
The 2021 NBA trade deadline is upon us and Def Pen has you covered all day with our live blog. Get updates as they come in and keep up with all the trades and deals as they come in. If you need a quick lesson on who the big names may or may not be this deadline, check out this piece from our writer Lance. There is going to be a lot to get to hopefully as teams unload assets to improve draft stock or acquire assets to make a deep playoff run. Which will it be and for who, we will just have to find out.
Delon Wright for Cory Joseph
The first trade of the official 2021 NBA trade deadline day came just after midnight last night. The Detroit Pistons are trading Delon Wright to the Sacramento Kings for Cory Joseph. The deal also sends two second-round picks to Piston.
The Detroit Pistons are trading guard Delon Wright to the Sacramento Kings for guard Cory Joseph and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
The Kings are sending a 2021 second-round pick via the Lakers as well as their own 2024 pick.
Multiple teams interested in Kyle Lowry
The Kyle Lowry saga continues. The Toronto Raptors guard is allegedly being dealt somewhere else. As of now the three serious players in the sweepstakes are the Lakers, Heat, and Sixers. Of course, all three destinations make sense. They could all use veteran leadership at the lead guard spot as well as his skills on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. After this season Lowry is headed to free agency, so the Raptors want to deal with him to get assets back.
Watch as Kyle Lowry exits the floor tonight ? pic.twitter.com/y8CrNd2GCV
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) March 25, 2021
There will be more as the day goes on and deals are made.
JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets
Shams Charania reported around 10 AM that JaVale McGee would be moving on from Cleveland. The deal will sen McGee to the Nuggets.
Adrian Wojnarowski had the details of the trade. It will send Isaiah Hartenstein and two future second-round picks to Cleveland. Those picks are protected. A former second-round pick Hartenstein has made himself useful in his short time in the league. This season in just 9 minutes a game, the forward is able to pull down 3.5 points and almost 3.0 rebounds a game.
Denver is acquiring center Cleveland center JaVale McGee for Isaiah Hartenstein and two future protected second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
The picks break down as a 2027 unprotected second-round pick along with a 2023 second-round pick that is protected through pick 46.
Bulls acquire Vucevic, Aminu in deal with Orlando
The Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic have decided to make some big moves. These two organizations have fanbases that have long-awaited moves like this. According to Woj, the Bulls are dealing Wendell Carter Jr., along with Otto Porter and two first-round picks to the Magic in exchange for Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq Aminu.
Here’s the deal: The Bulls land Nikola Vucevic and Al Farouq Aminu for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter Jr., and two first-round picks. Huge addition for Chicago, who remains in pursuit of Lonzo Ball. The Magic are moving toward a rebuild now with Aaron Gordon deal on deck.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Chicago will continue to make moves as well as the Magic. Orlando has dealt Fournier and now Vucevic, with other players such as Aaron Gordon still on the roster they have more moves to make as the day goes on. The first-round picks will be in 2021 and 2023. The 2021 pick is top-4 protected this year. Full story here.
The Bulls sent Orlando two first-round picks (2021, 2023) — including top-4 protected this year, sources said. It will likely convey to Orlando. https://t.co/Y6P6wCndMM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Zach LaVine found the trade very interesting.
?
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) March 25, 2021
Boston Celtics acquire Evan Fournier from Magic
The Boston Celtics decided to open up their treasure trove of picks just a bit. Two second-round picks will apparently go to acquire Evan Fournier from the Magic. Orlando has decided they are going to blow up their roster and do a rebuild. Woj mentioned an Aaron Gordon trade is being put together, but we will have to wait and see if that goes through.
Teams are finalizing the deal now, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/Rc27IxxhnB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Terrence Ross had an interesting tweet exchange earlier in the day.
Means they might unload the truck lol ?
— Terrence Ross (@TerrenceRoss) March 25, 2021
I think they are unloading the truck, for sure. The 2021 NBA trade deadline has become the Orlando fire sale. Lance broke down the full story here.
Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets OFFICIAL
According to Shams the Nuggets aren’t done making moves and, of course, neither are the Magic. Today has been all about which teams will take on the diaspora of Orlando. Now the Nuggets have officially acquired Gordon and sent a nice package back to the Magic. Shams got the deal and Woj with the details.
Done deal: Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets, sources said. https://t.co/Uku9X11sNV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
There have been multiple teams wanting Gordon. Those include Houston, Minnesota, and Boston. Denver though was able to send a good package back to the Magic. This included Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, and a first-round pick. Full details here!
Jamal Murray wasn’t too excited about Garry Harris leaving it seems.
??
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) March 25, 2021
Washington Wizards trade Troy Brown, Mo Wagner to Bulls
The Wizards and Bulls decided to swap younger role players. Washington is going to send Troy Brown along with Mo Wagner to Chicago in exchange for Daniel Gafford and Chandler Hutchinson. Brown has been a reliable role player throughout his career. He has averaged 7.4 points and over 4.0 rebounds a game since entering the league in 2018. Wagner, the second-year player out of Michigan has shown himself to be productive off the bench as well.
Washington is trading Troy Brown and Mo Wagner to Chicago for Daniel Gafford and Chandler Hutchinson, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Daniel Gafford impressed in college while at Arkansas. His game appears raw and his development will be interesting to watch over the years. This season for the Bulls, Gafford has put up 4.7 points and 3.3 rebounds. Chandler Hutchinson has been less impressive but may find a good fit in Washington.
Miami Heat sends Moe Harkless and Chris Silva to Kings
Miami and Sacramento decided to do a little deal. Sacramento will send Nemanja Bjelica to the Heat for Harkless and Silva. The deal will allow both teams to acquire role players as well as let Bjelica play for the 2020 Eastern Conference Champions in Miami.
Miami is sending Moe Harkless and Chris Silva to the Kings, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/qcIwNnme3t
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Philadelphia, Knicks, OKC three-team deal
The Philadelphia 76ers are in the Kyle Lowry sweepstakes, but they will nab another veteran guard in the meantime. Philly is going to get George Hill from the Thunder. The deal will include the New York Knicks as well. Shams had the first details, but Woj broke it down further. The 2021 NBA trade deadline keeps going strong.
Philadelphia is acquiring OKC’s George Hill for Tony Bradley, Terrance Fergusson and two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Austin Rivers goes to OKC as part of a three-way deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Hill remains a valued veteran guard. His presence in the locker room is invaluable and being on a team in Philly he should be able to compete deep in the playoffs. The Knicks are able to make some value out of Austin Rivers and will receive Terrance Ferguson from the Thunder. OKC gets Tony Bradley and two future second-round picks. Full details here.
Toronto Raptors trade Norm Powell to Portland
In a bigger than it may seem trade, Norm Powell will be moving to Portland. As one of the best three-point shooters in the league, Powell will be able to inject some good offense into the Trail Blazers. Gary Trent and Rodney Hood will be the price they pay to acquire Powell.
Toronto has traded Norm Powell to Portland for Gary Trent and Rodney Hood, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Powell has championship experience and was beloved by players and fans alike in Toronto. While a lot of the focus is on Lowry and where he may go, Powell’s departure is a big move. This season, only Joe Ingles and Joe Harris have made a high percentage of their shots from deep than Powell. That’s offense that will be instant and welcomed in Portland. Full details here.
Toronto sends Matt Thomas to Utah Jazz for pick
The Toronto Raptors are going to be trading a guard. Not THAT guard, but a guard. Matt Thomas is being traded to the Jazz for a second-round pick. Thomas made his debut in the NBA in 2019 after going undrafted. He has averaged 4.1 points and 1.2 rebounds a game in 67 appearances during his short career.
Atlanta Hawks deal Rajon Rondo to Los Angeles Clippers
While it isn’t official yet, Rajon Rondo should be on the move. Shams first reported that the Hawks were working on a deal to send Rondo to the Clippers. There are just forty minutes until the 2021 NBA trade deadline is here.
The Hawks and Clippers are in serious talks on deal to send Rajon Rondo to L.A., sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Woj got the details and the deal ended up being bigger than some expected. The trade will send Lou Williams to Atlanta and the Hawks will also attach two second-round picks and cash with Rondo.
Clippers are finalizing a deal to acquire Rajon Rondo from Atlanta for Lou Williams, two second-round picks and cash, sources tell me and @sam_amick.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Williams back home? Marc J. Spears sure is excited.
Lou Williams back home to Atlanta… Lemon pepper celebration soon to commence in the ATL. pic.twitter.com/ghV6ugrWAJ
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 25, 2021
Full details can be found here on the Atlanta/Lou Williams trade.
Toronto Raptors unload Terrence Davis to Sacramento Kings
The Toronto Raptors are gearing up for their final play. They have traded Terrence Davis to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a second-round pick. Lowry has not been dealt with less than 5 minutes to go.
Toronto is trading guard Terrence Davis to Sacramento for a future second round pick, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
LONZO BALL STAYS IN NEW ORLEANS
In some pretty big deadline news, Lonzo Ball will stay a New Orleans Pelican. Ball is going to be a free agent this season. He is looking for $20 million a year on his next contract.
Cleveland Cavaliers buyout Andre Drummond
Andre Drummond is going to be bought out according to Chris Haynes. Drummond had been sidelined for some time while a deal could be reached on a potential trade. However, that did not happen. Now Drummond’s contract has been bought out he can be picked up by a contender. This news was expected all day and comes at the last minute.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Andre Drummond will work out a buyout, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 25, 2021
Dallas Mavericks acquire JJ Redick from Pelicans
The Dallas Mavericks made a smart move for the 2021 NBA trade deadline. Lance broke it down earlier this month when talking about the Mavs second half of the season outlook. Redick is valued for his veteran leadership as well as his shooting ability. On the wing, he is deadly if left open. In New Orleans, his play has slumped as he ages, but Dallas may just be the right fit.
The New Orleans Pelicans are close on a deal to send JJ Redick to the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Nicolo Melli will also be sent over to Dallas in the trade according to Shams. The Pelicans will get James Johnson and Wes Iwundu as well as a second-round pick in the deal. Mavs grab two more shooters to help spread the floor.
Sources: Dallas sent James Johnson, Wes Iwundu and a second-round pick to New Orleans to acquire JJ Redick and Nicolo Melli.
Mavericks acquiring two shooters to bolster their depth. Pelicans receive a gritty veteran forward in Johnson, young player and draft asset. https://t.co/WaVX3BKh6T
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Charlotte Hornets acquire Brad Wanamaker from Warriors
The Hornets aren’t going to just let the deadline pass by without making a move. They have acquired Brad Wanamaker from the Warriors to add a piece to their bench. The Hornets are having quite a season, but with LaMelo Ball out with a broken wrist, their playoff hopes may not be so bright.
Houston Rockets trading Victor Oladipo to Miami Heat
The Rockets have made another big move this season. The franchise is a bit lost, just getting out of a 20-game losing streak. After dealing with Harden and pretty much the entire roster this season, Houston is focused on the future. 2021 doesn’t matter outside of whoever they draft this season. They sit at 14th in the West and one of the worst teams in the league this season. John Wall and Christian Wood will get to know one another this offseason and hopefully be a formidable duo next season.
Houston is trading Victor Oladipo to Miami, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
For Miami, they miss out on Kyle Lowry but Oladipo is a great piece to pick up. Keeping him healthy will be key. Miami made smart moves and kept their young core. The Rockets take on Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk as well as a draft swap in the deal. Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro stay in Miami to keep developing.
Sources: Houston traded Victor Oladipo to Miami for Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk and a draft swap.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
Full story from David Loaiza here.
TORONTO RAPTORS KEEP KYLE LOWRY
The Toronto Raptors shocked everyone during the 2021 NBA trade deadline and decided to NOT trade Kyle Lowry. The finalists for Lowry included the Philadelphia 76ers, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Raptors are keeping Kyle Lowry, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
During the Stadium live show for the deadline, Shams mentioned that Miami and the Lakers were close to a deal on Lowry. However, Miami did not want to move Tyler Herro and the Lakers were hesitant about trading Taylor Horton-Tucker. Now, the Greatest Raptor of All Time will remain a Raptor. For now. Toronto sits at 11th in the East and may compete for the 8-seed in the play-in tournament.
Golden State trades Marqueese Chriss to the Spurs
The Warriors are making some other small moves. Unloading role players from their bench, Golden State is sending Marqueese Chriss a former first-round pick to the Spurs. While Chriss’ career has left much to be desired, there is no better destination for him than San Antonio. They find themselves with a young core that is ready to make a run at the playoffs. They sit 8th currently in the west. The Warriors are 10th in the conference and are not focused on getting playoff experience this season.
Golden State has traded Marqueese Chriss to the Spurs, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Boston Celtics trade Daniel Theis to Chicago
The Bulls are not done picking up role players. They are fine-tuning their roster and that means moving players that they just got today. Mo Wagner will go to Boston as Theis becomes a Bull. Theis was loved in Boston for his effort and energy on the court. Hustle plays are his thing and he isn’t afraid to take a poster dunk if that means playing good defense. Chicago will enjoy Theis. Wagner may like Boston and develop there.
LaMarcus Aldridge contract buyout with Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs wanted to make a deal with Aldridge. However, the veteran big man will take a contract buyout instead. The idea is to go to a contender this season as the Spurs remain on the edge of playoff contention. The 2021 NBA trade deadline may have gone by, but the news is still coming. The Lakers can now pick between Drummond and Aldridge, that is if they want to play for the Lakers.
Teams are not done changing up their rosters and former All-Stars don’t come onto the market very often.
LaMarcus Aldridge is finalizing a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021