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5 recently traded players that are exceeding expectations

By Orestis Rantis

TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the first half of a game at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Raul Neto #19 of the Washington Wizards in the first half of a game at Amalie Arena on April 05, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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NBA Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images /

Pleasant surprise No. 4: James Johnson

If we were to fashion a list regarding the most surprising sparks of fire in this short post-deadline period, James Johnson would find his name at the top of this list.

In the span of a few days, Johnson went from being a role player whose large contract could be used in a trade package, to a solid starter on a forward-heavy team with very few veterans with as much experience as Johnson.

In a deal that was centered around JJ Redick’s move to the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Pelicans received James Johnson who at the time didn’t know that they’d struck gold. Meanwhile, Redick is yet to make his debut in Dallas.

So far, Johnson has been averaging 12.0 points per game, which is nearly a career-high for him, despite his advanced age. On top of that, he’s been shooting the ball exceptionally well, at 39.1 percent, a much higher number than what we’re used to seeing from him.

Should this resurgence be making the Mavericks jealous? After all, the Pelicans are one of the few teams that are chasing the Mavericks and a potential play-in duel that would be extremely exciting to watch as a neutral fan.

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