In one of the most dramatic in recent years, the NBA trade deadline has come and gone. Contending teams are now reloaded as they gear up for the end stretch of the regular season and a hopeful playoff run, while rebuilding teams have added assets they can build toward the future.
Deadline week was officially underway Saturday Feb. 1 after one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. 25-year-old megastar Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a first-round draft choice. Dončić, widely considered a top-three player in the league, is fresh off of leading the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Finals berth after an impressive playoff run the year before. He now joins arguably the most storied franchise in American sports, the Lakers, who now have the chance to pass him the baton from aging star LeBron James, continuing the next era of the franchise.
On Wednesday Feb. 5, the Lakers made another move, acquiring 23-year-old big man Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets. When healthy, Williams provides elite rim protection and is a lob threat that can be paired with Dončić.
In other moves, Jimmy Butler was traded to the Golden State Warriors as the Warriors sought to attempt one last run around sharpshooter Stephen Curry. Butler, who has stirred drama throughout the season as a member of the Miami Heat, finally gets his fresh start. He subsequently signed a two-year contract extension with the Warriors after the trade.
On Thursday Feb. 6, wing De’Andre Hunter was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the first-seed Cleveland Cavaliers, giving the Cavs lengthy versatility as they chase their second Larry O’Brien Trophy.
**Added Note: The trade agreed upon by the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers was voided after Mark Williams reportedly failed his physical upon arriving in Los Angeles.
Myles Geoghegan
I’m a sophomore from Cumberland, Rhode Island (Go Rhody!). I love to talk about everything Boston Sports, especially the Celtics and Patriots. I typically write about what’s going on in the professional sports world. Feel free to reach out and chat anytime!
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