Trade season always shakes up the NBA landscape in ways that are both unpredictable and electrifying. January 2021, in particular, saw some eyebrow-raising moves that significantly changed team lineups and dynamics. One of the most talked-about trades involved James Harden moving to the Brooklyn Nets. Harden's move put the spotlight on Brooklyn’s offensive firepower, shifting the balance with his 25.2 points per game average. Having him team up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving created a formidable trio that many analysts believe could easily put up more than 120 points per game. The combination of Harden’s playmaking with Irving's dribbling and Durant's scoring ability has put Brooklyn in a prime position for a deep playoff run.
On the flip side, Houston Rockets didn't just let Harden go for nothing. They acquired Victor Oladipo from the Indiana Pacers, Dante Exum, and a host of first-round draft picks including four first-rounders and four-pick swaps. Oladipo, who averages 20 points per game, has shown flashes of brilliance in his career and could bring much-needed stability to Houston’s backcourt. Including picks into the deal means that Houston is thinking long-term while trying to stay competitive in the short term. The trade allowed the Rockets to save approximately $10 million in cap space, offering them some financial flexibility moving forward.
Mentioning the Indiana Pacers reminds me of another intriguing deal. Caris LeVert moved to Indiana as part of the broader Harden trade. LeVert, a budding star, has shown he can average around 18 points and 4 assists per game. Unfortunately, a routine physical after the trade revealed a small mass on his kidney. The Pacers prioritized his health, giving him time to recover, proving they value more than just immediate on-court performance. LeVert's condition was a shocker, and it showed the human aspect often gets overlooked in these high-stakes deals. When he returns, the Pacers will gain a versatile scorer who can take over games and relieve some of the scoring burdens on Malcolm Brogdon and Domantas Sabonis.
The Chicago Bulls made headlines by trading for Nikola Vučević and Al-Farouq Aminu from the Orlando Magic. Vučević is averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this season, bringing elite-level play to Chicago’s frontcourt. This trade signaled Chicago’s commitment to making the playoffs, breaking a drought that has lasted since 2017. Pairing Vučević with Zach LaVine, who is averaging 27.5 points per game, makes the Bulls a more formidable opponent. One notable downside? They had to give up Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks. But many fans feel it’s a price worth paying for immediate improvement.
Denver Nuggets also made a splash by acquiring Aaron Gordon from the Orlando Magic. Gordon, whose highlight-reel dunks often overshadow his overall game, contributes solid defense and averages 14.6 points per game. This trade slots him perfectly into Denver’s system, where he can alleviate some of the defensive pressure on Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic, who is putting up MVP-caliber numbers with averages of 26 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists. Adding a versatile forward like Gordon enhances Denver's chances of making a deep playoff run, particularly in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Speaking of the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers added depth by trading for Norman Powell from the Toronto Raptors. With Powell averaging 19.6 points per game, his ability to score efficiently frees up Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The Blazers had to part ways with Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood, both capable players but inconsistent at times. This move shows that Portland is not satisfied with simply making the playoffs; they have ambitions for a deeper run this year. Powell’s experience with the 2019 Raptors’ championship team adds value that goes beyond just the stat sheet.
Meanwhile, LA Lakers, the reigning champions, made a minor adjustment by acquiring Andre Drummond after he cleared waivers. Drummond, who was bought out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, brings a much-needed inside presence with averages of 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game. Questions arose if Drummond could coexist with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, but most analysts believe his rebounding and shot-blocking fill the void left by Dwight Howard's departure. The Lakers remain focused on their repeat championship quest, knowing that a healthy lineup led by LeBron can topple any team.
It wasn't just about star players moving; some smaller, yet impactful trades happened too. The Miami Heat picked up Victor Oladipo without giving up any core rotational players. Miami is hoping that Oladipo can regain his All-Star form, giving Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo much-needed support. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics added Evan Fournier for two second-round picks. Fournier’s 19.7 points per game could be the scoring punch off the bench that Boston needs, though his integration into the team remains to be seen.
Lastly, let's talk about Golden State Warriors, who remained relatively quiet compared to other teams. They did offload Brad Wanamaker and Marquese Chriss, primarily for salary relief and a second-round pick. In terms of impact, these moves are minimal but consistent with the Warriors' broader strategy of developing their young core while waiting for Klay Thompson’s return next season. The Warriors remain focused on maximizing their cap space and flexibility, aiming for a stronger push when they’re at full strength.
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