Author: Mark Luo
Front Office Sports
Luka Doncic to Lakers, Anthony Davis to Mavericks in 3-Team Trade
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, Markieff Morris
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Anthony Davis, Max Christie, 2029 first-round pick
Utah Jazz Receive: Jalen Hood-Schifino, two 2025 second-round picks
This move has been met with widespread criticism, and rightly so. Trading away generational talent like Luka Doncic, who hasn’t even reached his prime yet, feels like such a massive blunder especially for a team that reached the NBA Finals just eight months ago. Not only was this trade a bad move from a basketball standpoint, but it has also felt like a betrayal to the fans, shattering their trust in the organization. It really seems like there must have been more going on behind the scenes, as the Mavs likely could have gotten a much larger return out of Doncic if they put him out in the market. Given his superstar status, countless teams would have flocked to engage in bidding wars just for a chance to acquire him.
This is a questionable look for new GM Nico Harrison, who now faces a lot of pressure to justify this move. One of the concerns cited for Doncic was his conditioning, but trading him for Anthony Davis seems like such a risky decision. While AD is excellent on both sides of the court, he is much older than Doncic and has a long history of injuries. It feels like the Lakers came out as clear winners in this deal. It almost feels unfair; it seems like the Lakers never have a shortage of generational players under their banner. Getting Luka is a great refresh for a Lakers team that did not seem likely to achieve much this season, and it gives them a budding superstar to build around for the future.
ESPN
Jimmy Butler to Warriors, Andrew Wiggins to Heat in Multi-Team Deal
Golden State Warriors Receive: Jimmy Butler
Miami Heat Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, P.J. Tucker, Davion Mitchell, 2025 top-10 protected first-round pick
Utah Jazz Receive: Josh Richardson, KJ Martin, 2028 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
Detroit Pistons Receive: Lindy Waters III, Dennis Schröder, 2031 second-round pick
The acquisition of Jimmy Butler from the Warriors came after a failed attempt to reunite with Kevin Durant, who reportedly vetoed an essentially finalized trade with the Suns to go to Golden State. While Butler isn’t Kevin Durant, he’s still an exciting addition for the Warriors. Butler has been clearly disgruntled in Miami for a while now and has faced multiple suspensions for not wanting to play for the team. Butler finally gets his wish to join a contender, and he seems to be a very interesting fit alongside Steph Curry. Although he’s getting up there in age and also carries a hefty contract with him, Jimmy Buckets has a reputation as a big-time player and clutch playoff performer.
This move is a win-now move for Golden State, but it also comes off as slightly desperate. Curry finally has the co-star he needs to compete for his fifth championship, but the cost of adding Butler really limits the team’s long-term flexibility. A lot hinges on the Warriors finding immediate success in the playoffs, as both Curry and Butler are getting older. Meanwhile, the Heat walk away with a solid haul, especially considering how Butler’s value has been diminishing. Andrew Wiggins is a very solid player who can thrive in Miami’s system, and adding valuable role players like Kyle Anderson and P.J. Tucker strengthens their wing rotation. To top it all off, the Heat also secured a top-10 protected first-round pick.
NBA.com
Khris Middleton to Wizards, Kyle Kuzma to Bucks
Washington Wizards Receive: Khris Middleton, A.J. Johnson, 2028 first-round pick swap
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, 2025 second-round pick
The Bucks’ decision to trade Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma feels like a mixed bag. On one hand, it makes sense to move on from the 33-year-old Khris Middleton, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years and is only getting older. The Bucks are clearly looking to retool their roster to stay competitive around Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the real question is whether replacing him with Kyle Kuzma was the right move. While Kuzma is younger and more durable, he has been struggling this season, and his inconsistency may hurt the Bucks if he is placed as a third/fourth option for the team. Understandably, Middleton’s value is near an all-time low, but Kuzma does not feel like the right replacement for a Bucks team that is hoping to contend.
For the Wizards, this trade is all about the future. They are acquiring a young prospect in A.J. Johnson and gained a first-round pick swap, and they could potentially flip Middleton for more assets in the offseason.
Sporting News
Brandon Ingram to Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, 2026 first-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
The Raptors made a bold move before the trade deadline by acquiring Brandon Ingram, a player they hope to be a “significant piece” to pair with Scottie Barnes. Ingram is an All-Star caliber player who will give Toronto a much-needed scoring boost and a great option in clutch moments. However, this trade comes with several risks. Ingram’s fit with the Pelicans had been shaky for some time, and while he’s a talented player, questions remain about whether he is truly good enough to elevate the Raptors to true contenders in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, it is going to cost the Raptors a lot to keep BI if they want to keep him long-term, and the Raptors are already paying a lot for Barnes and Barrett. The trio may not be good enough to take them to the next level, and they won’t have a lot of financial flexibility going forward. There is a risk that the Raptors may be stuck in mediocrity in the future, just like the Bulls in the past.
On the other hand, the Pelicans retooled their roster through this trade. It was quite clear that BI couldn’t find a clear place on the roster and the Pelicans had been shopping him for a while. They receive solid role players in Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk, along with draft assets that could help them build around Zion Williamson.
Sporting News
De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, Zach LaVine to the Kings in 3-Team Trade
San Antonio Spurs Receive: De'Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
Sacramento Kings Receive: Zach LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick, 2025, two 2028 second-round picks
Chicago Bulls Receive: Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, 2025 first-round pick
Acquiring De’Aaron Fox seems to be a perfect fit for the Spurs’ young core. Pairing him with Victor Wembanyama gives San Antonio a formidable pick and roll duo, and Fox also addresses their need for a perimeter playmaker. The best thing about this trade is that Spurs didn’t even have to give up too much for Fox as they retained most of their draft capital. Overall, this trade feels like a win for the Spurs, who got a star in Fox without having to sacrifice their future.
For the Kings, trading Fox moves their team to a different direction. Rumours of his desire to leave Sacramento likely made the Kings pull the trigger on the trade. In return, they received Zach Lavine, who reunites with DeMar DeRozan on the team. Meanwhile, the Bulls are clearly in rebuild mode, as they acquired some young players and draft assets while shedding LaVine’s contract.