NBA Trade Grades: Analyzing the Most Impactful Deals of 2024
The NBA offseason and trade deadlines are always filled with excitement, as teams make bold moves to either bolster their rosters for a championship run or rebuild for the future. The 2024 NBA season has already seen several major trades, each with its own set of implications for the teams involved. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most impactful trades of the season and offer our analysis on how each deal stacks up for the teams.
1. Miami Heat Acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers
One of the biggest trades in recent memory, Damian Lillard’s move to the Miami Heat sent shockwaves across the NBA. The Heat acquired Lillard in exchange for a package that included Tyler Herro, multiple first-round picks, and some role players. Lillard, one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, joins a Heat team already featuring Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, creating a potential superteam in the East.
Trade Grade: A
For Miami, this trade was a no-brainer. Lillard’s offensive firepower makes them an immediate contender, particularly with his ability to stretch the floor and create his own shot. The Heat now have one of the most dangerous duos in the league in Lillard and Butler, with Adebayo anchoring the defense. While giving up Herro and valuable future picks is significant, the Heat were in win-now mode, and Lillard makes them much more dangerous.
For Portland, the trade signals a commitment to a rebuild. Herro’s scoring ability will keep the Blazers competitive in the short term, and the draft picks provide them with an opportunity to shape the future. While it’s hard to imagine Portland will reach the same level of competitiveness without Lillard, this trade was a necessary step given his desire to leave. Overall, it’s a solid move for the Blazers, though they might struggle in the immediate future.
Portland Grade: B-
2. Phoenix Suns Land Bradley Beal in a Blockbuster Deal
The Phoenix Suns made a significant move by trading for Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards. The Suns gave up Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and multiple draft picks to bring Beal to the desert. This trade gives Phoenix one of the most potent offensive trios in the NBA, with Beal joining Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Beal is known for his scoring and playmaking ability, making him a perfect fit alongside Durant and Booker in the Suns’ high-powered offense.
Trade Grade: B+
For Phoenix, this trade is a gamble. While Beal adds another elite scorer to their roster, the team now has a trio of players who rely heavily on the ball. It remains to be seen how well Durant, Booker, and Beal can coexist, especially with all of them being primary scoring options. Injuries have also been a concern for Beal, so the Suns will need him to stay healthy to make this trade worthwhile. However, if they can figure out the chemistry, Phoenix will be a major threat in the West.
For the Wizards, this trade was about rebuilding and starting fresh. Getting rid of Beal’s massive contract clears space for the franchise to retool, and the draft picks they received will help them in the long run. Chris Paul may not have a future in Washington, but he provides leadership and could be moved again in another trade. The Wizards won’t be contending anytime soon, but they are positioned to start a new chapter with this deal.
Washington Grade: B
3. Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Rui Hachimura from Washington Wizards
In a trade that may not have garnered as much attention as the big moves, the Los Angeles Lakers added Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and multiple second-round picks. Hachimura, a 6-foot-8 forward with scoring and defensive versatility, gives the Lakers a solid two-way player to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Trade Grade: B
For the Lakers, the acquisition of Hachimura is a low-risk, high-reward move. While he hasn’t fully realized his potential yet, he provides the Lakers with a young player who can fill in a number of roles, especially with the team’s aging core. His ability to stretch the floor and defend will be crucial as the Lakers continue their quest for another championship. This trade was a wise move to bolster their bench depth.
For the Wizards, the trade was about moving on from a player who had shown flashes of promise but hadn’t consistently put it all together. The second-round picks don’t provide immediate impact, but they can help Washington build for the future. This was a solid move for the Wizards, though they certainly could’ve gotten more value if Hachimura’s stock had been higher.
Washington Grade: C+
4. Milwaukee Bucks Add Jrue Holiday in a Trade with New Orleans Pelicans
One of the most significant trades of the season saw the Milwaukee Bucks land Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for a package including Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and future draft picks. Holiday, a versatile guard known for his defense and playmaking, instantly elevates the Bucks’ title chances by pairing with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
Trade Grade: A
For Milwaukee, adding Holiday is a perfect fit alongside Giannis. The Bucks needed a player who could guard opposing backcourt players and create offense when necessary. Holiday’s elite defense and ability to make plays will complement Giannis’ unique skill set, and his leadership will be valuable in the locker room. This trade solidifies Milwaukee’s status as one of the top teams in the East.
For New Orleans, trading away Holiday was a tough decision, but the Pelicans are in the midst of a rebuild. The draft picks and players they received offer flexibility for the future, and they can use the resources to add young talent around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. While it’s hard to let go of a player like Holiday, New Orleans is positioning itself to build a strong future.
New Orleans Grade: B
5. Dallas Mavericks Trade for Christian Wood to Bolster Frontcourt
The Dallas Mavericks traded for Christian Wood from the Houston Rockets, sending a package including a 2022 second-round pick and several role players. Wood, an athletic big man with scoring ability, gives the Mavericks a versatile weapon to pair with Luka Dončić in the frontcourt.
Trade Grade: B
For Dallas, Wood provides a necessary boost to their frontcourt. His ability to stretch the floor and score inside will help the Mavericks balance out their roster. However, the key question is whether Wood can mesh with Luka Dončić, whose ball-dominant style may limit his fit. The trade doesn’t make Dallas an immediate contender, but it certainly strengthens their playoff chances.
For the Rockets, this trade is about continuing their rebuild and developing young talent. They didn’t give up much to move Wood, and the Mavericks’ second-round pick could provide future value. The Rockets’ decision to part ways with Wood shows they’re committed to giving younger players more time to develop.
Houston Grade: B-
Conclusion
The 2024 NBA trade season has already been filled with significant moves that have the potential to shape the future of the league. From superstars like Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal changing teams to role players like Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood finding new homes, these trades will have lasting effects on the landscape of the NBA. Whether these moves push teams toward a championship or signal the start of a rebuild, one thing is certain: the NBA will look a lot different in the coming months thanks to these high-profile trades.
