
It’s time to take a look at some of the major moves teams have made leading up to the NBA trade deadline. From Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns, D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Mo Bamba to the Lakers and James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons – the trade market has been hectic and full of rumors in the lead up to the deadline.
But which teams have made the best bargains? What kind of trades can we expect to see? We’ll tell you who is benefiting from the buzz and analyze each and every deal.
What is the NBA Trade Deadline?
The NBA Trade Deadline is the point at which NBA teams must make all of their roster changes for the rest of the season. This is a critical moment in the as teams make moves to enhance their rosters and give themselves a better chance to win the, or make a run through the.
During the trade deadline, teams can make moves through trades, or signings. These moves are typically made by the, but other staff can also be involved in negotiations. The window for making moves at the trade deadline is limited, so teams must make their decisions quickly and wisely to take advantage of the trade deadline.
When is the NBA Trade Deadline?
The NBA Trade Deadline for 2023 is Thursday, February 9th, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. ET, giving teams a short period of time to make any necessary roster changes. Teams can start making deals ahead of the deadline, but they must be finalized before 3:00 p.m. on the 9th in order to be eligible for the season.

It’s important to note that while teams can make deals ahead of the deadline, they don’t become official until the clock strikes zero, so teams must be prepared to make their moves right up until the end.
What Happens at the NBA Trade Deadline?
At the NBA Trade Deadline, teams get busy making deals and moves to give their squad a boost for the rest of the season.,, and are all common moves that teams make at the trade deadline. For instance, the Kings got themselves a SG and a PF – Jason Terry and Reggie Evans – in their trade with the Nets, while the Nets got themselves Marcus Thornton in the deal.
The 76ers got themselves Mullens and a future second-round pick for taking on Byron Mullens, and the Clippers moved on from Mullens to make room for another frontcourt signing and to get under the luxury tax. Teams can also bring in to give themselves a better chance at the playoffs, like the Cavs did when they brought in Spencer Hawes.
Who Benefits from the NBA Trade Deadline?
Teams can capitalize on the trade deadline by beefing up their rosters, getting a better handle on their finances, or taking a gamble on an undervalued player. Have seen success from the trade deadline in the past, like the Bucks getting Jae Crowder, the Blazers getting younger, and the Suns’ governor saying they were more focused on improving the team than saving money.

To make the most of the trade deadline, teams must recognize their needs, weigh the long-term effects of any trades, and be open to taking some calculated risks. If you make trades at the deadline, such as disrupting team chemistry or sacrificing long-term success for short-term gains.
Notable Trades in 2023
When teams make big-time trades, it can have a huge impact on the league – from changing up team dynamics to influencing player performance and even deciding who takes home the championship. Just before the buzzer at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, the Nets sent Kevin Durant to the Suns in exchange for Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, and a whopping five unprotected first-round picks.
The Lakers got themselves D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt, and Mo Bamba was sent to the Lakers in exchange for Patrick Beverley and a second-round pick. Detroit swapped James Wiseman for Saddiq Bey, with Golden State getting Gary Payton II and five second-round picks in the mix.
These trades had a significant impact on the league, and it’ll be interesting to see how these teams fare in the future.
Kevin Durant to Phoenix
The Nets swapped Kevin Durant for Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Cameron Johnson, and a whopping five first-round picks that are totally unprotected. This trade was huge for both teams – the Suns got a bona fide superstar in Kevin Durant, so they could be looking at a championship run. The Nets get a bunch of young talent and draft picks that could set them up for long-term success. It’s gonna be interesting to see how the teams use their new players and picks.

The move was a long time in the making – the Nets had been linked to Durant since the 2020-21 season, and the Suns had been linked to a few different players, including Durant. While the Nets gave up a lot, they’re looking at a bright future with the five first-round picks they got in return. The Suns, on the other hand, get themselves a top-tier player in Durant who can help them make a serious run for the championship.
D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers
The Lakers pulled off a trade to get D’Angelo Russell and brought in Malik Beasley. The deal is beneficial for both teams – the Lakers get two former lottery picks who can help them make a run for a title, and the Timberwolves get a few draft picks that could set them up for a brighter future. It’s clear the Lakers are all-in on the championship this year, and these two moves could be the difference between a championship and a loss in the NBA Finals.

The Lakers had been linked to D’Angelo Russell since the beginning of the season, and they finally pulled the trigger at the trade deadline. With the addition of Russell, the Lakers get themselves a former All-Star point guard who can help them make a serious run for the championship. And with Malik Beasley, the Lakers get an up-and-coming shooting guard who can help the team in the future. Both players have the potential to make a huge impact on the Lakers, and it’ll be interesting to see how they perform.
Mo Bamba to the Lakers
The Lakers snagged Mo Bamba from the Magic in exchange for Patrick Beverley and a second-round pick. With the addition of Bamba, the Lakers get a seven-footer who can help them on the court in a variety of ways. The Lakers have a few options when it comes to Bamba – they can use him as the only big on the court, or they can pair him up with either Anthony Davis or Jarred Vanderbilt. Either way, Bamba can help the Lakers take home the title they’ve been chasing for so long.

Mo Bamba’s addition to the Lakers has the potential to make a big difference for the team. He brings length and athleticism to the team, and his defensive ability could be a game changer. Bamba’s ability to shoot from outside could also help the Lakers open up the offense, giving them more room to operate. The Lakers are counting on Mo Bamba to give them a boost at the center spot and help them take home the title.
James Wiseman to Detroit
Detroit shipped James Wiseman off to Atlanta in exchange for Saddiq Bey, with Golden State getting Gary Payton II and five second-round picks. The motor city got a former lottery pick in Saddiq Bey, and a few extra picks in the mix. This was a great move by the Pistons, as they get an unrestricted free agent in Bey and a few extra picks to bolster their roster.

The Warriors also got a haul out of the James Wiseman trade. They get Gary Payton II, an excellent point guard who can help them in the backcourt, and five second-round picks. While the picks may not have much value, they could be used to bring in some additional talent or to make a trade for a big-name player. Either way, the Warriors made out well in the Wiseman trade, and it should help them in the future.
Summary
The 2023 NBA Trade Deadline happened on February 9th, 2023. It was filled with surprises and moves that shook up the league and sent shockwaves around the basketball world. The Brooklyn Nets traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. In return, they received Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick and two second-round picks in 2027 and 2029.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets sent center Mason Plumlee off to the Los Angeles Clippers. These trades had a major impact on the teams involved and the league as a whole, with teams looking to bolster their rosters for the season’s end and shore up weaknesses in their lineups. The trades also provided teams with more cap space and gave them the opportunity to sign free agents in the future. Additionally, teams used the trade deadline as a way to move on from players who were a flight risk or had outlived their usefulness.
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The article then evaluated each of the trades, grading them based on the value they were able to bring to their respective teams. The Brooklyn Nets were able to land a star player in Irving and bolster their perimeter defense, while the Los Angeles Lakers added a rim protector in Plumlee and D’Angelo Russell to help with their backcourt woes. The Milwaukee Bucks were able to acquire an experienced veteran in Jrue Holiday to help them make a run at the title, while the Phoenix Suns were able to add a superstar in Kevin Durant, which could help them reach new heights.
With the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline now in the past, teams will have to wait until the season’s end before they can see the full effects of the trades they made.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the NBA trade deadline?
The 2022 NBA trade deadline was set for Thursday, February 10th, at 3:00 p.m. ET. This was the last chance teams had to make any trades or changes before the season ended.
Can NBA teams still trade after the deadline?
Yes, NBA teams can still trade after the deadline, though with certain restrictions in place. For example, teams who sign a player to an extension-and-trade are prohibited from trading them for six months following the date of the extension.
Teams who don’t make the playoffs can resume trading players at the end of their regular season, while playoff teams have to wait until they are eliminated from the postseason.
How soon can you trade an NBA player?
For non-playoff teams, they can start trading as soon as after the regular season. For playoff teams, they can start trading once they are eliminated in the postseason. Free agents with Bird or Early Bird rights can’t be traded until January 15th, but other players can be immediately traded for an individual player or packaged with another player to wait 60 days.
How does the trade deadline work in the NBA?
The NBA trade deadline is typically set at the first week of February and marks the culmination of trade activity around the league. It’s a key opportunity for teams to shake up their rosters before the stretch run.
The date generally falls around the All-Star break, allowing teams to assess performance and make last minute deals to improve themselves ahead of the playoffs.