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Golden State Warriors: Winners and losers of NBA Trade Deadline

By Tony Pesta

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors drives past Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on February 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Kelly Oubre Jr. #12 of the Golden State Warriors drives past Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic during the first half at Amway Center on February 19, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Winners

It’s always tough to crown a winner of the NBA Trade Deadline so quickly. After all, it can be years before we really understand who won a trade. For now, these are our winners of the day.

Miami Heat

Yeesh. After seemingly passing on every trade offer, the Miami Heat pulled out a last-second deal to acquire Victor Oladipo for scraps. Giving up only Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk and a few picks for a player with All-Star capabilities is a HUGE victory for a team gunning for a championship.

Oladipo fits nicely with this Heat team. He’s a two-way threat with shot-creating and playmaking talents. There are questions surrounding his health – but Oladipo has the potential to push Miami over the top in the East.

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets did something that I have to commemorate. I am a firm believer that NBA teams absolutely must capitalize on their championship windows. Doors open and close so quickly in this league. When you’re in a position to completely, you go all-in and worry about the future later.

This is what the Nuggets did by trading a flurry of young talent and picks to various teams in exchange for Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee (acquired in separate deals). Gordon will be an exciting frontcourt partner next to MVP candidate Nikola Jokic while McGee offers his veteran experience to the Nuggets’ bench.

While yes, giving up on RJ Hampton so early could come back to bite them, the Nuggets elected to go all-out for a title in the next few years. I can’t blame them for that.

Portland Trail Blazers

The duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum has essentially maxed out their potential. It is up to the supporting cast to determine how far the Blazers will go.

Trading for Norman Powell is a clear upgrade for Portland, even if it means losing Rodney Hood and Gary Trent. Powell is having a career season as a 3-and-D threat, averaging close to 20 points per game. This move might not put them over the top but it’s basically all Portland could do to improve here.

Boston Celtics

Finally, after years of hoarding picks and missed opportunities, the Boston Celtics got their feet wet and traded for someone at the deadline. Evan Fournier might not be a massive steal but acquiring him for a pair of second round picks and Jeff Teague is a definite win.

Boston has underwhelmed this season but maybe the addition of an offensive-oriented guard can help knock the hinges off this team and get them moving with momentum before the playoffs.

Chicago Bulls

Well, the Chicago Bulls may have just punched their tickets back to the NBA Playoffs by swinging for two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. He makes for a great partner next to Zach Lavine and gives Chicago the extra oomph needed to rise above the rest of their competition for the eight-seed.

Not only that but providing Lavine with additional help could help keep him in Chicago long term. This was a very good move by the Bulls all around.

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