The 2022-2023 NBA Season has, by far, been one of the most historic seasons the NBA fans have ever been witness to. The league’s 77th year has been home to numerous headlines, as just recently, LeBron James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s number one all time scorer. However, today we shine the spotlight on the recent trade deadline, and all the major trades made that have created tidal waves throughout the league.
Kicking things off, the first major blockbuster trade the NBA saw this year was between the Brooklyn Nets and the Dallas Mavericks. The move sent NBA Star Kyrie Irving to Dallas, in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, and a couple draft picks. Kyrie Irving teaming up with Luka Doncic in Dallas adds extensive levels of competition in the Western Conference. The duo is expected to put up major numbers in all stats, and should assist Christian Wood in cleaning up the glass. The new-look Mavericks are expected to make a deep playoff-run behind the strong new backcourt.
The Brooklyn Nets were a common name in NBA trade news as the deadline approached. They traded Kevin Durant to the Phoenix suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and a plethora of first round picks. This trade is arguably the most notable of this year’s deadline, as it rewrites the league’s entire power structure. Phoenix now has a big 4 in the west, with Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and now Kevin Durant. Brooklyn on the other hand, has completely blown up their core, and will look to rebuild with all the draft picks they received. It is a shame to see them fail to reach their goals, as just last season they had a big three of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. All three players now find themselves on new teams, and are all in much better situations than they were in with Brooklyn.
To cap off a historic deadline, the Lakers managed to flip Russell Westbrook for D’Angelo Russell. A move that made an impact immediately. Russell Westbrook has been dead weight in Los Angeles for a very long time, and concerns about his relationship with teammates have been creating headlines. In a three-team deal, Westbrook was sent to the Jazz, the Timberwolves received Mike Conley, and D’Angelo Russell was sent to Los Angeles. Immediately, in his return to the Lakers, the fresh Laker big 3 of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell put up beautiful numbers as they demolished the Pelicans. This trade was a move the Lakers had needed to make for a very long time, and if luck is on their side, they may be able to rally for a chance at qualifying for the Play-In Tournament.
All things considered, the 77th NBA Season has been one for the books. From Donovan Mitchell’s 71 point game, to LeBron becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer, the season has been excellent, and a fan-favorite with that. This year’s trade deadline has reshaped the league’s power structure, and should lead to extremely exciting games following the All-Star Break. With all that being said, Go Sixers!!!!
