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Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline

By Jack Duggan

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to pass over Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to pass over Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline
Feb 14, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Ish Smith (4) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons forward Marvin Bagley III (35) defends in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena, Biggest winners and losers of the NBA trade deadline. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Winners of the NBA trade deadline: Detroit Pistons/Marvin Bagley III

As part of a surprising four-team trade, the Sacramento Kings traded Marvin Bagley III to the Detroit Pistons. I personally love this move, both for the Pistons as well as for the former second-overall pick.

Bagley’s time in Sacramento was a disaster. He struggled to stay healthy and had extremely inconsistent production even when he managed to stay on the court. It was clear that their time together was coming to a close, and Detroit capitalized by obtaining Bagley at a very low price.

The upside for Detroit is evident. If Bagley is able to produce at even a fraction of his former self, then he and Cade Cunningham can be a productive duo in the East.

Bagley is just 22 years old, and wouldn’t be the first player to turn their career around after landing on a new team. Even if Bagley isn’t able to find new life in Detroit, I respect their front office for taking a risk on the young forward.

Bagley is an obvious winner of this deal as well. I can only imagine how happy he is to get a fresh start and another chance at developing his skills. Without the added pressure from the front office that chose him second overall, he can play freely and hopefully be a difference-maker in Detroit.