The 2023–24 NBA trade deadline is next month on February 8. The NBA trade deadline is the last chance for franchises to decide which players they want on their rosters. In the current NBA season, most teams have played at least more than twenty games and have an idea of what changes they want in the future or want to remain the same. The 2023–24 trade deadline could bring new deals. As the trade deadline approaches, let’s have a look at the best and worst NBA trades of 2023.
Best Trades of 2023
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks, but there were questions as to whether or not he would re-sign with the team. The duo of Irving and Luka Doncic also struggled to find their rhythm late in the 2022–23 season. However, since then, they have gotten everything right. In the ongoing season, the two have impressed while playing on the floor together, which is a great change. With both players working together, it looks like the Mavericks made the right move and it is proving to be successful.
James Harden
When the LA Clippers acquired James Harden, the team struggled to find a fit for him. However, now the team has finished in the top five in the Western Conference. They have won eight of their last ten games, with a three-game winning streak. Their decision to sign Harden is now finally paying off. Harden’s presence on the team has given them a much-needed buff. Now, because of their veteran experience and roster’s combination, the LA Clippers are one of the favorites in the West Conference.
Josh Hart
Josh Hart was acquired by the New York Knicks in February 2023 and this has been proving to be a great move by the franchise. Hart has established himself as one of the best rotational players in the league. He is an efficient scorer and is amazing on defense as well. His style of play and defensive skills have made him a key player in the team’s rotation.
Damian Lillard
The Milwaukee Bucks trade for Damian Lillard was one of the most talked-about decisions of the offseason. Not only did the franchise snatch a superstar from the Miami Heat, who were strong contenders to land Lillard, but it also put them in a great position. The Bucks are currently ranked second in the Eastern Conference rankings. Additionally, the franchise also managed to retain Khris Middleston and Brook Lopez.
Kristaps Porzingis
The Boston Celtics disappointed a lot of fans when they acquired Kristaps Porzingis and parted ways with Marcus Smart. However, despite the void left by “The Cobra,” the move has paid off so far. The Boston Celtics are currently sitting on top of the Eastern Conference and are a strong contender for winning the NBA title. If the versatile Porzingis stays healthy in the postseason, this move could give them the push they need to win the title.
Five Worst Trades of 2023
John Collins
John Collins had been in trade rumors for a long time before a trade deal was worked out between the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz. The Hawks acquired Rudy Gay and a second-round pick, which represents an incredibly massive accomplishment. Collins, on the other hand, has averaged 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game at Utah. Although the team wanted to free up space to give them room to maneuver, they could have potentially used Collins.
Bradley Beal
The acquisition of Bradley Beal by the Phoenix Suns was one of the most significant trades. However, the Suns have very little to show. Beal has been dealing with injuries; on the other hand, Durant and Booker have also dealt with injuries, so the trio has yet to perform to their full potential. Although the trade could prove to be fruitful in the future, currently there are many question marks.
Jalen McDaniels
The acquisition of Jalen McDaniels by the Philadelphia 76ers did not yield any significant results for them, so it resulted in McDaniels being traded to the Toronto Raptors. In return, the team parted ways with Matisse Thybulle, who has performed poorly since the trade. Although the move did not put the 76ers in a totally worse position than pre-trade, the deal did not make much of a difference for them. McDaniels played only 24 games for the team; they could have waited and used him to his full potential.
Chris Paul
The acquisition of Chris Paul by the Golden State Warriors raised many questions over his fit with the team. Despite this, the Warriors seemed confident that Paul would fit well with them. However, the move did not strengthen the team’s frontcourt. The team is lacking forwards and big players, and despite bringing so much to the table, Paul doesn’t fill either of those needs.
Jordan Poole
When the Washington Wizards acquired Jordan Poole, there were jokes made about Poole and Kyle Kuzma’s different styles of playing. So far in the season, the jokes are appearing to be true, with the Wizards posting one of the worst records in the league. There are serious doubts about whether their playing styles are conducive to winning. Given that Poole is under contract through the 2026–27 season, the Wizards may have to pay quite a bit for the move.
Also Read: 10 Best Players In The History Of Miami Heat Franchise
