Grading Every NBA Team’s Deadline Performance

Monday, February 13, 2022 By: Noor Sheikh

After weeks of zero trade activity entering the season, the NBA movement finally began to pick up in the days before the deadline arrived. With 20 moves being made in total since January 23rd and every team in the league except for the Bulls and Cavs making moves, there is a lot to go through. In this article I will grade every NBA team based on the trades, signings and buy-outs that they have completed this deadline. One of the major themes of this year’s deadline has been 2nd round picks. It’s always interesting to see how much different teams value their 2nd round picks at because NBA players are rarely produced from the 2nd round. This year, it seems like every single team dealt with 2nds. For the purposes of this exercise, only transactions after January 19th, 2023 have been considered.

Atlanta Hawks

Arrivals: Bruno Fernando, Garrison Matthews, Saddiq Bey

Departures: Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky, 2023 ATL 2nd round pick, 2024 ATL 2nd round pick, 2024 OKC 2nd round pick, 2025 OKC 2nd round pick, 2025 ATL 2nd round pick, 2026 ATL 2nd round pick, 2028 2nd round pick

Grade: B+

Atlanta’s deadline focused on adding three point shooters to aid their abysmal three point shooting this season. The Hawks are the 5th worst team in terms of 3-pointers made per game and well below league average in percentage at only 34.8%. The addition of Saddiq Bey is in the hope that he can once again find the shooting touch which propelled him to hit 2.5 threes on 38% shooting in his rookie year. Meanwhile, Garrison Matthews is an interesting flier on a very cheap contract who is a career 36.6% 3 point shooter. What disappoints me most is that the Hawks still havent found a suitor for John Collins, despite the fact that he has been on the trade block for at least 2 seasons now.

Boston Celtics

Arrivals: Mike Muscala

Departures: Justin Jackson, 2023 least favourable 2nd round pick, 2029 BOS 2nd round pick

Grade: B

Boston’s biggest problem this year has been their backup center and with the addition of Mike Muscala they are hoping to find a similar replacement to Danilo Gallinari, who was sidelined at the start of the year with an ACL injury. Muscala is yet another shooter who Boston can use at both the 4 and the 5 in order to space the floor for Tatum and Brown, and he should provide useful minutes as a replacement for the old Blake Griffin. This season, he has been shooting 40% from three with 1.4 makes a game.

Brooklyn Nets

Arrivals: Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, 2023 PHX 1st round pick, 2025 PHX 1st round pick, 2027 PHX 1st round pick, 2029 PHX 1st round pick, 2029 DAL 2st round pick, 2027 DAL 2nd round pick, 2028 MIL 2nd round pick , 2029 MIL 2nd round pick, 2029 DAL 2nd round pick

Departures: Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, T.J. Warren, Kessler Edwards, Markieff Morris

Grade: A-

As the superteam era in Brooklyn comes to a close, we can only sit back and wonder what could have been. However, despite trading away two All-NBA level talents in the span of one week, Brooklyn has still managed to retain a relatively competitive team who could still make a push for the 5 seed or at worst a play-in berth. What makes this new Nets team interesting is the defense that we could see them play. The additions of Bridges, Johnson and Finney-Smith provide three big switchable wings who can allow Jacque Vaughn to throw out a myriad of different lineup combinations in an attempt to stymie opposing teams threatening wings. The Nets are hoping that a change of scenery allows Bridges to have a Lauri Markkanen-type jump into stardom. Brooklyn is still a team which could cause some trouble for teams down the line with them now having two All-defense level players in Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton. This new Nets team has many parallels to the pre-KD and Kyrie era, with a lot of depth and Spencer Dinwiddie, who makes his return to Brooklyn. Dinwiddie adds a presence of leadership, which is needed for this youngish team to make a playoff push in the upcoming months.

Charlotte Hornets

Arrivals: Svi Mykhailiuk, 2023 CHA 2nd round pick, 2027 POR 2nd round pick

Departures: Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels

Grade: C+

The Hornets are one of many teams who we expected to be sellers only have a very quiet deadline. The departure of Mason Plumlee should open up more minutes for Mark Williams and Nick Richards which will hopefully further their development. However, the Hornets not being able to find destinations for Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward is a let-down, considering they could have netted some picks for them. Trading away the young Jalen McDaniels feels wrong for this young Hornets team, however this may be a cost-cutting move which allows them to not pay him and also give more minutes for the even younger JT Thor.

Chicago Bulls

Arrivals: N/A

Departures: N/A

Grade: D-

The Chicago Bulls are another one of the NBA’s teams who are stuck in a cycle of nothing. This deadline was an opportunity for the Bulls to escape NBA purgatory by selling some of their assets for picks, but the Bulls remained stagnant. There is almost certainly teams willing to give up real assets who could use the services of Andre Drummond or Coby White in order to reach the playoffs. With the Bulls currently at the 11 seed, and their pick in the hands of Orlando, their only hope is to go on a tear for the second half of the season, which seems unlikely due to the Lonzo Ball injury. Bulls fans will have to undergo yet another season of middling play and disappointing results.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Arrivals: Danny Green Departures: N/A Grade: C+

The Cavs were the other NBA team who did not make a single trade with another team at the deadline this year, however they still managed to add at least one player, unlike the Bulls. Danny Green will offer the Cavs a veteran presence at the small forward position, which has easily been the biggest hole in their starting 5 this season. At this point it's unclear whether he will continue to be the shooter and defender he was prior to his injury, but the cost for the Cavs to acquire him was low.

Dallas Mavericks

Arrivals: Kyrie Irving, Markieff Morris Departures: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, 2029 DAL 1st round pick, 2027 DAL 2nd round pick, 2029 DAL 2nd round pick Grade: A-

For the first time in his short NBA career, Luka Doncic will be paired with another All-star. Although at first it seems like the Mavericks gave up too much defensively and at the forward spot, the young Josh Green has stepped up in the absence of DFS, averaging 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Green has been one of the NBA’s most efficient players all season, shooting 43% from three and finishing 74% of his shots at the rim for an absurd 69% true shooting percentage. His jump this season makes DFS a lot more expendable and allows Kyrie and Luka to have more space due to his improved 3 point shooting. Come playoff time and Josh Green could be the third most important piece of this Mavericks team.

Denver Nuggets

Arrivals: Thomas Bryant, Reggie Jackson Departures: Bones Hyland, Davon Reed, 2024 DEN 2nd round pick Grade: B The Nuggets had a relatively quiet deadline compared to some of the other Western Conference contenders, but they still managed to make some nice additions which should benefit them in the playoffs. Prior to the addition of Thomas Bryant, the only other center on the roster was 34 year old DeAndre Jordan, who is unsuitable as an NBA player for any team. Bryant allows the Nuggets to feel more comfortable in their non-Jokic minutes, as he should eat up some usage and allow the Nuggets to remain an offensively competent team throughout the entire game. Bryant is highly efficient, shooting 65% from the field and 76% at the rim which should allow Michael Malone more freedom when Jokic goes to the bench. While he isn’t the best defender, the Nuggets defensive scheme is already designed to allow for a weaker defensive center due to their switchability and size at other positions. Additionally, the Nuggets also added Reggie Jackson, who should add another element of ballhandling and shooting to this team.

Detroit Pistons

Arrivals: James Wiseman Departures: Saddiq Bey, Kevin Knox Grade: C-

The Pistons surprised many fans by going out and getting former number 2 overall pick James Wiseman, and trading away Saddiq Bey. This deal is quite strange, because of the logjam that the Pistons already have at the center position, with rookie Jalen Duren and Isiah Stewart already being two spectacular players at the position. It will be interesting to see what the Pistons do in the offseason, with them still having Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic, both of whom were expected to be moved at this deadline. There is still plenty of time for Wiseman to turn his career around, with him still being only 21, however he still hasn't shown much promise over his three NBA seasons. The Pistons hope that they can bring out the best in him by having him compete for minutes in this center-heavy rotation.

Golden State Warriors

Arrivals: Gary Payton II, 2028 ATL 2nd round pick Departures: James Wiseman, 2026 GSW 2nd round pick, 2028 GSW 2nd round pick Grade: B-

Only 8 months after letting him walk in free agency, the Warriors have decided to bring back NBA champion Gary Payton II. For a long period of time, this trade appeared to be in jeopardy, as Payton failed the physical, however the Warriors decided to go through with it mainly because of the amount of luxury tax it will save them. With James Wiseman off the books, the Warriors are saving around $30 million because they now have the much smaller contract of Gary Payton II. Payton was easily the best guard defender the Warriors had during their playoff run, and with Golden State allowing the 5th most points per game, they needed defensive reinforcements badly.

Houston Rockets

Arrivals: Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky, 2023 LAC 1st round pick, 2024 OKC 2nd round pick, 2025 OKC 2nd round pick Departures: Boban Marjanovic, Eric Gordon, Bruno Fernando, Garrison Matthews Grade: A-

This was an amazing deadline for the Rockets, as they finally managed to get out of Eric Gordon’s contract and freed up minutes for their young guys. While the first round pick they got will most likely not be very high, the real value in this trade is freeing themself of Eric Gordon’s contract. The Rockets also traded for Danny Green and John Wall at this deadline, both of whom they bought out.

Indiana Pacers

Arrivals: Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka, George Hill, 2023 MIL 2nd round pick, 2024 MIL 2nd round pick, 2025 MIL 2nd round pick Departures: Goga Bitadze, Terry Taylor, James Johnson Grade: A

Another young team with a solid deadline. Expect George Hill and Serge Ibaka to be bought out within the coming weeks. The Pacers acted as a salary dump for the Jae Crowder deal and they didn't have to give up much to get 3 second round picks. Jordan Nwora is the most interesting piece as he is a solid 3 point shooter who is being given another opportunity to blossom next to the transcendent Tyrese Haliburton. A quiet deadline for a team who could have potentially traded the now extended Myles Turner or Buddy Hield, but both could still be moved in the summer. Additionally it's unclear how much worse of a team the Pacers would even be without Turner and Hield considering the strong performances of Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin.

Los Angeles Clippers

Arrivals: Mason Plumlee, Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland, 2024 MEM 2nd round pick, 2024 TOR 2nd round pick, 2027 MEM 2nd round pick Departures: Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, John Wall, 2024 LAC 2nd round pick, 2025 LAC 2nd round pick, 2028 LAC 2nd round pick Grade: A+ The Clippers continue to be one of the NBA’s deepest teams going into the playoffs due to their deadline day moves. By adding Eric Gordon, they continue the trend of NBA teams adding one of their former players, which may be fuelled by the team already knowing a lot about the player. And the Clippers know how good of a shooter Eric Gordon can be, with him being a career 37% 3 point shooter. They also managed to add the electric Bones Hyland for very little, who could be a very intriguing postseason option due to his flair and shooting. While he may not be the most efficient player, Bones is a tremendous shooter and he has a knack for getting out of sticky situations by using his advanced handle. The addition of Mason Plumlee may go under the radar, but he has been one of the NBA’s best finishers and should add some playmaking as well, with him averaging a career-high 3.7 assists per game.

Los Angeles Lakers

Arrivals: D’Angelo Russell, Davon Reed, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, 2024 LAC 2nd round pick, 2025 LAC 2nd round pick Departures: Russell Westbrook, Damian Jones, Thomas Bryant, Patrick Beverly, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Kendrick Nunn, 2027 LAL 1st round pick, 2023 CHI 2nd round pick, 2028 most favourable 2nd round pick (WAS/LAL), 2029 LAL 2nd round pick Grade: A+

The Lakers finally put together an extremely solid trade deadline, in which they not only got rid of Russell Westbrook’s contract but added three solid role players who will be beneficial in their playoff push. Replacing a non-shooter in Westbrook with the sharpshooting D’Angelo Russell adds another aspect to this team which is currently 5th worst in 3 point percentage. Dlo allows the Lakers to run more traditional pick and rolls due to the threat of his shooting paired with the finishing of AD and the newly acquired Jarred Vanderbilt. Additionally, Malik Beasley should become a higher percentage shooter on this Lakers team with less shots taken per game as he currently sits at 9 3s attempted per contest. The arrivals of Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt beef up the Lakers frontcourt, which has looked downright awful at times without AD and LeBron. Vanderbilt is not only a superb finisher, he also has the tools to be one of the Lakers best rebounders and hustle players, which it seems like they were missing for much of the year.

Memphis Grizzlies

Arrivals: Luke Kennard Departures: Danny Green, 2024 MEM 2nd round pick, 2024 TOR 2nd round pick, 2027 MEM 2nd round pick Grade: B-

Ja Morant’s sentiment of ‘being good in the West’ may no longer be true, after almost evey other Western Conference contender decided to beef up. The Grizzlies tried to make a push for OG Anunoby, but their offer was declined and they decided to get one of the NBA’s best shooters instead. Kennard offers Taylor Jenkins with the option to play a lineup with only shooters if they decide to put JJJ at the 5, however the biggest concern with Kennard has always been his defense. The Grizzlies are hoping they can make up for it with Dillon Brooks and the greatly improved Desmond Bane, but there comes a time in the playoffs where great opponents hunt these sorts of defensive mismatches. The value of Luke Kennard rests on how much he can play in the postseason for Memphis.

Miami Heat

Arrivals: N/A Departures: Dewayne Dedmon, 2028 MIA 2nd round pick Grade: D-

Miami was yet another team whose only transaction was very minimal, and this is especially disappointing considering how much more other Eastern Conference powerhouses added. Without any arrivals this deadline, Miami will have to struggle through the rest of the season in order to remain in the playoff hunt. They could have potentially traded one of Kyle Lowry or Duncan Robinson but I suspect the Heat were unwilling to give up picks for another team to eat up one of those contracts, both of which look pretty terrible. After this postseason the Heat will be placed in an interesting position, being too good to tank and too bad to contend so it will be interesting to see the direction they take this summer.

Milwaukee Bucks

Arrivals: Jae Crowder Departures: Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, George Hill, 2023 MIL 2nd round pick, 2024 MIL 2nd round pick, Grade: C+

There isn’t much else the Bucks could have done to get better at this year’s deadline, but adding Jae Crowder certainly doesn’t hurt. He is a solid 3 and D guy who could potentially start games for the Bucks when Khris Middleton is injured and he is a great multiposition defender who gives the Bucks 3rd ranked defense another weapon while also providing another league average shooter.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Arrivals: Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2024 UTA 2nd round pick, 2025 UTA 2nd round pick, 2026 UTA 2nd round pick Departures: D’Angelo Russell, Bryn Forbes Grade: B-

Minnesota finally decided to end the D’Angelo Russell experiment after two years by trading him back to the Lakers, where he was drafted. By adding Conley, they hope to put more scoring and playmaking responsibility on Anthony Edwards, who has excelled in his first All-star season. I don’t like the acquisition of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who hasn’t been able to find a rhythm on any team he has played for, which I don’t expect to change in a crowded Minnesota backcourt. The departure of Dlo also opens up more shots for players like Jaylen Nowell and Kyle Anderson, who previously were deferring more of their shots. One thing which the T-wolves lose along with Dlo is his efficient pick and roll offense, which they hope Mike Conley can come in and replicate.

New Orleans Pelicans

Arrivals: Josh Richardson Departures: Devonte’ Graham, 2024 NOP/CHI most favourable 2nd round pick, 2026 NOP/POR least favourable 2nd round pick, 2028 NOP 2nd round pick, 2029 NOP 2nd round pick Grade: B The Pelicans had a quiet but effective deadline, turning Devonte’ Graham and 4 seconds into Josh Richardson. Richardson adds a versatile offensive and defensive wing to the floundering Pelicans. He provides a stable veteran presence and can also act as mentor for the young Dyson Daniels who has a similar game to him. The Pelicans hope that adding a big wing defender can allow them to recover defensively for the moment. It would have been nice to see the Pels add a shotblocking center by moving Jaxson Hayes, but they may be looking to do this in the offseason when there is more time to negotiate deals.

New York Knicks

Arrivals: Josh Hart Departures: Cam Reddish, Ryan Arcidiacono, Svi Mykhailiuk, 2023 NYK 1st round pick Grade: B+ The Knicks reunite two Villanova stars (Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart) in hopes of them reaching the same level as they did in college and getting a championship. Hart is one of the NBA’s best guard rebounders and defenders, whose shooting has seen a resurgence as of late. The Knicks will need Hart to be at his best as a shooter in order to keep up with the other Eastern Conference teams. While it may seem like a lot to give up a first, its likely that this pick will be in the 20s, which means it usually will not be a player of Hart’s caliber. Additionally, Reddish had become expendable for the Knicks because of his lack of playing time. Reddish had not played in a game since December 3rd.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Arrivals: Dario Saric, Justin Jackson, 2023 least favourable BOS 2nd round pick, 2029 BOS 2nd round pick, 2029 PHX 2nd round pick Departures: Darius Bazley, Mike Muscala Grade: B The Thunder made a couple of moves to continue adding to their stash of picks which continues to amass in size each year. Trading for Saric may end up being a great trade, as he has been shooting at least 40% since December. Saric should hopefully replace the spacing void left by Mike Muscala who was making 1.3 3s a game at 40%. Trading Bazley signifies that the Thunder would like to give more of his minutes to their upstart young players, especially the rookie center Jaylin Williams who has had a mixed rookie year so far but is trending upward as of late.

Orlando Magic

Arrivals: Patrick Beverley (expected to be waived), 2024 DEN 2nd round pick, 2024 LAL 2nd round pick, 2025 LAL 2nd round pick Departures: Mo Bamba Grade: B-

The Magic elected to finally trade Mo Bamba, after selecting him 6th overall back in 2018. Bamba never did end up becoming the franchise center that they had hoped, and this year they finally decided to move on from him due to the progression made by Bol Bol. This is a great trade for the Magic because they no longer have to give Bamba minutes and can give more opportunity to Bol Bol, who was one of this year’s biggest surprises.

Philadelphia 76ers

Arrivals: Jalen McDaniels, 2024 NYK 2nd round pick, 2029 POR 2nd round pick Departures: Matisse Thybulle, 2023 CHA 2nd round pick Grade: B+

The 76ers lone move is one that they hope will propel the Sixers into being a top 2 seed in the east. For too long, Matisse Thybulle stunk up his minutes on the court with his lackluster offensive performances and continued lack of floor spacing. At long last, the 76ers elected to move on from Thybulle, adding springy former Hornet Jalen McDaniels. The addition of McDaniels aims to give the Sixers higher quality defensive backup forward minutes. Jalen McDaniels isn’t a game changing 3 point shooter, but he is at least respectable by NBA defenses which should allow him to space the floor for Embiid and Harden. It was clear to Sixers fans that Thybulle’s time was up, after he failed to improve his offensive game for all 4 of his NBA seasons.

Phoenix Suns

Arrivals: Kevin Durant, T.J. Warren, Darius Bazley Departures: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Dario Saric, Jae Crowder, 2023 PHX 1st round pick, 2025 PHX 1st round pick, 2027 PHX 1st round pick, 2029 PHX 1st round pick, 2029 PHX 2nd round pick Grade: A+

In the blink of an eye, the Phoenix Suns went from being a solid NBA playoff team to being the favourites to win the championship just by acquiring one player. Kevin Durant puts the Suns completely over the top. Not only is he one of the greatest offensive players ever, KD is in the midst of one of his best defensive seasons, posting a block percentage of 3.6 which puts him in the 86th percentile of all NBA players. KD is averaging more blocks right now than any other Suns player, with 1.5 a game. He is shooting a mind numbing 59% from midrange, which means he is scoring 1.18 points per midrange shot, which is the same as shooting 39% from 3. To put this into perspective, KD is more efficient from midrange than the best NBA team is from 3. While the losses of Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson may hurt the Suns defensively they are also adding a pretty great defender in Darius Bazely, who is blocking 1.9 shots per 36 minutes. With these additions, it will be no easy task to defeat these Suns.

Portland Trail Blazers

Arrivals: Kevin Knox, Matisse Thybulle, Ryan Arcidiacono, Cam Reddish, 2023 NYK 1st round pick, 2023 ATL 2nd round pick, 2024 ATL 2nd round pick, 2025 ATL 2nd round pick, 2026 ATL 2nd round pick Departures: Josh Hart, Gary Payton II, Greg Brown, 2024 NYK 2nd round pick, 2029 POR 2nd round pick Grade: B-

The Blazers struggled to make a move which improves their chances of making a playoff push, however they have made some intriguing moves which could give the team a different look. Thybulle has been an All-defense level guard defender in the past and the Blazers are hoping that he can keep it up this season in order to prop up their weak defensive backcourt of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. The acquisition of Thybulle allows for a seamless replacement of Gary Payton II, who was moved for 2nd round picks. Finally, the Blazers acquired Cam Reddish and Kevin Knox, both of whom were outcasted by the Knicks. While there is a little less promise in Kevin Knox’s game, the Blazers would hope that they can turn around Cam Reddish’s career and try to turn him into a usable NBA forward, which he was not in his time with the Knicks.

Sacramento Kings

Arrivals: Kessler Edwards Departures: Grade: C

The Kings had a relatively quiet deadline, with their only move being adding non-rotation sophomore Kessler Edwards. Edwards should provide a versatile defensive and offensive toolkit for when he does play, however he is not great at any one thing so it is unlikely he sees the floor often. Sacramento could have potentially made moves to improve their defense, but their coaching staff and front office liked what they had so no significant changes were made.

San Antonio Spurs

Arrivals: Devonte’ Graham, Khem Birch, 2024 top six protected TOR 1st round pick, 2023 TOR 2nd round pick, 2024 NOP/CHI most favourable 2nd round pick, 2025 TOR 2nd round pick, 2026 NOP/POR least favourable 2nd round pick, 2028 NOP 2nd round pick, 2029 NOP 2nd round pick Departures: Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson Grade: A-

The Spurs decided to do a mini-blowup at this years deadline, trading away Jakob Poeltl and Josh Richardson, both of whom have contributed to winning teams in the past. It seems as though the Spurs have decided to go all-in on their push for Victor Wembanyama, realizing it was unlikely for them to retain Poeltl this offseason so a trade in which they gained a first is very profitable. The Spurs haul of picks is impressive considering that Poeltl’s value was reduced, however the Raptors decided to go for the playoff push this year.

Toronto Raptors

Arrivals: Jakob Poeltl, Joe Wieskamp

Departures: Khem Birch, 2024 top six protected TOR 1st round pick, 2023 TOR 2nd round pick, 2025 TOR 2nd round pick Grade: B-

The Raptors surprised most NBA fans when they decided to bring back former Raptors Jakob Poeltl. It’s a bit of a strange move to make considering the Raptors were considered to be one of the NBA’s biggest sellers heading into the deadline but they decided to double down on the team that they have and not trade any of their expiring contracts. For the Raptors to really win this trade they will need Poeltl to resign this offseason, otherwise they will have given up a first for half a season of Jakob Poeltl which does not seem right. However, I trust that Masai Ujiri knows what he is doing and most likely will have an agreement with him this offseason.

Utah Jazz

Arrivals: Russell Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, 2027 LAL 1st round pick Departures: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Mike Conley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, 2024 UTA 2nd round pick, 2025 UTA 2nd round pick, 2026 UTA 2nd round pick Grade: B-

The Utah Jazz became the team to finally liberate the Lakers of Russell Westbrook, and they received quite a bit in return. While Westbrook is likely a buyout candidate, keeping him in Utah with all of their shooters could potentially allow him to return to his Washington Wizards form. The Jazz still could have gotten more firsts had they flipped Jordan Clarkson or traded Vanderbilt and Beasley in separate deals. However, Danny Ainge has collected what could end up being the most valuable first rounder in 2027 if LeBron is retired by then.

Washington Wizards

Arrivals: Kendrick Nunn, 2023 CHI 2nd round pick, 2028 least favourable 2nd round pick (WAS/LAL), 2029 LAL 2nd round pick

Departures: Rui Hachimura Grade: B

The Wizards decided to part ways with their 2019 10th overall pick Rui Hachimura days before the deadline. The Wizards get to free up some more minutes for their other forwards such as Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert but they lose a strong scorer and average defensive forward. This is a future-oriented move for the Wizards, as they look to finally hit on a draft pick this year as the 9 seed currently.