The Best and Worst of NBA Trade Deadline Day 2017

Despite the likes of Jimmy Butler, Paul George, and Andre Drummond staying put this trade deadline, a handful of contenders made good moves, and some non-contenders made some not so good moves.

Best

Nets and Wizards swap Bogdanovic for First Round Pick:

The Wizards have been one of the best teams in the new calendar year, going 18-5 since January 1st (three of the losses to the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Rockets). Washington has developed a very talented starting five lead by the dynamic duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal (22 points per game each), along with NBA leader in 3-point percentage Otto Porter Jr. (14.6 ppg), but have lacked bench production this year. That's where Bogdanovic fits in, the third year Bosnian is averaging 14.2 ppg this year for the abysmal Brooklyn Nets, but is a career 37% from beyond the arc, and has the ability to play both the 3 and 4 positions, to give rest to Porter Jr. and Markieff Morris. The pick brings the Nets a little bit closer to being able to rebuild, with two first round picks likely in the 20s this year (Boston and Washington).

Lakers and Rockets swap Lou Williams, Corey Brewer, plus First Round Pick:

Mike D'Antoni has turned the Rockets into an analytical-three-point-shooting-machine this year, led by MVP candidate James Harden and the re-emergence of Eric Gordon (second and fourth in the NBA in made three pointers respectively). Williams gives D'Antoni's squad another perimeter threat, and much needed back court depth to help Harden and Gordon. This deal also came at little cost to the Rockets, with Corey Brewer having a near career worst year in just about every statistic, and giving up what would be the 28th pick in the draft.

Raptors get PJ Tucker and Serge Ibaka:

Toronto has been the opposite of the Wizards since the turn of the year, posting a measly 12-14 record since Jan. 1, including just a 3-5 record in February. Their front office certainly noticed the recent struggles, turning sixth-man Terrance Ross and Jared Sullinger into Serge Ibaka (Magic) and P.J. Tucker (Suns). Ibaka gives the Raptors some depth in the front court and the option to play big, while Tucker provides veteran wing depth to replace Ross. Canada's team will need all the help they can get after dropping to the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference, which could lead to a second round match-up with the Cavs, but this was a good mid-season pair of moves that should lead them in the right direction. While the Raptors improved, the Suns and Magic both continue to make questionable moves.

Thunder get McDermott, Gibson from Bulls:
Cameron Payne was great for entertainment purposes with his elaborate handshake routines with Russell Westbrook, but his performance has taken a step back from what was a relatively promising rookie campaign. That makes this trade even better for the Thunder, who add a versitile shooter in Doug McDermott, and even more front court depth in veteran Taj Gibson. Westbrook's numbers are gaudy as it stands, and that is without much (if any) shooting ability around him, adding McDermott (40% career 3pt) well give the MVP candidate even more room to operate. Gibson gives the Thunder the option to decrease rookie Domantis Sabonis' minutes (just 6 ppg, 3 rpg, on 40% in 21 mpg), and makes for a stout defensive front court when paired with Steven Adams. This trade may even be more one sided than the Boogie deal, but it was extremely important for the Thunder to get Westbrook help as soon as possible. Despite the Thunder's gain, the Bulls' mystery of a season will continue with this move just the most recent in a flurry of newsworthy chapters.

Worst

Kings ship Boogie with little hope of rebuild:

This trade was great for the Pelicans, and if the chemistry works, it'll earn them a playoff spot and the chance to compete next season with a unique front court pairing the likes of which have not been seen since Tim Duncan and David Robinson. However, on the flip side, the Kings received what seems to be much less than full value for Demarcus Cousins. Sacramento received 6th overall pick Buddy Hield, former Kings draft choice Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, and the Pelicans first and second round picks this season. In theory, this would give the Kings two lottery picks along with Buddy Hield, effectively three lottery picks in two years. However, if the Kings fall outside the top-10 in this year's draft, they owe their pick to the Bulls, and if they fall inside the top-10, the Sixers have the option to swap picks with them. This makes it unlikely the Kings will have a chance to get one of the elite players in this year's draft, which begs the question, who are the Kings building around now?

Sixers give up Noel for...?
Leading up to the deadline, everyone thought that the Sixers would be dealing a big man, but everyone assumed it would be Jahlil Okafor. Instead, Philly traded Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for, well, not much. Officially, the Sixers received Andrew Bogut, Justin Anderson, and a protected (1-18) first round pick from Dallas, but sources say they plan to buy out Bogut to make him a free agent, and with Dallas unlikely to make the playoffs (especially after waiving Deron Williams), the pick will become two second round selections next year. The Sixers do need some wing help, and Anderson can defend, but his inability to shoot efficiently at the NBA level (40%, 29% 3pt) makes this move quite confusing.