How I’d feel as a fan post trade deadline: Central division
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Chicago Bulls
While no trade moves were made at the deadline, the Bulls have shut down Lonzo Ball's season and welcomed Patrick Beverly as their point guard. Currently eleventh in the east the Chicago Bulls have a star in Zach Lavine and an all-star in Demar Derozan, but ever since Lonzo’s injury the Bulls have been stuck in the middle. They have a solid team with stars and seem like they beat every good team in the NBA and lose to the worst. As a fan I’d want more from this team and hope having a point guard again will help them during the last stretch of games.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers didn’t make any move at the trade deadline and disrupt their team. While Kevin Love was bought out, the move shouldn’t change anything. They’re currently fifth in the east with a shot to get the fourth seed after the Nets blow up. With Donovan Mitchell at the helm and stars in Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, this team is a contender. As a fan I’d be happy and thankful the east isn’t as strong as it was pre-trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons made some moves at the deadline by getting former number 2 pick, James Wiseman, in a four team trade while also shipping off Sadiq Bay to Atlanta. Wiseman, who had been getting no playing time with the Warriors, has potential and is still only 21 years old. The Pistons are dead last in the eastern conference with a 15-44 record and Cade Cunningham is out for the season. Right now the Pistons look like one of the front runners for Victor Wembayana, the projected number one pick and adding him to this young squad would only make them better. As a fan I’d be hoping for one of the top two picks.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers made moves at the trade deadline with them being part of the four team trade that sent Kevin Durant to the Suns. They gave up Juan Pablo Vaulet draft rights and ended up getting George Hill, Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka (who has been waived), 3 second round picks and cash. The team is currently stuck being average but with Myles Turner resigning, two all star caliber players in Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton and a rookie of the year candidate in Bennedict Mathurin, this team is a superstar away from being something. As a fan I’d hope for a super star and for Mathurin to develop even farther.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks were one of the other teams in the Durant to Suns trade as they traded away Serge Ibaka. Through that trade they also got Jae Crowder for two second round picks which should be a great addition to this championship caliber squad. Milwaukee is second in the East right now and looks like Boston’s only real threat right now. As a fan I’m hoping Giannis’ wrist injury that kept him out of the all star game doesn’t become something worse.