A month after the trade deadline, we can review some trades and see how teams got better, or if they got worse. Luka Doncic and Jimmy Butler were the two biggest names traded at the deadline. No surprise, the Lakers and the Warriors are two of the most improved teams. Thanks to the big moves, both the Lakers and the Warriors look like championship-contending teams right now. Today, however, we will talk about some smaller trades that turned out to be great investments.
One Month Later – Three Underrated Trades Paying Dividends
With around 20 games left to play, we have a much better idea of teams that might make noise in the playoffs, and those who will not. For some teams however, just making the playoffs is a huge boost. The three players we will discuss, have filled the exact role teams needed them to. With that in mind, let’s take a look at our trade deadline review about small moves.
Trade Deadline Review – Dennis Schroder to the Pistons
At one point, the Pistons went on an eight-game winning streak. They couldn’t lose a game with Dennis Schroder in the lineup. When the Pistons got him as a castoff in the Butler trade, nobody expected Schroder to contribute big-time. He is exactly what the Pistons need though. Because of the injury to Jaden Ivey, they needed another playmaker to make things easier for Cade Cunningham. Schroder has filled that role perfectly.
In 10 games with the Pistons, Dennis averages 9.2 points and 4.8 assists on 39.2% shooting, but his impact goes beyond the numbers. Cunningham no longer has to organize every play and action for the team.
Before the trade, the Pistons were scrapping for a playoff spot. Now, they are five games in front of Miami, firmly in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference. With 19 games left to play, the Pistons are likely making the playoffs after a long drought.
Trade Deadline Review – De’Andre Hunter to the Cavs
De’Andre Hunter was one of the surprise players to get traded at the deadline. The Hawks decided to part ways with some of their veterans, and the Cavaliers are the beneficiary of it. While his numbers are slightly down, Hunter’s impact is huge.
The Cavaliers got him to improve their small forward position. In the recent marquee matchup against the Celtics, Hunter showed his worth. The Cavaliers were down big time in the first quarter before Hunter checked into the game. He completely changed the rhythm of the game, hit a few shots, and helped the Cavs get a win against their biggest opponent in the East. Then, in the next game, he was the leading scorer with Donovan Mitchell getting a game off.
With Hunter, the Cavs have another scorer who can take off the load, allowing the team to be fresh in the playoffs.
Trade Deadline Review – Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks
The last player in our trade deadline review is Kyle Kuzma. For a two-year period, the Wizards have been an almost nightly pushover. People nearly forgot that Kuzma was the third-best player on the Lakers championship team in 2020.
The Bucks are 9-3 following the deadline, with Kuzma providing a reliable third scorer for the team. He is a younger, healthier, and at this point, better option than Khris Middleton. KuzMa even led the team in scoring in a win against the Washington Wizards, his former team.
After a disastrous start to the season, the Bucks are now fighting to keep the fourth spot in the East and have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With Kuzma providing a reliable third option, and Giannis Antetokounmpo playing like an MVP player, anything is possible.
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