I feel like I’ve spent most of this week yelling about the Dallas Mavericks gifting the Los Angeles Lakers one of the best offensive players who has ever lived, so it’s time to switch things up. The trade deadline is over, and the vast majority of the deals were not incomprehensible, potentially franchise-crippling transactions that alienated fans and turned reasonable people into conspiracy theorists.
Many of them, in fact, were so sensible that I wish I had thought of them myself. Here’s a negativity-free look this week’s player movement, featuring some under-the-radar team/player fits that I’m particularly bullish on:
Clippers buy low on Bogdanovic
I will temper my enthusiasm by acknowledging how bad of a season Bogdan Bogdanovic is having. In 24 games this season, he is averaging a career-low 10 points on a career-low 50.2% true shooting in a career-low 24.9 minutes with a career-low 18% usage rate. He has made a career-low 31.6% of his catch-and-shoot 3s and a career-low 25% of his spot-up 3s. If these numbers are anything close to the new normal for Bogdanovic, then the Clippers have effectively dumped Terance Mann and Bones Hyland for three second-round picks.
I’m not just assuming that Bogdanovic is washed at 32 years old, though. Just last season, he was indispensable to the Hawks as both a playmaker and a spot-up shooter. He averaged 16.9 points in 30.4 minutes, and, if not for Naz Reid’s late-season surge, would’ve had my Sixth Man of the Year vote. The Clippers rank 23rd in offense this season, but, if they have that version of Bogdanovic supporting Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Norman Powell, that ranking means nothing.
Bogdanovic was dealing with right hamstring tendinopathy at the beginning of this season. He had a non-surgical procedure to address it in late October, and he returned to the court in mid-November. After that, though, he missed games because of a left quad contusion, a left lower leg contusion and right knee inflammation. If there was ever a point at which he was fully healthy, it didn’t last long.
If there’s any team that has experience with persistent leg injuries, it’s the Clippers. By making this move, they are making a bet that Bogdanovic’s terrible-by-his-standards 2024-25 season is health-related and they can get him healthy. That is a bet that could pay off enormously, given that the team has exceeded expectations by locking teams down and scrounging up points when they need them. Between the eventual uptick in Leonard’s minutes and this new weapon, the Clippers now have real upside offensively.
Cavs take Hunter off Hawks’ hands
If Atlanta effectively announced that it thinks Bogdanovic’s 2024-25 production is a real representation of his ability, it took the opposite position on De’Andre Hunter. The 27-year-old forward has been enjoying a bounceback season, averaging a career-high 19 points in 28.7 minutes and making 39.3% of his catch-and-shoot 3s on good volume. In late December, Hawks coach Quin Snyder called him a “stabilizing” force at both ends of the floor, a “warrior,” a “soldier” and a “guy you love to have on your team.” Every team in the league wants 6-foot-8 wings who can guard up and guard down. Despite all that, Atlanta traded him.
My only conclusion is that, after having serious buyer’s remorse on the four-year, $90 million extension they signed him to in 2022, the Hawks were set on getting out of the deal if he could ever play well enough for long enough to rehabilitate his trade value. I love this acquisition for the Cavaliers, though, because I’d figured that any Hunter trade would feel like Atlanta was selling high. Moving him for Caris LeVert’s expiring contract, Georges Niang’s non-expiring contract, three second-round picks and two likely meaningless swaps, it does not feel like that.
De’Andre Hunter trade grades: Cavaliers get ‘A-‘ for their biggest move, Hawks could’ve done better
Sam Quinn
Hunter doesn’t necessarily have to shoot as accurately as he has with the Hawks for this trade to be worth Cleveland’s while. He just needs to continue attempting them with confidence and not revert to taking the long 2s that used to submarine his efficiency.
I am not concerned about his shot selection deteriorating while playing under Kenny Atkinson’s coaching. I am amazed that the Cavaliers, despite having limited resources, were able to acquire the exact type of player they needed.
Cleveland, with a record of 41-10, is a team with few weaknesses. However, they lack big wings. In anticipation of facing the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals, the size, speed, and versatility of Hunter could be more valuable than LeVert’s playmaking abilities.
Under Atkinson, Hunter is likely to be utilized at the power forward position when either Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley is off the court. Additionally, Atkinson may experiment with Hunter and Dean Wade on the wing alongside the two big men in larger lineups. While Hunter may not be the missing piece to make the Cavs champions, small moves can have a significant impact in crucial series.
The 76ers’ acquisition of Quentin Grimes, despite sending an additional second-round pick to Dallas, seems like a smart move. Grimes, being younger and a better fit for the team, provides an infusion of talent and removes the uncertainty surrounding Caleb Martin’s absence. This trade could help the Sixers climb out of their current hole and improve their playoff chances.
Despite the challenges faced by Philadelphia this season, the potential of a healthy team with players like Embiid, Maxey, George, and Grimes is promising. Grimes may not be a star, but he can play a vital role in the team’s success.
Other positive thoughts include the potential impact of Dennis Schroder in Detroit, Cody Martin in Phoenix, Kyle Kuzma in Milwaukee, and Terance Mann in Atlanta. Each player brings something unique to their respective teams and could contribute significantly in their playoff pushes.
Overall, these trades and acquisitions have the potential to reshape the landscape of the NBA and provide teams with the necessary tools to succeed in the postseason. statement in a clearer way:
“Please ensure that all necessary documents are submitted before the deadline.”
“Please make sure to submit all required documents by the deadline.”