Let´s talk hoops. The major deals the past 36 hours and my comments:
1. Gasol to Raptors in exchange for Valanciunas, Wright, Miles and 2024 2nd round pick.
It´s now or never for the Raps. The only way to hopefully try to keep Leonard is getting to the finals.
If you ask me, I believe this was sort of a desperate move, I think Gasol helps but they are giving up significant depth. The Raps bench has been a huge part to their success the past years. Also, Valanciunas is not miles apart from Gasol. When he wasn´t injured he was a solid player. Anyways, this is one of those trades where it actually may be a win/win for both. No one wins huge, but if Gasol accomodates well then losing some depth would be justified.
2. Markelle Fultz to Magic. In exchange of Jonathon Simmons, 1st round pick and a 2nd rd pick.
What the fuck goes through the heads of Magic´s management. Fultz was a great prospect, but given what he has shown and his injury proneness, he is not worth 2 picks. Good move by Phily on a guy who had no place on the roster and could become a nuisance.
3. Tobias and Boban to 76ers for Shamet, Chandler, Muscala and picks.
76ers gained a difference making PF in their most vulnerable position. I am also a Boban fan, he is a hugely underrated guy because he looks slow and "dorkish". He should be a good sub for Embiid. Watch out. 76ers taking the East?
4. Zubac and Beasley to Clippers for Muscala and Reggie Jackson to the Lakers. Really? Is it me or Magic Johnson simply has no clue as a GM? Even when they have insisted with Javele Mgshit, every time that young man Zubi got on the court he delivered. Great prospect as a modern post. Losing talent and lots of development potential for an average player at best, while keeping a guy who should be playing in China.
Additionally, what is the purpose of Reggie Jackson? The Lakers will be fighting for playoff berth this year, not for a championship. Why would you take this guy who is no superstar, to take time away from your developing talents (Ingram especially). In the offseason, Ingram will be a key part of any trade. The Lakers should be showcasing him, not restricting his minutes.
5. Mirotic to the Bucks for Johnson, Smith and 4 2nd rd picks. Does Mirotic improve the Bucks? Of course. He guarantees that you will have every time either Brook and Giannis, Brook and Miro or Miro and Giannis. That is a strong frontcourt. I just think they were much better spots for Miro (Houston?).
6. Other more irrelevant: Otto Porter to the Bulls. Harrison Barnes to the Kings. I don´t get the Bulls. Getting this guy with a max contract who clearly does not deserve all that money, when you are in the process of rebuilding. Watch out for these Kings. I hope they steal the 8th seed from the Lakers.
Overall: The biggest winners out of all of this are the Clippers and the 76ers. The Clippers gained cheap 2nd team players that provide depth if they decide to stack off next season. They gained young talent. They freed up space. LA will have a busy offseason, and the Clippers may end up being the better positioned team next season.
The 76ers were able to address their main weakness. Once Reddick is back, this offense will be unstoppable. And individually, that D is looking good as well. The key for them is to minimize the damage they receive when the bench is playing. For in play betting, I can almost guarantee that I will be riding the 76ers a lot in the endgame.