likely increase their playoff ceiling.

Trail Blazers trade grade: A

The Trail Blazers got Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and three first-round picks for Damian Lillard, Keon Johnson, Nassir Little, and Jusuf Nurkic. After this trade, they immediately traded Jrue Holiday and are in rebuild mode. Deandre Ayton hasn’t been great but he has been fine. The three first-round picks for someone who was counteracting the team focus was the real great part of this trade, though.

Suns trade grade: D+

They gave up Deandre Ayton for a worse Deandre Ayton (Jusuf Nurkic) and three role players (Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, and Jusuf Nurkic). Deandre Ayton is the missing piece to the Suns. If they had a good center in Deandre Ayton, they could be real championship contenders. They gave up a very talented center in Deandre Ayton for 4 role players.