‘Extravaganza’ is a word tossed around perhaps too lightly, especially where professional sports’ trade deadlines are concerned. But extravaganza is apt for what has amounted for a surprise and talent filled 2014-15 NBA Trade Deadline with a Big Ticket name returning home, a hydra head’s worth of point guards changing places, and two recent once-contenders jumping back into the danger zone. Here is how it played out.
In perhaps the biggest move of the deadline, Goran Dragic (along with rhyming-name brother Zoran) ended up with the Miami Heat. As part of this, Norris Cole went to NOLA, and Danny Granger, John Salmons, and two-first round picks find themselves under the tutelage of Jeff Hornaceck.
Michael Carter-Williams, a supposed centerpiece for Philly, got shipped to Milwaukee who saw it fit to ship their fringe All-Star Brandon Knight to Goran’s former home. The Bucks get a pass-first point guard who would round out a mobile and lanky defense that is already one of the league’s best. League, take note.
Speaking of Philly, they took on the forever project that is JaVale McGee along with his $11-million-a-year price tag. And yes, plenty of draft picks.
OKC-maligned Reggie Jackson finds a new home in Detroit.
Meanwhile, OKC, major winners in this deadline, nabbed Enes Kanter, Steve Novak, Kyle Singler, and D.J. Augustin—all players that address OKC concerns at minimal risk and possible major reward. The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, are stuck with Kendrick Perkins, Grant Jerrett, two draft picks, and the rights to Tibor Pleiss.
In more point guard happenings, Isaiah Thomas is Boston-bound and the Suns get Marcus Thornton and a a 2016 top-10 protected first-round pick.
In more 76ers head-scratching, potential trade steal K.J. McDaniels is going to Houston, where he won’t address PG problems, but looks to be a dynamic two-way player soon.
To round things out, in a move that pulls at the tribal heart strings, Kevin Garnett is a Timberwolf again as Thaddeus Young is taking his place out in Brooklyn.
