Winners
Los Angeles Lakers: LA was handed one of the best players in the world on a silver platter. Luka Doncic is a Laker, enough to delight all the fans, and also make for a splendid marketing operation (Luka Magic's jersey is already out of stock). And as if that wasn't enough, the Lakers have picked up Mark Williams, a pivot on the rise, to become the Slovenian's pick'n'roll partner. There are still some legitimate defensive questions after the departure of Anthony Davis, but Los Angeles didn't have to let go of Austin Reaves or sacrifice too much of their squad depth. A job well done.
Read more about the Luka Doncic trade here
Golden State Warriors: Steph Curry is the best player in franchise history, and he's made it clear: he wants to play for the win for the rest of his career. It was time to act, and the Warriors made the effort to go and get Jimmy Butler, and immediately extended him for two seasons. All of which promises a fight and the chance to give its star the ending he deserves. With the season looking set to be a disappointment, the boost could prove salutary. Although financially, it's a different story (although the owner has never minded paying luxury tax).
Miami Heat: speaking of Butler... he has been the talk of Miami recently. Flashy statements sandwiched between two suspensions, Buckets blew hot and cold, supposedly indicating that he could stay, but it seemed inevitable. And getting rid of his biggest earner and toxic element is bound to be a success, with some interesting assets to boot.
San Antonio Spurs: It is only year 2 for Victor Wembanyama, but the franchise has already found him a first-rate lieutenant in De'Aaron Fox. A trade that cost the Texans very little, and none of their real hopes. Quite a step up, and one that could already be seen at the end of the season.
Toronto Raptors: Last season, the franchise turned the page on the last vestiges of the 2019 title. It has now picked up a host of quality players, the latest being Brandon Ingram at a very low cost. Now in possession of an enticing starting five on paper, the Canadian team will be one to watch closely next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers: We were not necessarily expecting any movement from the best current team in the East. However, the Cavs went and got De'Andre Hunter from Atlanta without giving anything extraordinary in return. What's more, they're saving on salary and going under the luxury tax threshold. Impeccable. And unusual for a team in such a situation.
Losers
Dallas Mavericks: It is fair to say that getting Anthony Davis back is a nice quid pro quo. The defence has improved. The starting five looks complementary. We can say that the finances are safe for the future. But that doesn't erase the main news of this trade deadline: Dallas has quietly got rid of one of the 5 best players on the planet, Luka Doncic. It is a losing move, whatever happens.
Phoenix Suns: on the plus side, Jusuf Nurkic is gone. Negative: it cost a first pick, the squad is still inadequate to play anything, the rumours have weakened the dressing room, the financial situation remains impossible. The season has undoubtedly been ruined for the Suns, but this is becoming an unpleasant habit. When you think back to the statements made by the owner at the start of the season...
Philadelphia 76ers: This summer, the franchise brought in Paul George to back up Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. A trio costing over 135 million this season... and in danger of not making the playoffs. But no decisions have been made, minor moves have been made, a first pick has gone to Washington without anyone knowing why... Wrong from A to Z, just like their season.
Charlotte Hornets: No more Nick Richards, no more Mark Williams. Two promising pivots, both gone. The squad no longer looks like anything, and we don't know where it's going. And franchise player LaMelo Ball is injured again, as is his lieutenant Brandon Miller. No bright prospects for the fans, and it's been a long time coming...
Chicago Bulls: It is a legendary franchise, one of the biggest markets in the NBA. And yet, for several seasons now, it has been the archetypal team in the league's soft underbelly. So, yes, the Bulls got rid of Zach LaVine's burdensome contract (which they themselves were behind), but they got a host of second-rate players... and their own first draft pick. Another playoff exit in the offing...