5 Biggest Winners from the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets stink and will continue to stink, but they made the appropriate moves at the deadline. Trading away Terry Rozier and PJ Washington brought back two future first-round picks. At the same time, Gordon Hayward netted the Hornets two second-rounders. Still, looking at their young core, Brandon Miller is beginning to find himself, and Miles Bridges is playing well while we all wait on LaMelo Ball’s health. Not to get ahead, but it’s starting to feel like the Hornets could have a promising future, so acquiring these picks will only help to form a strong team around Miller, Ball, and Bridges.

New York Knicks

I was calling on the New York Knicks to add Bojan Bogdanovic for weeks now, and I can’t think of a better addition for them without giving up a first-round pick. Bogdanovic has had an excellent season in Detroit as a pure scorer, and the Knicks need someone who can create their own shot. Adding Alec Burks will give them even more depth, so this Knicks’ team is well-positioned to hang with the best teams in the East. We know how successful the OG Anunoby trade has been for the Knicks, so we can assertively say they won the deadline after yesterday.

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks made the perfect move by bringing in PJ Washington. They needed a big forward who could stretch the floor, be a reliable scorer, and hold his own defensively, precisely what he brings. Additionally, they brought in Daniel Gafford as a backup big from the Wizards, who will provide strong defensive minutes when on the floor. One can argue that the Mavs may have given up too much for Washington and Gafford. Still, as an organization, they are at risk of losing much more if they cannot put together a formidable playoff contender with all they have invested in Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.

Detroit Pistons

There is not much the Detroit Pistons could have done at the deadline since they stink. Still, they were smart to trade away every player who didn’t have a future with the organization while ensuring they gave as many young players opportunities as possible. Detroit needs a culture shift badly, so letting the young guys become more assertive in the locker room could go a long way heading into next season.

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets stink and will continue to stink, but they made the appropriate moves at the deadline. Trading away Terry Rozier and PJ Washington brought back two future first-round picks. At the same time, Gordon Hayward netted the Hornets two second-rounders. Still, looking at their young core, Brandon Miller is beginning to find himself, and Miles Bridges is playing well while we all wait on LaMelo Ball’s health. Not to get ahead, but it’s starting to feel like the Hornets could have a promising future, so acquiring these picks will only help to form a strong team around Miller, Ball, and Bridges.