This year’s 2020 NBA Trade Deadline changed the future of many franchises all over the league. The NBA Trade Deadline occurred on February 6th and would be the final time an NBA team could make a trade until the off-season in June. With many rumors that this trade deadline would be quiet, this outcome came to a surprise for many. There was a great range of trades including the swapping of stars to acquiring the necessary role players to fill out a championship roster or to build draft capital. There were many trades that occurred, but since there were so many there will only be a few recognized here. 

The first of the major trades occurred on February 4th, 2020. This exchange included four total teams; thus making it the most expansive NBA trade in nearly 20 years. The teams included in this immense trade includes the Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Denver Nuggets. Within this trade, the Houston Rockets obtained small forward Robert Covington from the Timberwolves. The Atlanta Hawks obtained center Clint Capela from the Hawks. The Minnesota Timberwolves obtained guard Malik Beasly, Juancho Hernangomez, Evan Turner, and a 1st round pick. And the Denver Nuggets obtained Gerald Green and a 1st round pick as well. This trade shook up the league and has drastically affected the rosters of these four teams. The most dramatic change was the Houston Rockets’ new small-ball lineup. In fact, the new average height of their starting five is 6’5” with their center, Pj Tucker, only standing as tall as 6’5”. Many are doubting this new lineup, but Rockets GM Daryl Morey believes that “Houston has their best chance at a title with their new small-ball lineup”. The other teams involved were mainly in search of more depth, some picks, or simply just a new look. This trade may or may not alter Houston’s playoff hopes this April/June. 

The second huge trade occurred on February 6th, 2020. This exchange between the Timberwolves and the Warriors occurred just hours before the deadline and may have been the biggest deal of the season. Within this trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves obtained D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman. On the other side of the trade, the Golden State Warriors obtained Andrew Wiggins, a 1st round pick, and a 2nd round pick. This swap between two max contracts has huge upside for both teams. As for the Timberwolves, Laydon was not only able to pair an all-star caliber player with Karl Anthony Towns, otherwise known at KAT, but also his best friend as well. With losing being common for the Timberwolves so far throughout Towns’ career and rumors about Towns’ being unhappy with the team, this move should keep their star happy. As for the Warriors, Myers gets another attempt to find Durant’s replacement. According to Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, “it helps us put the puzzle together going into next year once Steph and Klay are back. He fits right in with them and Draymond. So, it’s a nice addition”. This new lineup should strike fear into their future opponents. Not only does these trades pair two young, up and coming NBA all-stars, but also may bring back the legendary team Golden State once was just a few years back. 

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If there’s one thing I learned about the NBA, there’s no friends or loyalty. I’ve given my heart and soul to the Pistons, and to be have this happen with no heads up makes me realize even more that this is just a business!

— Andre Drummond

This NBA season is getting exciting, who do you think is gonna finish on top and take home the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy? 

For more information on the two previous trades discussed, in addition to the rest of the trades that occurred before this trade deadline visit https://www.nba.com/2019-20-trade-tracker.