This NBA season has been filled with surprises and speculation and as the trade deadline has passed, many questions have been answered.
The Phoenix Suns have aquired Danny Granger, Justin Hamilton, John Salmons, and two first-round picks from the Pelicans and Heat as part of a three-team trade. The Miami Heat have acquired Goran and Zoran Dragic from the Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans ended up with Norris Cole and Shawne Williams from the Heat.
The trade inspired tons of reactions. Miami Heat president Pat Riley said: We are incredibly pleased to take another step in getting the Miami Heat back to real championship prominence with the acquisition of Goran Dragic, Riley stated.
The Suns brass had a response to Goran Dragics comments about demanding a trade from the team. Lon Babby and Ryan McDonough made joint statements about Dragic.
Babby Stated…
“We try never to be blindsided,” he said. “I don’t think we were. We were aware of his concerns going back to training camp after we signed Eric Bledsoe. The answer didn’t come as a surprise, and we were prepared for it.” “If some of those moves ruffle Goran’s feathers, so be it. We’re not going to stop (making moves) until we get it right.”
McDonough also added his 2 cents with these comments..
“Sometimes players get a little selfish and are more worried about I, me and my than us, our or we. “We’re looking for team-first guys. This isn’t singles tennis.”
New Pelicans Player Norris Cole posted this on Twitter:
Thank you @MiamiHEAT HeatNation for the opportunity! Many Great memories! 2 Championships in 3yrs! @PelicansNBA IM READY 2 WORK!
Norris Cole (@pg30_Cole) February 19, 2015
The Suns also acquired Brandon Knight, Marcus Thorton, and Clevelands 2016 1st round pick from the Celtics in a separate trade. In return the Boston Celtics have added the emerging point guard Isaiah Thomas to fill the whole that Rondo has left.
Thomas had this to say on Twitter :
Give me a ball and a hoop and I’m good anywhere big thxs to all the celtics fans u were great in my short time Phoenix fans what up tho
Marcus Thornton (@OfficialMT23) February 20, 2015
Oklahoma City has gotten Enes Kanter, Kyle Singler, D.J. Augustin, and Steve Novak in another huge 3 team deal. OKC has acquired center Enes Kanter and forward Steve Novak from the Utah Jazz. OKC has also added guard D.J. Augustin, forward Kyle Singler and a 2019 unprotected second round pick from the Detroit Pistons. The Thunder gave up center Kendrick Perkins, forward Grant Jerrett, the draft rights to Tibor Pleiss, and a protected future OKC 1st round pick. Reggie Jackson was also dealt to the Pistons to complete the deal.
Jackson was gracious in his departure from OKC:
Been blessed to be a part of the organization and community and there was nowhere better for me to grow as a player and a man. #ThankYouOKC
Reggie Jackson (@rjOKCson_15) February 19, 2015
The Sixers, Bucks, and Suns engaged in a three-team trade that saw the Sixers Michael Carter Williams go to the Bucks, and the Sixers get the Lakers top 5 protected, 1st round pick.
The Sixers have also acquired JaVale McGee from the Nuggets for an OKC top 18 first round pick. The Millwakee Bucks have also added Miles Plumlee, and Tyler Ennis from the Phoenix Suns for Kendall Marshall and Brandon Knight.
Boston has also added Jonas Jerebko and Gigi Datome for the Pistons Tayshaun Prince.
The Portland Trailblazers have acquired Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee from the Denver Nuggets. In return the Trailblazers have lost Will Barton, Victor Claver, Thomas Robinson, and a lottery protected 2016 1st round pick to the Nuggets.
The Minnesota Timberwolves welcome the return of Kevin Garnett while the Brooklyn Nets in return have acquired Thaddeus Young.
The Sacremento Kings have gotten a deal done with the Washington Wizards where the Kings get Andre Miller and the Kings landed Ramon Sessions.
The Knicks have added Alexey Shved along with two second round picks from the Rockets for Pablo Prigioni.
