One main benefit of the NBA trade deadline is it can bring any player who desires a change of scenery. Whether that be the disgruntled star or the young stud in search of playing time, the pressure to make a trade for many NBA teams leads to many players getting their wishes fulfilled. This year’s deadline was full of trades that have changed the league for this year, and potentially for years to come. However, there may have been smaller trades whose impacts on their new teams have gone unnoticed. These players, no matter how large or small their role was before, have altered the league. So here is a check-up on how they’re doing.
Checking on Teams After the NBA Trade Deadline
James Harden
James Harden being traded for the 3rd time in his career has sent ripples in the league. However, for now, the team most highly impacted is the 76ers. With Harden on the roster, the 76ers have flourished, taking down the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic in convincing fashion. In his first 8 games with the 76ers, Harden has been +7.1 when on the floor, helping the 76ers to a 5-3 record since trading for him.
For Harden, these eight games have been simply a chance for him to showcase his partnership with Joel Embiid. When they share the floor, the 76ers have a net rating of 16.46 and an offensive rating of 127. The duo has already gotten off to a great start, and with this continued output, they could lead the 76ers to a deep playoff run.
Montrezl Harrell
The newly minted Charlotte Hornet has been nothing but exceptional for the Charlotte Hornets. In the 13 games he has played since the deadline, Montrezl Harrell has played his role to perfection, with his rebounding skills and his efficient paint scoring. He is averaging 12.7 points per game, and to top it off, he is shooting 61.5% from the field. His impact is also felt on the glass, where he brings down 6.3 rebounds a game.
Being a part of the bench unit, Harrell has yet to have significant playing time with a single lineup. However regardless, Harrell makes a huge impact when on the floor. One specific pairing that has seen a lot of success is the duo of Harrell and teammate Mason Plumlee. When the duo is on the floor, they post a 124.29 offensive rating, as well as a 102.7 defensive rating. The duo has only shared the floor for thirty-two minutes, but an increase in time together could result in more success for the Hornets.
Cam Reddish
Despite being traded to the New York Knicks in early January, Cam Reddish has yet to be properly integrated into the Knicks rotation. The move for Reddish went public on January 13th, but he played his first minutes as a Knick only on January 23rd. As an Atlanta Hawk, Reddish would get the chance to play often, playing about 23 minutes a game. However, after his trade to the Knicks, he only played over 20 minutes twice.
However, since finally getting accustomed to the Knicks system, Reddish has begun to show signs of potential success. Since February, Reddish is averaging 6.6 points per game and has played in every game in which he was active. He is also averaging only one turnover a game, which was an issue in his early career in Atlanta. Cam Reddish may not be a core piece of the Knicks’ future just yet, but all signs point to this changing down the line. Unfortunately, he will now miss the rest of the season due to an injury.
Domantas Sabonis
The majority of sports media was blindsided when Domantas Sabonis was traded to the Sacramento Kings at the NBA trade deadline. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old power forward has found synergy with Kings point guard De’aaron Fox. The duo has been on a tear ever since they teamed up.
In the 12 games after the trade, the duo has excelled on offense. When both on the floor, the team posts an impressive offensive rating of 118.76. when neither are on the floor, the offensive rating drops down to 92.55. The Kings also make 59.34% of their field goals when both Sabonis and Fox play. However, when both are off the floor, the Kings shoot 36.17%. The Kings may not be contending for a title anytime soon, but before you know it, the Kings will be winning again.
Tyrese Haliburton
The Sacramento Kings drafted Tyrese Haliburton with hopes of him being able to become a future all-star. But when the sophomore was traded, they forfeited the chance to have this franchise guard succeed in Sacramento. In his new home of Indiana, Haliburton has put on a show,
Since joining the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton has drastically improved. In just an increase of 3.6 minutes per game, Haliburton has tacked on an extra 5.3 points per game. In doing this, he has even increased his efficiency. As a King, Haliburton shot 45.7% from the field. Now on the Pacers, Haliburton is making 51.4% of his shots. Additionally, he has put in an extra effort on defense, as he is now averaging 2.1 steals per game.
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