This week all of the hype was supposed to be surrounding the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. But in a shocking turn of events, the NBA's trade deadline has appeared to steal the show. Several blockbuster deals could have major playoff implications in both conferences. After a wild week leading up to the February 6 trade deadline, lets review the craziest trades.
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Trade Deadline Moves Shake Up Playoff Picture
The Los Angeles Lakers are rolling as winners of five straight games and sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference. Which is why it was even more shocking when they traded their star big man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for star guard Luka Doncic. The tandem of James and Doncic will be an interesting one to watch with their versatile skillset.
The Lakers weren't finished making moves there either. They also added 7-footer Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish.
The Lakers have built a formidable squad in the West, but the Mavericks do not look to shabby either. With the low-post wizardry and defensive prowess of Davis, coupled with the scoring ability of Kyrie and the streaky shooting of Klay Thompson, they could be a threat in the West.
The Golden State Warriors missed out on Kevin Durant after the former Warriors star revealed he was not interested in a Bay Area reunion. But they did acquire another All-Star in Jimmy Butler which is one heck of a consolation prize. He was sent to the Bay in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Lindy Waters, Kyle Anderson and picks.
If the season ended today, the Warriors wouldn't even qualify for the playoffs. And with four of their next five games coming against the Lakers, Bucks, Mavericks, and Rockets, this next stretch could define if they have enough in the tank to make a late playoff push.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been one of the pleasant surprises this season. After suffering disappointing playoff exits in back-to-back years, many expected for Donovan Mitchell and company to be a middle-of-the-pack team.
But somehow, someway, the Cavaliers have the best record in the league as the season nears the All-Star Break. And they acquired another elite wing at the deadline in Deandre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. On the season he is averaging 19.0 points per game which and adds to an already elite defensive group that features Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
