How I’d feel as a fan: Northwest Division
Photo by Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets traded Davon Reed and a second-round pick for Thomas Bryant, who was a solid starter for the Lakers. Currently the first seed in the west, the Nuggets have the wins, but with their road record, there is some doubt with this team.
With Jokic possibly getting a third MVP, as a fan I’d be nervous about the playoffs with Jamal Murray’s inconsistency but happy for this regular season.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves were active in a four-team trade at the deadline, trading D’Angelo Russel to the Lakers. In return, they got Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and three second-round picks. Conley replaces DLo and makes a good fit, but the Timberwolves are still stuck in the middle even after requiring Rudy Gobert. At the same time, Karl Anthony Towns is coming back, hopefully in time for the playoffs to make this team a legit contender, not a play-in team.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz were active at the deadline, but most notably because they took Russell Westbrook off the Lakers’ hands. They traded Malik Beasley and Jarren Vanderbilt for Westbrook, Juan Toscano-Anderson, and a first-round pick.
The Jazz committed to rebuilding after trading Gobert and Donovan Mitchell for picks and roleplayers. They are currently 11th in the West and can still make the play-in, but it would be better for this rebuilding team to end up in the lottery. As a fan, I’d just hope for a successful rebuild and keeping All-Star Lauri Markkanen.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are one of the more successful stories this year. Even with the second pick of the draft Chet Holmgreen out for the season, they’ve carried on.
In a tight race for the West, Oklahoma is currently sitting right out of the play-in. During the trade deadline, the Thunder traded Mike Muscala for Justin Jackson and two second-round picks. They also did a deal with the Suns, trading Darius Bazley for Dario Saric, a second-round pick, and cash.
While these trades don’t move the needle, the Thunder are doing better than was thought. With All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and second-in-Rookie-of-the-Year rankings Jalen Williams, this team is young and fun to watch. Factor in their multitude of draft picks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder can go in whatever direction they want.
Portland Trailblazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are currently 13th in the West and are on the verge of losing their star player. During the trade deadline, the Blazers made multiple trades, but nothing that has revitalized the team.
Portland traded an injured Gary Payton II to the Warriors in a four-team trade and received Kevin Knox from the Hawks and five second-round picks. They were also involved in another four-team deal where they traded Josh Hart and two second-round picks for Cam Reddish, Matisse Thybulle, Ryan Arcidiacono, and a first-round pick.
The trade hasn’t proved to change much, and with Dame seemingly out the door, I’d be miserable with this organization.