No blockbuster deals occurred at the buzzer this year, but the NBA trade deadline that passed on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. PST still spoke volumes.
The transactions hinted at teams’ intentions as we approach the regular season’s end. Here are three teams that won big this week:
Oklahoma City Thunder gain veteran scoring
By adding Gordon Hayward in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, OKC’s talented young core just acquired a veteran forward who can help them make a deep push into the playoffs.
Charlotte Hornets receive:
- Tre Mann
- Davis Bertans
- Vasilije Micic
- Draft compensation
Oklahoma City Thunder receive:
- Gordon Hayward
Despite entering the season No. 14 in ESPN’s preseason power rankings, the Thunder have exceeded their expectations by a large margin. With over 30 games remaining, they’re only five wins away from tying their win total from last season (40).
But with a starting lineup averaging only 22.6 years old, one question remained — does OKC have enough experience to compete with veteran superstars?
This is where Hayward can help. Though he’s only played 25 games thus far in 2023-24 due to a left calf strain, the 6-foot-7 forward is averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists on 46.8% field goal percentage. Not top tier, but more than enough to provide firepower from the OKC bench, where he’s expected to fit in after returning from injury.
Hayward’s size and versatility will pose a major threat to opposing teams if they give him too much breathing room on the wing. And now teams will have four consistent scorers to worry about in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Hayward. This squad will force defenders to scramble and make tough decisions throughout games.
3-point specialist Buddy Hield heads to Philadelphia
After sending James Harden away in November, the 76ers were in need of a beyond-the-arc shooter who could stretch out defenses — and they’ve found perhaps the best long-range marksman available at the deadline.
Indiana Pacers receive:
- Marcus Morris Sr.
- Furkan Korkmaz
- Three second-round picks
Philadelphia 76ers receive:
- Buddy Hield
One thing has been clear preceding this trade: Philadelphia is bad at perimeter offense. This season, they’re 27th in 3-pointers made per game and 25th in 3-pointers attempted per game out of 30 teams — numbers that don’t scream playoff-readiness.
By no means is Hield a replacement for the former MVP’s playmaking and scoring. But his strength as a floor-spacing shooter and off-ball threat might just mesh better with Joel Embiid’s dominant interior presence in the 76ers’ lineup, if and when the big man returns from a meniscus surgery.
The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is currently top 20 in 3-point attempts per game off of catch-and-shoot possessions (5.1), tying Stephen Curry in that category this season. He is also No. 22 in all-time 3-pointers made in a regular season at 40.1% career accuracy.
Basically, Hield is the exact guy that Philly needs.
This transaction should improve the Sixers’ floor spacing and perimeter offense. However, key questions remain. Namely, does the 31-year-old have enough time to find his shooting groove in a post-centered system? And will they be able to avoid more injuries to Embiid and others come April?
The Big Apple welcomes Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks
On top of the December trade to acquire the well-rounded forward OG Anunoby, the Knicks have now added two additional shot-makers in Bogdanovic and Burks.
Detroit Pistons receive:
- Evan Fournier
- Quentin Grimes
- Malachi Flynn
- Ryan Arcidiacono
- Two second-round picks
New York Knicks receive:
- Bojan Bogdanovic
- Alec Burks
Bogdanovic is scorching the nets this season; he’s having a career-year in both three-pointers attempted and made per game while maintaining an efficient conversion rate of over 41%. Beyond his long-range threat, the Croatian also drives to the hoop well, finishing successfully on nearly half of his attempts at the basket.
Burks, as usual, continues to be an offensive powerhouse coming off the bench, averaging nearly 13 points in 20 minutes a night. His instant offense and ability to play both guard positions will provide valuable depth and ammo to the Knicks’ second unit.
Since the Knicks already have an effective facilitator in Jalen Brunson, acquiring two shot-makers makes perfect sense and sets them up for a formidable playoff run.
Currently sitting at 33-19, the Knicks have also surpassed expectations so far this season as other Eastern Conference teams, namely the Bucks and 76ers, have been more vulnerable than expected. With Randle’s hopeful return before All-Star weekend, their immediate ceiling has lifted just in time for the playoffs.
Despite the lack of jaw-dropping action at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, one thing’s still certain: the trophy chase just grew a whole lot more unpredictable.