All of the potential trades involving stars petered out before the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline, but there was still some decent action that changed the landscape of the playoff races. Here were the five things that surprised me the most from Thursday’s deadline.
5. Detroit Pistons Go All-In
Getty ImagesThe Pistons were the main players at the trade deadline as they positioned themselves for a second-half run. Adding Tobias Harris, Marcus Thornton and Donatas Motiejunas transforms the team into a contender for this season and the future.
4. Dwight Howard Stays Put
Getty ImagesThe Rockets were talking to a number of teams about Howard, but couldn't get a deal done in the end. He and James Harden will now have to coexist for another few months which likely means more hair pulling for Rockets fans.
3. Boston Celtics Stand Pat
Getty ImagesThe Celtics had the picks and pieces to make a blockbuster deal and put themselves in position to challenge the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference. Shockingly, Danny Ainge chose to stand pat and not get a deal done.
2. Atlanta Hawks Trade Second-Round Pick For Kirk Hinrich
Getty ImagesI can't figure out for the life of me why the Hawks would make this deal. Earlier in the day they traded point guard Shelvin Mack to the Utah Jazz who had only played in 24 games this season, but then they replaced him with Hinrich.
1. Los Angeles Clippers Get Jeff Green For Lance Stephenson
Getty ImagesThis deal went down right before the deadline and it was the most shocking of the day. The Clippers were just looking to dump Stephenson somewhere, but they were able to get a solid starter in Jeff Green in return.
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