NBA Trade Analysis: 2022 Edition!

Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Rajon Rondo; New York Knicks receive Denzel Valentine, future draft picks, and cash; Los Angeles Lakers receive the draft rights to Louis Labeyrie.	The Cleveland Cavaliers won this trade by securing a veteran floor general to stabilize their backcourt after injuries to key players. Rondo provided immediate leadership and playmaking for a young, ascending roster looking to make a playoff push. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers primarily moved pieces for financial flexibility or minor future assets that did not yield immediate on-court production. While Valentine was quickly moved, Cleveland gained the specific veteran presence they required. Ultimately, the Cavaliers' ability to fill a critical roster void for a low cost makes them the victors.
New York Knicks acquire Cam Reddish, Solomon Hill, future draft picks, and cash; Atlanta Hawks receive Kevin Knox and future draft picks.	The New York Knicks won this trade by taking a flyer on a former lottery pick with significant upside in Cam Reddish. At the time, Reddish offered defensive versatility and scoring potential that New York hoped would bolster their wing rotation. Atlanta moved on from a player they didn't intend to pay, but the return of Kevin Knox didn't provide a lasting impact on their rotation. The Knicks also gained extra draft capital and cash to facilitate the move. Although Reddish’s tenure in New York was eventually uneven, the talent-to-cost ratio favored the Knicks at the time of the deal.
Denver Nuggets acquire Bryn Forbes; Boston Celtics acquire Bol Bol and PJ Dozier; San Antonio Spurs receive Juancho Hernangomez and future draft picks.	The Denver Nuggets won this three-team swap by acquiring Bryn Forbes, an elite perimeter shooter who filled an immediate need for floor spacing. Forbes provided a reliable bench scoring option for a Nuggets team that was missing key offensive stars due to injury. The Celtics and Spurs were largely involved in clearing roster spots or managing salary, as Bol and Dozier were both sidelined with injuries at the time. San Antonio gained a draft pick, but the immediate impact of Forbes' shooting on Denver’s competitive standing was the most significant outcome. Denver successfully addressed a specific weakness while the other teams prioritized long-term accounting.
Los Angeles Clippers acquire Norman Powell and Robert Covington; Portland Trail Blazers receive Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and future draft picks.	The Los Angeles Clippers won this trade convincingly by acquiring two high-level starters for a package consisting mostly of bench players and salary fillers. Norman Powell is an elite three-level scorer, and Robert Covington remains one of the more versatile "3-and-D" forwards in the league. Portland’s return was widely criticized as they received very little proven talent or high-value draft capital for two productive veterans. The Clippers significantly bolstered their core to compete for a championship once their stars returned to health. This deal is often cited as a masterstroke in asset management for the Clippers' front office.
Cleveland Cavaliers acquire Caris LeVert and future draft picks; Indiana Pacers receive Ricky Rubio and future draft picks.	The Indiana Pacers won this trade in the long term by pivoting toward a rebuild and gaining valuable draft capital. While LeVert is a talented individual scorer for Cleveland, the Cavaliers gave up a first-round pick for a player whose fit with their existing core was occasionally clunky. Indiana was able to take on Ricky Rubio’s expiring contract and secure a lottery-protected first-rounder that aided their roster overhaul. Rubio even eventually returned to Cleveland in free agency, essentially making the trade a draft pick gift for the Pacers. Indiana’s focus on the future allowed them to maximize the value of an expiring veteran asset.
Indiana Pacers acquire Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson; Sacramento Kings receive Domantas Sabonis, Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, and future draft picks.	This trade is a rare "win-win" for both franchises, but the Indiana Pacers secured a franchise cornerstone in Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton has blossomed into an All-NBA caliber point guard and the engine of one of the league's most potent offenses. The Sacramento Kings also "won" by acquiring Sabonis, who broke their historic playoff drought and provided an elite offensive hub. However, finding a young, elite playmaker like Haliburton is arguably the hardest task in the NBA. Indiana’s long-term trajectory was permanently elevated by this bold swap, giving them the slight edge in total value.
New Orleans Pelicans acquire CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Tony Snell; Portland Trail Blazers receive Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Josh Hart, Didi Louzada, Tomas Satoransky, and future draft picks.	The New Orleans Pelicans won this trade by adding a veteran star in CJ McCollum who immediately transformed their team culture and offense. McCollum’s leadership and perimeter shooting were essential in helping the Pelicans navigate the play-in tournament and return to the playoffs. Portland moved on from their longtime star to reset their roster, but the players received did not stay in Portland for long. Josh Hart was the best piece of the return, but he was later traded as well. New Orleans solidified their identity as a playoff contender by acquiring a proven, high-level offensive weapon.
Utah Jazz acquire Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Juancho Hernangomez; Portland Trail Blazers receive Elijah Hughes, Joe Ingles, and future draft picks; San Antonio Spurs receive Tomas Satoransky and future draft picks.	The Utah Jazz won this three-team deal by taking a low-risk gamble on the untapped potential of Nickeil Alexander-Walker. At the time, Utah needed more athletic perimeter depth, and NAW provided a young prospect with scoring ability. Portland used the trade to move off veterans and clear their books, while the Spurs gained minor draft capital. While NAW was later used in a larger trade, his value as a young asset was higher than the aging veterans Portland received. Utah’s ability to turn bench pieces into a young prospect makes them the winners here.
Oklahoma City Thunder acquire KZ Okpala and future draft picks; Miami Heat receive future draft picks.	The Oklahoma City Thunder won this trade by continuing their strategy of using their cap space to "buy" future draft assets. By taking on KZ Okpala, they secured an extra draft pick from Miami while giving up very little in return. Miami facilitated the deal primarily to clean up their future draft obligations and gain flexibility for other roster moves. For OKC, this was a standard clerical victory that added to their historic stash of draft capital. The Thunder’s commitment to long-term asset accumulation makes these small deals a consistent win for their front office.
Philadelphia 76ers acquire James Harden and Paul Millsap; Brooklyn Nets receive Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and future draft picks.	The Philadelphia 76ers won this blockbuster trade because they successfully acquired a superstar to pair with Joel Embiid while offloading a player (Simmons) who was no longer playing for them. James Harden provided elite playmaking and scoring gravity that instantly made Philadelphia a title contender. Brooklyn’s return was headlined by Ben Simmons, whose injury struggles and lack of confidence prevented him from making a significant impact. While Seth Curry and Andre Drummond were solid contributors, they did not compensate for the loss of a superstar. Philadelphia took a massive swing and came away with the most talented player in the deal.
Houston Rockets acquire Dennis Schroder, Enes Freedom, and Bruno Fernando; Boston Celtics receive Daniel Theis.	The Boston Celtics won this trade by re-acquiring Daniel Theis, a reliable big man who understood their defensive system and culture. Theis provided valuable insurance and familiarity for a Celtics team that eventually went on a run to the NBA Finals. Houston received several players on expiring contracts, most of whom were not part of their long-term rebuilding plans. Schroder provided some veteran play during the season, but he did not significantly impact the Rockets' trajectory. Boston’s move to bolster their frontcourt depth for a deep playoff run makes them the clear victor.
Phoenix Suns acquire Torrey Craig; Indiana Pacers receive Jalen Smith and future draft picks.	The Indiana Pacers won this trade by acquiring a high-upside young big man in Jalen Smith who needed a fresh start. Smith flourished in Indiana, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim, which earned him a long-term contract. Phoenix brought back Torrey Craig for his defensive versatility during their quest for a title, but his impact was more limited during that specific postseason. The Suns gave up on a former lottery pick (Smith) quite early, which Indiana exploited to bolster their young core. Indiana’s acquisition of a rotation player for a veteran bench piece is a textbook rebuilding win.
Sacramento Kings acquire Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Jackson, and Trey Lyles; Detroit Pistons receive Marvin Bagley III; Los Angeles Clippers receive Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye; Milwaukee Bucks receive Serge Ibaka and future draft picks.	The Sacramento Kings won this complex four-team trade by landing Donte DiVincenzo and Trey Lyles. Lyles, in particular, became a vital floor-spacing big man and a culture fit for their breakthrough playoff season. Detroit took a flyer on Marvin Bagley III, who showed flashes but remained inconsistent and injury-prone. Milwaukee hoped Serge Ibaka would provide veteran rim protection, but he was unable to contribute significantly due to age and health. Sacramento’s ability to turn an unhappy player into a core piece like Lyles makes them the primary winners.
Washington Wizards acquire Ish Smith, Vernon Carey Jr., and future draft picks; Charlotte Hornets receive Montrezl Harrell.	The Charlotte Hornets won this trade in the short term by adding the energy and interior scoring of Montrezl Harrell for their play-in push. Harrell provided an immediate offensive spark off the bench that Charlotte’s frontcourt had been lacking. Washington received Ish Smith, a reliable veteran who had previously played for them, and some minor assets. While the trade didn't lead to deep playoff success for either side, Harrell’s production was the most significant on-court contribution resulting from the deal. Charlotte addressed a pressing need for a more dynamic big man and saw immediate results.
Phoenix Suns acquire Aaron Holiday; Washington Wizards receive cash.	The Phoenix Suns won this trade by acquiring a legitimate rotation-level point guard for essentially no basketball assets. Aaron Holiday provided depth and defensive intensity to a Suns backcourt that was gearing up for a championship run. Washington’s decision to trade a productive young guard for just cash was a financial move rather than a basketball one. For a contender like Phoenix, adding a capable player like Holiday for "free" is an absolute win. He gave them insurance against injuries and a different look off the bench at a negligible cost.
Toronto Raptors acquire Thaddeus Young and Drew Eubanks; San Antonio Spurs receive Goran Dragic and future draft picks.	The San Antonio Spurs won this trade by securing a first-round draft pick for an aging Goran Dragic who had no intention of playing for them. Toronto wanted the veteran leadership and defensive versatility of Thaddeus Young for their playoff push, but they surrendered a valuable draft asset to get him. While Young was a solid contributor for the Raptors, the cost of a first-round pick was steep for a bench veteran. San Antonio successfully weaponized their cap space to gain a long-term asset for a player they didn't need. This move perfectly aligned with the Spurs' goal of accumulating young talent and picks.
Orlando Magic receive Bol Bol, PJ Dozier, and future draft picks; Boston Celtics receive future draft picks and cash.	The Orlando Magic won this trade by taking a chance on Bol Bol, who eventually became a revelation and a viral success for their young squad. Bol showcased unique skills for his height and provided legitimate minutes in Orlando's rotation after recovering from injury. Boston moved these players primarily to reduce their luxury tax bill and gain roster flexibility. While the Celtics achieved their financial objectives, they gave up a high-upside talent and draft capital in the process. Orlando’s ability to rehabilitate Bol Bol into a productive player made this a massive scouting win.
Cleveland Cavaliers acquire future draft picks; Sacramento Kings receive the draft rights to Sasha Vezenkov and cash.	The Sacramento Kings won this trade by acquiring the rights to Sasha Vezenkov, who eventually joined the team as the reigning EuroLeague MVP. Vezenkov provided the Kings with an elite shooter and a sophisticated offensive player to help their spacing. Cleveland received minor draft capital, which is standard for trading away overseas rights, but they missed out on a high-level contributor. The Kings’ patience in waiting for Vezenkov to come to the NBA paid off as they added a veteran winner to their young core. This move helped Sacramento solidify their depth during their rise in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Lakers acquire future draft picks; Orlando Magic receive future draft picks and cash.	This was a minor administrative trade that favored the Orlando Magic for gaining cash and draft flexibility. The Lakers moved into the second round to select a player they liked, which is a standard move for a team lacking assets. However, Orlando successfully leveraged a late pick for immediate cash and a different future asset. These types of deals are often evaluated as a "wash," but the team receiving cash and more assets usually gets the slight edge in terms of pure value. Orlando’s front office continues to be savvy in accumulating small advantages.
Denver Nuggets acquire the draft rights to Peyton Watson and future draft picks; Oklahoma City Thunder receive JaMychal Green and future draft picks.	The Denver Nuggets won this trade by identifying Peyton Watson as a defensive cornerstone for their future. Watson has developed into an elite young defender and an athletic wing who fits perfectly with their championship-caliber core. Oklahoma City took on JaMychal Green to facilitate the trade and gain draft assets, but Green did not stay in their long-term plans. Denver’s scouting department hit a home run by finding a specific archetype of player that is hard to find in the late first round. Watson’s immediate impact on Denver’s defense makes this a significant victory for the Nuggets.
New York Knicks acquire the draft rights to Jalen Duren; Charlotte Hornets receive future draft picks.	The New York Knicks won this trade by using Duren as a trade chip in a larger series of moves to clear cap space for Jalen Brunson. While Jalen Duren himself became a promising young star for Detroit (where he was immediately sent), the Knicks achieved their ultimate goal of signing a franchise-altering point guard. Charlotte received future picks but missed out on drafting a high-level young center like Duren. The Knicks' ability to execute a multi-step plan to land Brunson makes every component of that sequence a success. Without this trade, the Knicks' recent resurgence might not have been possible.
Oklahoma City Thunder acquire the draft rights to Ousmane Dieng; New York Knicks receive future draft picks.	The New York Knicks won this trade by turning one mid-first-round pick into three future first-round picks. While Ousmane Dieng remains a high-upside prospect for the Thunder, the Knicks prioritized asset accumulation to build a war chest for a future superstar trade. OKC gave up significant capital to move up for a raw talent who has yet to consistently break into their deep rotation. The Knicks' move allowed them to maintain flexibility and deferred their draft value into multiple future chances. In the game of asset management, three first-rounders for one is almost always a winning move.
Philadelphia 76ers acquire De'Anthony Melton; Memphis Grizzlies receive Danny Green and the draft rights to David Roddy.	The Philadelphia 76ers won this trade by acquiring De'Anthony Melton, a perfect complementary "3-and-D" guard for their star-heavy lineup. Melton provided elite point-of-attack defense and reliable perimeter shooting, becoming a fixture in their rotation. Memphis received an injured veteran in Danny Green and a rookie in David Roddy. While Roddy has potential, he has not yet matched the consistent production Melton provided in Philadelphia. The 76ers filled a major hole in their roster with a proven, young veteran, making them the clear winners.
Houston Rockets acquire Sterling Brown, Trey Burke, Marquese Chriss, Boban Marjanovic, and the draft rights to Wendell Moore Jr.; Dallas Mavericks receive Christian Wood.	The Dallas Mavericks won this trade by acquiring a high-level offensive big man in Christian Wood to pair with Luka Doncic. Wood provided immediate spacing and scoring gravity, averaging close to 17 points per game in his first season with Dallas. Houston received a package of bench players and a late first-round pick as they looked to clear room for their young core. While Wood’s fit wasn't permanent, the talent upgrade he provided for the cost was significant for a team trying to compete. Dallas landed the best player in the deal by a wide margin.
Minnesota Timberwolves acquire the draft rights to Walker Kessler and TyTy Washington Jr.; Memphis Grizzlies receive the draft rights to Jake LaRavia and future draft picks.	The Minnesota Timberwolves won this trade by selecting Walker Kessler, who proved to be an elite rim protector and an All-Rookie talent. Although Kessler was later moved in the Rudy Gobert trade, his value skyrocketed during his rookie year, making him a premier asset. Memphis targeted Jake LaRavia for his shooting and versatility, but he has struggled to find consistent minutes in their deep rotation. The Timberwolves' ability to identify a starting-caliber center in the late first round was a massive scouting victory. Kessler’s immediate production far outweighed the return Memphis received.
Minnesota Timberwolves acquire the draft rights to Wendell Moore Jr.; Houston Rockets receive the draft rights to TyTy Washington Jr. and future draft picks.	The Houston Rockets won this trade by gaining extra draft capital while still landing a high-upside guard in TyTy Washington Jr. Washington was a highly-touted prospect who fell in the draft, and Houston was happy to take a chance on his playmaking. Minnesota secured Wendell Moore Jr., a versatile wing from Duke, but he has had a slower start to his NBA career. By moving back and gaining an extra pick, Houston maximized the value of their draft slot. This was a smart move for a rebuilding team looking to take as many "shots on goal" as possible.
Minnesota Timberwolves acquire future draft picks and cash; Indiana Pacers receive the draft rights to Kendall Brown.	The Indiana Pacers won this trade by moving back into the draft to select Kendall Brown, a highly athletic wing with defensive potential. Brown was considered a first-round talent by many scouts but fell into the second round, representing great value for Indiana. Minnesota prioritized cash and future assets, which is common for teams with a crowded roster. However, the Pacers gained a legitimate young prospect to develop within their system. For the low cost of future considerations, Indiana added a high-ceiling athlete to their bench.
Milwaukee Bucks acquire the draft rights to Hugo Besson; Indiana Pacers receive cash.	The Milwaukee Bucks won this trade by acquiring the rights to an intriguing international scoring guard in Hugo Besson. Besson has shown flashes of elite shot-making in Europe and remains a stashed asset that the Bucks can bring over when ready. Indiana chose to take immediate cash rather than wait for a second-round pick to develop. For a championship-caliber team like Milwaukee, having "draft-and-stash" players is a great way to manage the salary cap while keeping future talent. The Bucks gained a basketball asset, whereas the Pacers simply received money.
Minnesota Timberwolves acquire the draft rights to Josh Minott and future draft picks; Charlotte Hornets receive the draft rights to Bryce McGowens.	The Minnesota Timberwolves won this trade by drafting Josh Minott, an elite athlete who has shown flashes of being a high-level defensive disruptor. Minott’s physical tools and motor make him a very promising long-term project for Minnesota's development staff. Charlotte received Bryce McGowens, a smooth scoring wing who has also shown promise but is more one-dimensional at this stage. Minnesota also gained an extra future draft pick in the exchange. The combination of a high-upside athlete and extra draft capital gives the Timberwolves the edge.
Sacramento Kings acquire future draft picks; Dallas Mavericks receive the draft rights to Jaden Hardy.	The Dallas Mavericks won this trade by trading back into the second round to select Jaden Hardy, a high-scoring guard who was once a top-five recruit. Hardy’s scoring ability translated quickly to the NBA, and he became a valuable bench spark for Dallas. Sacramento chose to collect future draft assets instead of adding another young player to their rotation. For a team like Dallas that needed cheap, young talent to surround their stars, Hardy was a steal in the second round. His immediate production as a rookie confirmed that the Mavericks were the winners of this move.
Golden State Warriors acquire the draft rights to Ryan Rollins; Atlanta Hawks receive the draft rights to Tyrese Martin and cash.	The Golden State Warriors won this trade by identifying Ryan Rollins as a developmental guard who fit their system. They were aggressive in moving up to secure him, showing a clear belief in his playmaking and scoring potential. Atlanta received Tyrese Martin and cash, but Martin has struggled to find a role in the NBA. While Rollins was later used as a trade piece, the Warriors' ability to target and land their preferred prospect is a win for their front office. Golden State’s commitment to their scouting department's vision gave them the advantage here.
San Antonio Spurs acquire future draft picks and cash; Memphis Grizzlies receive the draft rights to Kennedy Chandler.	The Memphis Grizzlies won this trade by acquiring Kennedy Chandler, a lightning-fast point guard who provided insurance for their backcourt. Chandler was a highly-rated prospect who the Grizzlies were thrilled to land in the second round. San Antonio prioritized cash and future picks as they were in the early stages of a total rebuild. While the picks are helpful, the Grizzlies added a player who fit their high-octane style of play immediately. Memphis successfully leveraged a small amount of cash to bring in a talented young guard.
San Antonio Spurs acquire Danilo Gallinari and future draft picks; Atlanta Hawks receive Dejounte Murray and Jock Landale.	The San Antonio Spurs won this blockbuster trade in the long run by securing a massive haul of three first-round picks and a pick swap. This trade officially signaled the start of the Spurs' rebuild, which eventually led them to the top of the draft. Atlanta acquired an All-Star in Dejounte Murray, but the fit with Trae Young has been inconsistent and hasn't led to deep playoff success. The cost for Atlanta was extremely high for a duo that hasn't quite gelled as expected. San Antonio’s focus on the future paid off with a treasure chest of assets that will define their franchise for years.
Utah Jazz acquire future draft picks; Brooklyn Nets receive Royce O'Neale.	The Utah Jazz won this trade by getting a first-round draft pick for Royce O'Neale, which was a higher return than many expected. O'Neale is a solid "3-and-D" starter, but a first-round pick for a role player is an excellent piece of business for a rebuilding team. Brooklyn needed reliable wing defense to surround their stars, and O'Neale provided that, but the asset cost was steep. Utah used this trade as another way to stockpile assets as they dismantled their previous core. The Jazz maximized the value of a role player at the peak of his market.
Sacramento Kings acquire Kevin Huerter; Atlanta Hawks receive Maurice Harkless, Justin Holiday, and future draft picks.	The Sacramento Kings won this trade decisively as Kevin Huerter became a vital starter for their record-breaking offense. Huerter’s movement shooting and secondary playmaking were essential in the Kings' return to the playoffs. Atlanta moved Huerter primarily to avoid the luxury tax and gain future draft capital. The players they received (Harkless and Holiday) did not make a significant impact on their roster. Sacramento landed a young, productive starter for a mid-tier draft pick, which is a massive win for their team's competitive window.
Phoenix Suns acquire Jock Landale; Atlanta Hawks receive cash.	The Phoenix Suns won this trade by acquiring a productive backup center for nothing but cash. Jock Landale provided high-energy minutes, rebounding, and screen-setting for the Suns' second unit. Atlanta was simply looking to clear roster spots and save money after their other moves. For a contender like Phoenix, finding a rotation-quality big man for cash is a huge win for their depth. Landale’s performance in the playoffs further proved that the Suns got incredible value in this transaction.
Washington Wizards acquire Will Barton and Monte Morris; Denver Nuggets receive Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.	The Denver Nuggets won this trade as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope became the starting shooting guard for their 2023 championship team. KCP’s elite perimeter defense and knockdown three-point shooting were the perfect fit next to Nikola Jokic. Washington received Monte Morris and Will Barton, who provided solid veteran play but did not alter the team's ceiling. Morris was eventually traded for further assets, but the immediate impact KCP had on Denver’s title run is the ultimate measuring stick. This trade is a perfect example of a team finding the exact piece they need to win it all.
Portland Trail Blazers acquire Jerami Grant and the draft rights to Ismael Kamagate; Detroit Pistons receive future draft picks and the draft rights to Gabriele Procida.	The Portland Trail Blazers won this trade by landing an All-Star caliber wing in Jerami Grant for a relatively low draft cost. Grant provided elite two-way play and became one of Portland's most consistent players. Detroit was clearing salary and focusing on their youth movement, but they received very little proven talent in return. Grant’s presence in Portland helped keep the team competitive and gave them a versatile defensive anchor. For a first-round pick that was expected to be in the middle of the draft, Portland landed a high-level starter.
New York Knicks acquire future draft picks; Detroit Pistons receive Kemba Walker and the draft rights to Jalen Duren.	The Detroit Pistons won this trade by securing a foundational young piece in Jalen Duren, who has quickly become one of the league's best young rebounders and centers. Detroit used their cap space to take on Kemba Walker’s contract and facilitate the move to get Duren. The Knicks achieved their goal of clearing cap space to sign Jalen Brunson, which was also a massive victory for them. However, in terms of the assets exchanged in this specific deal, Detroit gained a potential All-Star center for the cost of taking on a veteran contract. This move gave the Pistons a key pillar for their rebuilding efforts.
Portland Trail Blazers acquire future draft picks; Denver Nuggets receive the draft rights to Ismael Kamagate.	The Denver Nuggets won this minor trade by acquiring the rights to Ismael Kamagate, a highly athletic international center with great defensive potential. Kamagate remains an intriguing "stash" prospect who the Nuggets can develop while he plays overseas. Portland received future second-round picks, which are helpful for flexibility but lack the immediate upside of a specific prospect. Denver’s scouting department has a great track record with international players, and Kamagate fits their long-term developmental profile. The Nuggets gained a tangible talent while Portland chose to defer their asset.
Utah Jazz acquire Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Jarred Vanderbilt, Walker Kessler, and future draft picks; Minnesota Timberwolves receive Rudy Gobert.	The Utah Jazz won this trade in one of the most lopsided asset gains in NBA history. By trading Rudy Gobert, they received five first-round picks (including Walker Kessler, who became a star) and several productive veterans. Minnesota made an "all-in" move for defensive identity, but the fit between Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns was initially very difficult. The sheer volume of draft capital Utah received allowed them to jumpstart a complete rebuild with elite assets. This trade is now viewed as the gold standard for getting maximum value for a star player.
Indiana Pacers acquire Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis, Nik Stauskas, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, and future draft picks; Boston Celtics receive Malcolm Brogdon.	The Boston Celtics won this trade as Malcolm Brogdon became the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year and a crucial part of their deep playoff rotation. Brogdon provided veteran poise, elite shooting, and playmaking off the bench for a title contender. Indiana received Aaron Nesmith and a first-round pick, which was a good return for a player they were ready to move on from. Nesmith developed into a high-level starter in Indiana, making the deal look better for the Pacers over time. However, the immediate impact of Brogdon on a championship-caliber team gives Boston the win.
Utah Jazz acquire Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, and future draft picks; Cleveland Cavaliers receive Donovan Mitchell.	Both teams won this trade, but the Utah Jazz gained incredible value by landing an All-Star in Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen had a breakout season in Utah, winning Most Improved Player and becoming the face of their new era. The Cleveland Cavaliers also won by acquiring Donovan Mitchell, who elevated them to a 50-win team and provided elite playoff scoring. Utah also received a haul of three first-round picks and two pick swaps to fuel their future. Because Utah got both a star player and a treasure chest of picks, they are the winners of this massive exchange.