NBA Trade Deadline Winners
Scott Morris | February 28, 2015
Now that the dust has settled from the NBA trade deadline activity, the season continues toward the playoffs. Following an array of different deals made by contenders and pretenders alike, here are the winners from those who made moves to add to their lineup.
The Cleveland Cavaliers did not do much close to the trade deadline but their moves earlier to obtain Iman Shumpert, J.R. Smith and Timofey Mozgov have appeared thus far to be the best acquisitions by any team in the league. The Cavaliers have responded with 17 wins in their past 20 games played. Prior to their trade flurry, it did not seem that the Cavaliers were a title contender. However, it sure looks that way now.
The Miami Heat added Goran Dragic the high scoring guard from Phoenix. He filled a huge hole for the club. However, with the loss of Chris Bosh due to blood clots, this season seems to be over. However, when the core of players Bosh, Dragic, Luol Deng, Dwayne Wade and Hassan Whiteside, are all healthy, Miami figures to be a contender in the East.
The Oklahoma City Thunder was one contender that upgraded more than any other near the deadline. By adding Enes Kanter, the Thunder upgraded the post and improves the spot vacated by Kendrick Perkins’ departing. Oklahoma City also added guard D.J. Augustin and forward Kyle Singler, while moving Reggie Jackson to Detroit.
The Thunder has lost two straight games to tough teams, but seems to have the roster to reach the postseason and possibly go deep if Kevin Durant can return from injury and be productive.
The Portland Trail Blazers added Arron Afflalo from the Denver Nuggets, which should give them needed depth on the wing, especially since Nicolas Batum has struggled lately. Afflalo scored close to 15 per game with Denver and could help rejuvenate the club. If LaMarcus Aldridge continues to have problems due to his thumb, then Afflalo could be called on for more production that originally thought.
