The NBA trade deadline allows the league’s best teams to improve. With that said, improvement won’t come easily. It takes two teams to trade; sometimes, the right move isn’t unavailable.
This year, that was especially true. It was a buyer’s market at the deadline. Teams struggled to make deals that improved them in any significant way.
Still – some teams improved. A handful of teams were able to orchestrate deals that improved their title odds. Here are the three teams that made the most notable improvements this year’s deadline.
New York Knicks
This was the obvious frontrunner. The New York Knicks acquired perhaps the best player to switch teams at the deadline. Bojan Bogdanovic will change this team’s outlook in a major way.
That’s not the only player the Knicks brought in. Reuniting with Alec Burks made sense. The Knicks managed to bring those players in at a modest cost. They sent out some young players and second-round picks, but only Quentin Grimes is especially notable of those young players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks Updates
There’s been discussion about whether the Knicks have a true franchise player this year. Jalen Brunson is producing like a top player, but we’ll see if he can lead a deep playoff run. Either way, the group around him got considerably better at the deadline, even after acquiring O.G. Anunoby earlier this season.
Dallas Mavericks
We’re looking at the teams who improved the most at the deadline. That’s not the same as the teams who made the best deals. On the other hand, we’re not saying that the Dallas Mavericks made bad trades, either.
They did make bold moves. The Mavericks flipped Grant Williams and a lightly protected first for P.J. Washington. They also sent out a protected first for Daniel Gafford. Dallas went all-in on the 2023-24 season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks Updates
Was that wise? That isn’t the question. The Mavericks got significantly better at the deadline. Now, they’ll have to hope it results in a deep playoff run.
Oklahoma City Thunder
On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder made a relatively low-cost acquisition. That doesn’t mean that it won’t be a meaningful one. Gordon Hayward could be a hugely impactful player for this team.
Is he the player that he used to be? Not even close. It doesn’t matter. The Thunder only need a tertiary playmaker who spaces the floor. Hayward ticks both boxes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
After all, they’re already title contenders. This deal only strengthens their case. Even during a quiet deadline, the Thunder found a way to make a meaningful improvement.
