NBA Notebook: Bradley Beal out for season with his Wizards future in question

TD Garden felt different Friday night.

Derrick White surprised the closest thing to a sellout crowd the arena has seen since the Warriors visited before Christmas by playing after his trade went official pregame and thriving in his debut. One of the few 'let's go Celtics' chants all season broke out. Daniel Theis received an ovation sitting on the bench awaiting his return to become official. Ime Udoka appeared as pumped as he has all season entering a timeout after Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III dug Boston out of a third-quarter hole by stringing together stops against Nikola Jokic and jumping on the offensive boards. Udoka high-fived everyone in his vicinity and even motioned to an official with a slap to his own elbow, coming to Smart's defense. 

Jayson Tatum sounded as jovial as he has in two seasons, interrupting White's post-game standup with NBC Sports Boston. Dennis Schröder and Bruno Fernando cordially thanked the team on its Instagram account after their deadline exits to Houston. Josh Richardson, en route to San Antonio, did too. 

Contrast that against the mood inside Capital One Arena, over 400 miles south in Washington D.C., where the Celtics' string of nine wins over their last 10 began with Smart's return that afternoon. The Wizards lost to Boston by 29 points then blew the largest lead in the NBA this season, 35 points, to the Clippers two days later. Now, Bradley Beal (wrist) is done for the season ahead of his player option to enter free agency and Washington traded Spencer Dinwiddie for Kristaps Porzingis' retched contract at the deadline after acquiring Dinwiddie as last summer's splash. They also sent off Aaron Holiday to Phoenix. The Wizards started the season 10-3, hopeful after seemingly fleecing the Lakers in the Russell Westbrook trade. They're 15-26 since. 

“This is probably the first time I’ve mentioned this to you guys," Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard quipped after the deadline. "I believe Bradley is going to be here moving forward. I know this is news, but he and I have talked about it before, and he said that this is where he wants to be. So I’m not gonna waver from that. I’m not trying to be a smart-ass, but I don’t know how many more times I can touch base on this subject. Certainly we plan on him being here in the future. If he feels otherwise, I’m sure he’ll let me know."

Beal could let Washington know as soon as this summer, when he could opt-out of his $36.4-million player option for 2022-23 and become July's hottest free agent. Teams around the league, including the Celtics, will monitor the guard's commitment to the Wizards, which to Sheppard's point hasn't wavered since he's built a family in Washington and grown comfortable as the face of the franchise. An outright departure this summer seems unlikely, since he'd forgo a fifth year in his next contract and his 10-year tenure with the Wizards, who drafted him, allows him to sign the largest contract possible under the CBA with Washington. 

That would entail opting-out this summer and re-signing for five years, $245.6-million at a $49-million average annual value. Opting-in and asking for a trade could earn him a four-year $199-million extension with a trade bonus that would make up much of the annual salary difference. The most he can earn leaving the Wizards outright would be four years, $182 million. Beal may not be in full control of his future if he's maximizing his earning potential, but he is in position to decide whether or not he'll be in Washington. He can also wait until closer to next trade deadline too when he becomes trade-eligible following a new contract in the opt-out and sign scenario. Beal has always been patient. 

It'll come down to how this Wizards season finishes, as Zach Lowe and other league insiders acknowledge growing rumblings around the league about Beal's future. Can Wes Unseld Jr. right the ship and make the play-in tournament and some noise there? Does Porzingis play and show signs after another uneven season in Dallas? Do Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert take tangible leaps in Beal's absence? Does Thomas Bryant regain form following his return from knee injury last month? All signs point toward none of those things happening, for now. So what would be the next shoe to drop? Could Washington win the draft lottery? That might be their best bet, as the odds flattening across the lottery don't require a Houston-style bottoming out. 

Beal, 28, had a down season after two years contending for the NBA scoring title. He averaged 23.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 6.6 APG on 45.1% shooting and a 30% three-point stroke, the worst of his career. He's not Damian Lillard though, who's entering his mid-30s with miles of playoff runs and a scary abdominal injury. Beal more likely hit a bump, following league-wide three-point shooting drop off, rather than a march into his decline. 

Pair Beal with other scoring threats and he'd be back in lethal form. That's the mistake the Wizards made in signing Dinwiddie, who couldn't find his shooting or finishing touch after his ACL tear in Brooklyn. Kevin O'Connor also noted he didn't endear himself to teammates. Sheppard now chases his third reset after trading John Wall following his Achilles tear. It could involve finally moving Beal after 10 seasons and beginning a full-scale rebuild. He's on the franchise's Mount Rushmore alongside Unseld's father, Wall and Gilbert Arenas. They'll fully comply with his wishes. 

Following James Harden and Ben Simmons changing places, as I wrote was inevitable last week, the Celtics would hope they're on Beal's shortlist of destinations. One step further, pray that Beal wants to play with fellow St. Louis native and childhood friend Tatum so badly that he commands Washington to take a Celtics package. As cliché and overwritten as their connection has become, it is real. 

It's no mistake that while Brad Stevens improved the Celtics in the short term by adding Derrick White, he also meticulously managed the team's salary base while kicking the second draft pick he sent to San Antonio out to 2028. Boston can still offer 2023 and 2025 pick swaps, along with 2024 and 2027 unprotected firsts in any potential deal. Their lining up flexibility with medium-sized contracts goes back to the Richardson trade and extensions they signed in the offseason.

White, signed through 2025 at $17-million average annual value, can either become a Smart replacement, if the Celtics include their long-time heart-and-soul in a deal this offseason, or use White in place of Smart's $16.6-million salary. Al Horford, barring a Boston NBA Finals run kicking in his incentive, counts as $14.5-million guaranteed in a trade this offseason before his $26.5-million guarantee date hits next January. Daniel Theis also stays on the books as $8.7-million in salary matching before a $9.1-million third year and fourth-year team options in 2024-25. Stevens trading up Schröder's $6-million expiring that was unlikely to be retained this offseason into Theis, who can help them now and facilitate trades later was astute cap management.

That underlying wrinkle to the Celtics' deadline, balancing winning now and giving Udoka a chance as a first-year coach with a roster style he enjoys, continuing to clean up the Kemba Walker mistake through enviable late-career Horford minutes, all while giving the team multiple avenues to take a leap to the top of the east in the summer is enviable. Stevens being empowered to put a 2028 pick swap out there signals as much as any move has yet that he's in this for the long-haul as the Celtics' GM, despite the strange story of his ascent. 

Robert Williams III, extended for four-years at $12-million average annual value, would be understood to be untouchable in any deal, which is monumental for his career and Boston's outlook. Williams III resembles a game-breaking roller on offense and future defensive player of the year candidate on the other end. As much as the Wizards would push for him in any potential deal, the Celtics would respond with their future draft capital and young players. Rob is untouchable. 

That's in the case where Beal highlights Boston as his ideal destination. 

James Harden and Ben Simmons trading places erases the largest potential return available and the 76ers as a suitor. The Heat would have interest in Beal, but with their ability to get a deal done likely tied to their willingness to move budding all-star and sixth-man award favorite Tyler Herro. It's always possible, especially as a consolidation move to also offload Duncan Robinson's contract. The Warriors, once thought to be a Beal contender, probably aren't with Klay Thompson back. 

Any Beal departure would almost inevitably turn into a power play between Boston, Miami and Dallas trying to organize a Jalen Brunson sign-and-trade if they can. They'd need Brunson's cooperation, as an unrestricted free agent, in any such move though. Boston could match Beal's player option with Smart/White, Horford and Aaron Nesmith to make the money work. Any value beyond that would need to be negotiated. Minor packages the Spurs received for Demar DeRozan, Toronto did for Kyle Lowry and New Orleans did for Lonzo Ball show that de-factor free agents carry enough weight to hand pick their next spot without their old team carrying much leverage in the compensation talks. That's part of why the Nets got ahead on trading Harden. 

Such a deal would position White/Smart, Brown, Tatum, Beal and Williams III as an immediate title contender on par with Phoenix, Golden State, Milwaukee and Philadelphia next season. It'd make the Celtics' tax reset this year worth it as Beal thrusts Boston deep into the luxury tax for years to come, and keep a competitive bench including Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams intact along with whatever veterans such a super team would attract.

That this is even a hypothetical aligning at this deadline, with the Celtics seemingly on the brink of collapse and a sell-off early last month following a 25-point collapse in New York is astounding. Boston is back on its feet, and gave itself the ability to make a competitive run this postseason, energize the crowd, fan base and league-wide sentiment around the team. All in an attempt to turn Beal or some other player's head toward what's happening in Boston. 

“The core of who’s playing and the core of who we’ll have moving forward and being able to get a couple of guys that are on contracts that you can build and grow together is really important," Stevens said after the deadline, noting the immediate impact of his moves. "I’ve coached a lot of defenses in my life. I’ve coached some really good ones in college and some really good ones here. I’ve never seen one this dynamic when it’s locked in.”

Here's what else happened in the NBA this week... 

Atlanta (26-29): Stood pat at the deadline and will let full health carry them where it may, keeping Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, Danillo Gallinari and Clint Capela. Luxury tax concerns arrive this offseason and they’re no sure shot to make the playoffs, losers of three-of-four and still maddeningly inconsistent on defense (24th in February). They sounded like the second most-likely Ben Simmons team all along and missed their shot. Will they ever be able to form a defense identity around Trae Young? They visit Boston Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Boston (32-25): Derrick White might not splash relative to the expectations and cost, but if you want a guy, you go out there and pay the price. I think many fans would've been frustrated if they heard a White got scrapped because they didn't want to do the 2028 No. 1 protected first-round pick swap. The Celtics were due for some consolidation, and I don't think anyone's concerned about giving up Romeo Langford, even if he pans out in San Antonio. Josh Richardson, as well as he played, didn't factor in the facilitation needs Boston had. 

If you're looking at this expecting White to be a star, you'll be disappointed, but the Celtics needed the things he brings badly enough to make him worth acquiring. They also need to act, as a team, like you'll be in a good place at the end of the season and in 2028 (however much you can do so). Daniel Theis might not be Donte DiVincenzo, but Houston took the Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando contracts with Dennis Schröder for free. They finished the second third of the NBA season with the best net rating over that stretch and own the best defense in 2022 by nearly three points per 100 possessions (and No. 1 in net rating, +11.5). They're back, and Ime Udoka could be on his way to the coach of the year award in his first season. 

Brooklyn (29-26): They could easily win the mega trade that came to fruition Thursday. Just 10 games ago, James Harden posted a 37-point triple double with Kyrie Irving unloading 24 alongside him. All seemed right with the world, save for some rumblings about Harden's unease in New York City. Now, 22 days later, Harden is gone, Ben Simmons' return date is uncertain, Irving remains a part-time player and they've lost 10 straight to drop to eighth in the east. They rank 29th in defense over that stretch and will sit and wonder how the potential of Kevin Durant, Irving and Harden crumbled after only 16 games together. They could still win this deal easily for reasons I wrote about: they landed a sensational scorer in Seth Curry, who borders on 50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT, plus draft capitol to improve through. It'll require a momentary step back and much soul-searching, as the Nets could fall into the play-in tournament before acclimating Simmons. 

Charlotte (29-28): They're in some trouble. Gordon Hayward is out indefinitely with an ankle injury and they addressed their center depth with a defensively-limited Montrezl Harrell acquisition. Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball's 56 points and 23 assists in Detroit showed how flashy they can continue to be, but without rocks like Hayward or a solid interior anchor for their defense it's hard to imagine this team seriously contending in the difficult east. Charlotte sent out Ish Smith, Vernon Carey and a future second-rounder to Washington for Harrell, who's an unrestricted free agent this summer. Harrell shot 7-for-9 with 15 points and six rebounds in his debut against the Pistons. 

Chicago (35-21): They boldly stood pat at the deadline despite numerous injuries and a real chance to contend for the NBA Finals. They'll need Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and even Patrick Williams to get healthy to stack up against the larger teams in the east post-Harden trade. Demar DeRozan was the best player in the NBA this week, scoring 45, 38, 36 and 35 points in Chicago's two wins and two losses. He's averaging 34.6 PPG in February. Don't forget his name in MVP conversations. Also, Javonte Green is scoring 23 points in a game now. 

Cleveland (35-21): They kicked off deadline week early by sending multiple draft picks and the Ricky Rubio contract to Indiana for Caris LeVert. LeVert missed the game that day against his former Pacers, but scored 11 points in a win over the Spurs and 22 in Indiana on Friday. Seven players, including Rajon Rondo, scored double-figures in the Cavs win, as Rondo revealed he almost retired before joining the challenge fo this young team that just won't go away. 

Cleveland sent its lottery-protected 2022 first-round pick, a 2022 Rockets second-rounder that borders on the first and a 2027 Jazz second-rounder in the trade. The Cavaliers are now No. 2 in the east following four straight wins. 

Dallas (33-23): They pulled off the most surprising trade of the deadline by moving off Kristaps Porzingis three seasons after the Mavericks went all-in on the former Knicks star in the aftermath of his ACL tear. Dallas originally sent two first-round picks for Porzingis and flipped him to the Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. 

Dinwiddie's $17.1-million deal and Bertan's $16-million albatross effectively split Porzingis' $31.6-million in half. Porzingis is signed through 2023-24, Dinwiddie through a partially guaranteed 2024 and Bertans 2024-25. Taking on maybe the worst contract in the NBA was the cost of the Mavericks hoping Dinwiddie can be a combo guard complement next to Luka Doncic and praying they can offload the two smaller deals individually on a path to cap space to lure players to fit next to Doncic. 

They seemed to forgo the immediate benefits of a Goran Dragic deal to make a more forward-facing move that helps some now, but especially into the future. Dinwiddie averaged 12.6 PPG and 5.8 APG on 37.6% shooting in a 44-game stint with the Wizards. Bertans hasn't played real minutes since Jan. 23. Dallas has won four straight.

Denver (30-25): Nikola Jokic led back-to-back victories over the Nets and Knicks with loads of scoring before Denver fell flat to begin an east coast swing in Boston. Jokic turned the ball over nine times and the Nuggets blew a nine-point halftime advantage. Denver stood pat after discussing some deadline deals, only making the January trade for Bryn Forbes before standing pat on Thursday. 

It was unwelcome news for Jokic and Michael Malone, who may see Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. physically cleared by the end of the season, but unlikely to impact or even play on a postseason run. Malone said after the loss to the Celtics that Jokic is exhausted from the past two seasons.

"It's up to them. We're going to clear them at some point in the not too distant future and then they have to determine when and if they're ready," GM Tim Connelly said.

Detroit (12-44): Took an uncharacteristic move for a team in their spot by keeping Jerami Grant, Frank Jackson, Kelly Olynyk and more beyond the deadline. The team simply flipped Trey Lyles and Josh Jackson to Sacramento in a four-team deal for Marvin Bagley III. The 22-year-old former No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft averaged 13.5 PPG and 7.4 RPG in four seasons with the Kings, and will now get ample opportunity on the losing Pistons to find his role in this league. Detroit won't have much time to find out, since Bagley is a restricted free agent on a likely $7.2-million non starter qualifying offer this summer. Bagley, at times disgruntled, shot under 50% from the field and 30% from three in Sacramento. The Pistons will have one more offseason to address Grant's future, as he'll be eligible for a four-year, $112-million extension. 

Golden State (41-15): They stood pat at the deadline and will race ahead with a team that appears as ready as any other to win a championship this season. Their nine-game win streak ended with losses to Utah and the Knicks, but Jonathan Kuminga's steady involvement and double-figure scoring is a plus for a player so early in his career. 

Golden State enjoys the process of winning now while bringing along Kuminga, James Wiseman and Moses Moody slowly. Klay Thompson is averaging 16.7 PPG on 37.4% three-point shooting alongside 3.2 APG in 13 games since his return. He could look worse after two years off and Draymond Green is expected to sidestep back surgery. Steph Curry is back in February, nailing over 39% of his 10 threes per night. 

Houston (15-40): Couldn't resolve the John Wall sit-out or sell high on Eric Gordon in one of the worst trade deadlines for any rebuilding teams. They kept Christian Wood. Fine, wait for better value in the summer. Then here comes Dennis Schröder, Enes Freedom and Bruno Fernando dumps from Boston with no picks coming in and Daniel Theis going out after less than one season simply to avoid his long-term salary. 

It felt like the Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert and Victor Oladipo trades all over again for an increasingly money-fixated franchise. Houston quickly waived Freedom and it sounds like they'll keep Schröder, who they could theoretically re-sign into cap space. 

Indiana (19-38): Shocked the basketball world by trading Domantas Sabonis, keeping Myles Turner for now and landing Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento. One of the best young prospects in the NBA inspired the Pacers to sell and deal the face of their franchise to take a more forward-facing approach. Haliburton hit his first five shots in Indiana on Friday, finishing 9-for-15 with 23 points, six assists, three steals and 4-of-6 shooting from deep. There's a case Haliburton, 21, is already the best player in the trade as a top-10 volume catch-and-shoot finisher and a top-15 player in assists and steals. More on the Kings' disastrous decision below.

Indiana also received Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson, sending out Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb to the Kings. The Pacers also acquired a flier on 2020 lottery pick Jalen Smith in exchange for sending Torrey Craig to Phoenix. The rebuild is on, and it's hard to imagine them keeping Turner for long in June. 

Clippers (27-30): The Clippers received Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood for Serge Ibaka in a deal that shouldn't be too consequential here. They already made their splash adding Norman Powell, who's averaging 21 PPG on 43% shooting from deep alongside Robert Covington, who's 10-for-21 from the field in his first three Clippers games. It'll still be an uphill climb for Los Angeles into the playoffs, 24th in offense and 21st in defense in the new year. 

Lakers (26-30): Frank Vogel is unapologetically benching Russell Westbrook late in games and the Lakers narrowly avoided a disaster against the Knicks before getting bombed by the Bucks for over 100 points in three quarters and hit rock-bottom in Portland. Westbrook quipped about his back ailment being related to sitting for uncharacteristically long stints on the bench as Los Angeles explored a trade for the guard, who's shooting 39% from the field in 2022 and 27.5% (15.4% from three) in February. 

This isn't all his fault. LeBron James advocated for the questionable Westbrook trade and Anthony Davis is doing his part defensively, but hasn't supplanted James offensively as expected by now, shooting 12.5% from three since his return from injury. Kendrick Nunn hasn't played all season after receiving the mid-level exception and won't until March. They are an aging disaster, and it feels like a matter of time before Westbrook is sent home. Remember, they owe the Pelicans all those future picks. No wonder they reportedly balked at giving up a 2027 first to flip Westbrook for John Wall. 

Memphis (39-18): Comfortably stood pat at the deadline riding the No. 6 offense and No. 5 defense in the league in 2022 to a 16-4 record, tied with Dallas and Toronto for the most in the league. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman called Dillon Brooks (ankle) Memphis' inevitable trade deadline addition when he returns into March, currently a little behind schedule. Ja Morant is averaging 28.7 PPG and 49.9% shooting in 2022. 

“When we get in those moments we’re excited for the Zaire (Williams), the John Konchars,” Kleiman said. “We have a real belief in all these guys that we have on our group.”

Miami (36-20): Hanging onto the one seed against strong pushes by Chicago and Cleveland. They stood pat at the deadline, but might've gotten their wish of a Goran Dragic return after the guard's trade from Toronto to San Antonio made him an eligible buyout signing for the Heat. Dragic, 35, averaged 13.4 PPG and 4.4 APG while shooting 37.3% from deep last season before Miami sent him north of the border in the Kyle Lowry trade. 

He'll receive interest from other teams, but a backup role behind Lowry in a system Dragic is comfortable in on a contender in warm weather would make sense. Dragic spent some of his hiatus from the Raptors, beginning Nov. 13, around the Heat and even recently attended a Miami game. 

Milwaukee (35-22): Their willingness to field Donte DiVincenzo calls and eventually deal him for a depth center in Serge Ibaka signaled they probably weren't willing to keep him around on a now annual taxpaying roster. The Bucks received two second-round picks and over $3-million in cash in the deal. Brook Lopez is getting closer to a return and should be back before the postseason, rendering Ibaka, 6.6 PPG and 4.3 RPG with the Clippers this year, a depth and insurance option. Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood went back to LA in the four-team deal. The Bucks will now need to address their wing shooting position with Pat Connaughton breaking his right hand shortly after the DiVincenzo trade. 

Minnesota (29-27): Gave up 130 points to the Kings and Bulls in back-to-back losses following their five-game win streak. It's the story of their season, being unable to sustain success, and they'll now face high heat from Sacramento and New Orleans, who loaded up at the deadline for play-in tournament pushes. The Timberwolves stood pat at the deadline, among the three or four teams involved in Ben Simmons talks from the beginning. They probably should've pushed hard enough for a player like Marcus Smart or Simmons to solidify their 19th-ranked defense. They're still No. 1 in offense in 2022. 

New Orleans (22-33): A team 11 games under .500 going all-in as a buyer was interesting, but that's where David Griffin stands as GM and where the Pelicans needed to look as they stand behind schedule in progressing this Zion Williamson-led core toward annual winning. Williamsons' status (foot) remains uncertain for the rest of the season. When he returns, C.J. McCollum awaits after New Orleans dealt Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Tomas Satoransky, and Didi Louzada to Portland. 

The Pelicans also sent a first-round pick, protected 5-14 this year, that'll turn into a protected 2025 Bucks first if it doesn't convey this year, then two second-rounders if Milwaukee's pick doesn't convey. New Orleans also sent two future seconds and received Larry Nance Jr., who underwent knee surgery and will miss roughly six weeks, and Tony Snell. Willie Green's squad has gone 9-11 in the new year, sitting at 18th in net rating, and is currently the 10th seed by 0.5 games over Portland and 1.5 over San Antonio. 

New York (25-31): Their loss in Utah was baffling to begin the week, Julius Randle freezing in the paint in the final minutes with a point-blank look at his disposal in a one-possession game before the Jazz ran away with a victory. Denver shelled them the next night as Tom Thibodeau's squad sways between defensive disasters and offensive lulls. Cam Reddish scored 12 points in a rare burst of extended run against the Warriors to salvage a win late in the week, and with no deadline deals following his acquisition, it'll be stunning if playing time continues to elude him. It's hard to imagine this team even making the play-in in a stacked east, but they're only 1.5 games behind Atlanta. 

Oklahoma City (17-38): In typical Thunder fashion, their trade deadline involved eating KZ Okpala's contract from the Heat in exchange for kicking back the Heat first-round pick owed to Oklahoma City from 2023 to 2025 with lighter protections and 2026 unprotected. They hoped someone would bite on their first-round demand for Kenrich Williams, but once again nobody did. 

Orlando (13-44): Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, Robin Lopez and Mo Bamba stuck around as the Magic decided not to sell low on their veterans like they did last deadline by sending out Evan Fournier out for two second-round picks. Orlando acquired injured Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier from the Celtics and swapped second-round picks in their only deadline deal. They also waived oft-injured Michael Carter-Williams and E'Twaun Moore. The league will watch their buyout activity with their veterans, who would all inevitably be highly-coveted should they break loose. 

Philadelphia (33-22): The Ben Simmons saga is over, with ESPN recounting the frantic and expletive-laden phone call between Daryl Morey and Nets GM Sean Marks within two hours of the trade deadline to finalize the James Harden all-time blockbuster. The 76ers instantly became among two-to-four championship favorites led by Joel Embiid's MVP-level production and Harden's phenomenal passing. Philadelphia also retained Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle as they hoped in negotiations, relenting on dealing Seth Curry which will be no small loss. 

The 76ers sent a 2022 first-rounder that Brooklyn can defer to 2023, plus a 2027 unprotected first. Harden should join the team early this week, possibly debuting against the Celtics on Tuesday, and despite concerns over Philadelphia needing to sign the all-star to a deal through 2027 that'll reach over $60-million in salary, a Harden-Embiid pairing gives the 76ers something of a Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal Lite for now. Playoff matchups with the Nets and Bucks would be fascinating and Harden needs to put playoff demons to rest, but credit to Morey, a figure I and others criticized heavily for his handling of the Simmons situation. He came out on top with patience few, if any, executives would show in his shoes. 

Phoenix (45-10): Mashed the Bucks in a Finals rematch late this week and reminded the league the Suns have as strong of a chance as anyone to win the championship. Beyond this season, their dumping of Jalen Smith for Torrey Craig is a reminder of the strange Deandre Ayton contract negotiation ahead after refusing to offer him the maximum rookie extension and luxury tax concerns under Robert Sarver, who's under fire following an ESPN report on his toxic workplace. Zach Lowe reported that the Suns and Pacers briefly talked about an Ayton-Sabonis swap, which would've been a moment of startling cheapness. Adding Aaron Holiday from Washington could prove important.

Portland (22-34): They dealt long-time fan favorite and one of the greatest Trail Blazers ever, C.J. McCollum, after nine seasons averaging 19.0 PPG, eight straight postseason appearances alongside Damian Lillard and a western conference finals run. The Blazers set themselves up with potentially as much as $60-million in cap space this summer. The pieces in place following the Norman Powell and McCollum trades are difficult to imagine complementing Lillard in his late years though. Josh Hart is a nice piece from the Pelicans, they seem to like Keon Johnson from the Clippers and they received some ok picks. Nothing, aside from the Anfernee Simons' rise and keeping Jusuf Nurkic around, screams a return to contention though. Lillard's future is still something to keep an eye on. 

"This is not just business. Portland is home," McCollum wrote in the Player's Tribune. "You don’t spend nine years in a place like this without it having a deep impact on you. I’m not talking about basketball. I’m talking about your soul." 

Sacramento (21-36): Sacramento stunned the NBA world and received nearly universal basketball condemnation for their swap of Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis in a move to make the playoffs this year and prevent their drought from reaching an NBA record 16 seasons. Sabonis is no chump and he'll help De'Aaron Fox and this group establish some credibility immediately, leading a key win over Minnesota in his first game with 22 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. He's only signed through 2024 though, compared to Haliburton's team control through likely 2027 on a rookie extension. 

The Kings redeemed themselves mildly by flipping Marvin Bagley III for Donte DiVincenzo, but that only recalled picking Bagley over Luka Doncic and Trae Young in that draft, letting Bogdan Bogdanovic go for nothing after their original botched deal with Milwaukee for DiVincenzo two years ago and the fact that the Kings don't seem to have a plan. They're also two games behind the 10 seed, with three teams in front of them. Sacramento also received Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, Trey Lyles and Josh Jackson at the deadline. 

San Antonio (21-35): They traded fan favorite Derrick White and finally became a trade deadline seller after years of dragging their feet. Gregg Popovich and company made difficult decisions, but ended up scoring some of the best returns of any team at the trade deadline by taking advantage of a seller's market. Boston sent them a 2022 1-4 protected first-round pick and a 2028 No. 1 protected pick swap for White. The Spurs also flipped Thad Young for a lottery-protected Raptors first-round pick that should convey barring a Toronto collapse just to eat Goran Dragic's expiring contract. 

Even if it may signal what Popovich's future plan could be after this season, the two trades could be a parting gift for the Spurs to quickly return to relevancy behind now-all star Dejounte Murray, who posted 32 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals in a win over the Hawks Friday. San Antonio is currently seventh in the lottery. They also held onto Jakob Poetl after fielding calls on him.

Toronto (31-23): They had a stellar start to the season and even sit above the play-in tournament line in the east. They scanned the league to fill their empty center slot, pondering Jonas Valanciunas and Jakob Poetl returns, and instead flipped a first-round pick (lottery protected) for Thad Young, who has barely played all season. While Nick Nurse's marriage to a frenetic, scrambling, blitzing defense that plays a bunch of long wings instead of a lumbering big man in the middle is admirable, that's one of the worst trades of the deadline. The Raptors have proven me wrong already though, and Young could fit right in as a five. 

Utah (35-21): The Danny Ainge era began with dreams of Jerami Grant and Harrison Barnes that turned into Nickeil Alexander-Walker. This team needed much more for Joe Ingles' expiring contract and didn't get it. The west isn't as stacked as it's been in past years, but another exit short of the NBA Finals could send this Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert core to a point of reckoning. Utah ranks 12th in offense and 17th in defense in the new year and sit at 9-12. 

Washington (25-29): Wow. A promising offseason of flipping Russell Westbrook for key Lakers depth and landing Spencer Dinwiddie turned into a down Bradley Beal year finished via his season-ending wrist surgery. The team dumped Dinwiddie with Davis Bertans' horrible contract for a worse one in Kristaps Porzingis and they sent out Montrezl Harrell after going 7-12 in the new year. This attempt at a Beal era might be over.