Anybody have a second round pick left to trade? Not after this deadline they don’t. This trade deadline was like none we’ve ever seen. Not only did we have potentially the biggest blockbuster move in NBA history, but instead of late or protected firsts being thrown around by contenders to rebuilders, this year’s precedent was 3-5 second round picks. Honestly, I think that’s the result of contenders running out of first round picks to trade. Teams like Cleveland, Atlanta, Minnesota, the Clippers, Philadelphia, Denver, Milwaukee, etc. were all unable to really trade any of their first round picks. Phoenix emptied the clip. As a result, most contenders had to just package those second rounders because they were all they really had left to give. And for the teams that did have firsts to give such as Memphis and New Orleans, they were unwilling to do that for a role player after the precedent of 3-5 seconds was set for similar players. I don’t think many teams hit a home run at the deadline, which is evidenced by these grades, but I think plenty of teams should be happy with how they maneuvered.

ATLANTA HAWKS

Received: Saddiq Bey, Bruno Fernando, Garrison Mathews

Traded: Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky, 2024 OKC 2nd, 2025 OKC 2nd, 2026 2nd, 2028 2nd, 2024 2nd, 2023 2nd (2nd most favorable between ATL-BKN-CHA), and 2025 2nd (protected 41-60)

GRADE: B-

I wanted to give the Hawks a worse grade, but I’m actually a pretty big fan of Saddiq Bey. I initially thought Bey would net Detroit a pretty decent first round pick, but instead, he was valued as five second round picks. While Atlanta had no need for a backup forward, he may become valuable next year if John Collins is finally dealt either in the offseason or by next year’s deadline. However, I am an even bigger fan of AJ Griffin, and acquiring Bey may potentially stunt Griffin’s growth. Once Atlanta knew they were acquiring Bey, they would’ve dipped into the luxury tax. As a result, they gave away potentially premiere second round picks via OKC (however, OKC is starting to put things together quicker than anticipated) to get out of the luxury tax. However, next year is the last year on Bey’s rookie deal, so giving up essentially seven second round picks to acquire him isn’t great business. But because I like Bey as a player and because he provides Atlanta with John Collins insurance, I went with a B-.

BOSTON CELTICS

Received: Mike Muscala 

Traded: Justin Jackson, 2029 second round pick, 2023 second round pick (least favorable of BOS seconds)

GRADE: B-

Trade values were weird this year. Mike Muscala went for two second round picks, while Mason Plumlee went to the Clippers for just one. Maybe I am undervaluing Muscala a bit, as he’s been a net positive for the Thunder this year as a stretch big, but in an ideal world, he’ll never need to be a contributor for Boston. Sure, Boston gave up a late second round pick this year and a second round pick for kids currently in middle school, so it’s a very low-risk move for the league’s best team. Further, I was pretty disappointed Boston wasn’t able to get off of Danilo Gallinari’s contract, as it would have provided the Celtics substantial luxury tax savings to move him, or they could’ve used his salary for a contributor. Given Gallinari is out for the season, I was pretty surprised he wasn’t moved. Usually, the trade deadline is an opportunity for the rich to get richer, and Boston is in the thick of a title race. While Boston has an embarrassment of riches, I was still pretty surprised to see them make just one marginal upgrade while teams like the Suns made far splashier moves to push their chips in even further.

BROOKLYN NETS

Received: Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, 2023 PHX 1st, 2025 PHX 1st, 2027 PHX 1st, 2029 PHX 1st, 2028 pick swap, 2028 MIL 2nd, 2029 MIL 2nd, 2029 DAL 1st, 2027 DAL 2nd, 2029 DAL 2nd

Traded: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, TJ Warren, Markieff Morris, Kessler Edwards

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