Winners and losers of the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline
Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
When the original Thon Maker–Stanley Johnson trade was reported, it was seen as something of a lateral swap. Maker wanted out, and Johnson was a lockdown defender, but the Milwaukee Bucks were already fully stocked on the wing. Luckily for the team with the best record in the NBA, they were able to lump in the New Orleans Pelicans before the deal was official, walking away with Nikola Mirotic.
The Bucks’ system is predicated on Giannis Antetokounmpo drawing attention with the rock in his hands and being surrounded by capable shooters. Mirotic will fit in beautifully in that respect, especially in the middle of a career year. Sure, they gave up four second-rounders, but seriously? Mirotic for Maker, Jason Smith and a bunch of second round picks? This is borderline highway robbery for a team that was already incredibly dangerous.
Loser: Detroit Pistons
Can anyone explain exactly that the Detroit Pistons are doing? Because as unlikely as a blockbuster Blake Griffin trade to blow it up was, trading away their best 3-point shooter (Reggie Bullock) and best wing defender (Stanley Johnson) for project players is hardly a winning strategy for an organization that allegedly wants to return to the playoffs.
Maybe Maker and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk will emerge with more playing time, but the Pistons are only 1.5 games out of a playoff spot. Are they content with bowing out from the race as they retool for the future? Do they understand their 29th-ranked 3-point attack just got much worse without Bullock, who retrieved an underwhelming return? Is there even a freaking plan in place?