This year’s trade deadline had many teams scrambling to get a deal finalized before 3 p.m. on March 25. Some teams wanted to add big names to the roster while others were looking to clear out some contracts and get draft picks to begin a rebuild. Regardless, action was taking place till just minutes before the deadline.
The Lakers wanted to find a supportive big that would give them an edge going into the playoffs. Signing Andre Drummond after he was bought out, they accomplished just that. Drummond’s talents were being wasted in Cleveland. He is a strong center who is known for being able to dominate teams in the paint. Adding this to an already great team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and they could be a problem in the West.
The Miami Heat were the center of a lot of rumors about who they would be getting in trades. In the end, the Heat were able to acquire Victor Oladipo from the Rockets. This will help the defending Eastern Conference champions, who are floundering right now. Oladipo is a great isolation player that will be able to help spread the floor and get his teammates open shots.
The biggest story is no doubt the New York Nets and the players they added. A notable name the Nets added a week prior was Blake Griffin. Though he is past his prime, adding Griffin is a good move for the Nets. He is a smart player who will fill whatever role the Nets need. After the trade deadline ended, the Nets were still able to make a deal with LaMarcus Aldridge, whom the Spurs just bought out. The Nets are gearing up for a deep playoff run. It’s hard to believe Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge all play on the same team, but it’s the truth. However, big names don’t always mean big wins. It will be interesting to see how all those stars fit together on the court. Will it be a walk in the park for Brooklyn to reach the Finals? Or, will it be one of the most disappointing early exits for a team in NBA history?