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Winners, Losers of 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

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By @MichaelTerrill

Winners, Losers of 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

NBA Trade Deadline
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The 2015 NBA trade deadline has come and gone. What started out to be a quiet day turned into a full-blown frenzy as the deadline came near to a close. With plenty of teams hoping they helped their odds of winning going forward, here is a complete breakdown of the winners and losers from Thursday’s trade deadline.

9. Phoenix Suns - Winners

9. Phoenix Suns
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9. Phoenix Suns - Winners

9. Phoenix Suns
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It started out to be a dismal trade deadline for the Phoenix Suns after they were forced to give up guard Goran Dragic. But, out of nowhere, an astonishing deal occurred that lifted Phoenix’s spirts. The Suns acquired talented point guard Brandon Knight, solid shooting guard Marcus Thornton and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 first-round draft pick in a crazy four-team trade. Oh yeah, plus everything they got from Miami makes the day worthwhile.

8. Atlanta Hawks - Winners

Atlanta Hawks - Winners
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8. Atlanta Hawks - Winners

Atlanta Hawks - Winners
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The team with the best record in the NBA got rid of a bench player for a future first-round draft pick when the Atlanta Hawks dealt rookie Adreian Payne to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Even though it isn’t the move Hawks fans were hoping for, it should be pointed out moving Payne could make way for the acquisition of free agent Ray Allen.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Losers

Minnesota Timberwolves – Losers
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7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Losers

Minnesota Timberwolves – Losers
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Giving up Thaddeus Young for 38-year-old Kevin Garnett is about as pointless as it gets, even with Young entering free agency this summer. I’m completely aware that acquiring Garnett is purely a publicity stunt, but the Minnesota Timberwolves shouldn’t expect attendance to rise more than KG’s first game back. If anything, Minnesota should have dealt Young to a team that would have given them pieces to get better in the long run.

6. Miami Heat – Winners

Miami Heat – Winners
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6. Miami Heat – Winners

Miami Heat – Winners
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The Miami Heat was finally able to get a deal done for Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic. Even though they gave up a lot, the hope is Dragic will be able to lead them on a successful playoff run. More importantly, he could be a pillar to build around going forward. There’s no question Pat Riley is back in the good graces of Heat fans after pulling off the deal.

5. Utah Jazz – Losers

Utah Jazz – Losers
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5. Utah Jazz – Losers

Utah Jazz – Losers
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I understand the Utah Jazz had no choice but to trade center Enes Kanter after his request to be dealt by the deadline. However, only getting Kendrick Perkins in return for Kanter is a huge blow. Perkins has one foot in retirement and the other one nearly out the door. That is probably why the Jazz will agree to buyout his contract. To give up Kanter for nothing is ridiculous.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winners

Oklahoma City Thunder – Winners
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4. Oklahoma City Thunder – Winners

Oklahoma City Thunder – Winners
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The Oklahoma City Thunder got the offensive big man in Kanter that they desperately needed. Without any legitimate interior production, Kanter will be a huge boost for the Thunder while they attempt to clinch a playoff berth in the Western Conference. Not to mention, OKC also will get D.J. Augustin, Steve Novak and Kyle Singler in the three-team trade.

3. Houston Rockets – Losers

Houston Rockets – Losers
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3. Houston Rockets – Losers

Houston Rockets – Losers
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The Houston Rockets needed to make some noise at the trade deadline, which they failed to do so. After losing out on acquiring Dragic, a player they were convinced they could land, Houston settled for a trade that netted them guard Pablo Prigioni (4.7 ppg) and rookie guard K.J. McDaniels (9.7 ppg). McDaniels will at least provide decent depth at shooting guard, but the Rockets needed to make a big splash in order to stay competitive.

2. Portland Trail Blazers – Winners

Portland Trail Blazers – Winners
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2. Portland Trail Blazers – Winners

Portland Trail Blazers – Winners
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The Portland Trail Blazers became scary good after acquiring Arron Afflalo from the Denver Nuggets. Essentially, the one area Portland needed to improve in at the deadline was depth, which is exactly what they accomplished by dealing for Afflalo. His solid offensive game combined with a historical ability to shoot well from the field makes the Trail Blazers very dangerous in the Western Conference.

1. Milwaukee Bucks – Winners

Milwaukee Bucks – Winners
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1. Milwaukee Bucks – Winners

Milwaukee Bucks – Winners
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At first glance, giving up Brandon Knight is a huge blow, considering how well he has played this season. However, the Milwaukee Bucks getting point guard Michael Carter-Williams, center Miles Plumlee and guard Tyler Ennis in return is fantastic. Sure, Knight has the potential to be great, but Carter-Williams could flourish under the eye of head coach Jason Kidd. Plus, the Bucks needed a big man, which they get in Plumlee.

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