NBA News: Tuesday, February 10th, 2023

The 2023 NBA Trade Deadline has come and gone, and this felt like one of the wildest trade deadlines of all time. Players were being traded all over the league, and it is going to take a while for fans to sort out where players are now playing. 

There were some other news stories to come out of the league, but the major focus over the last few days was on the trades. Here is a look at three major moves that should shake up the landscape of the league and the playoff races.

Suns Land Durant in Blockbuster

After Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, it was clear that Kevin Durant would be on the move next. Nearly all of the teams in the league called the Nets about a potential trade, but ultimately it was the Suns that came up with the best trade package for the superstar. 

The Suns also received T.J. Warren in the deal, but this was a costly move for Phoenix, and the Nets received quite the haul in return. Brooklyn received Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and four unprotected first-round draft picks in exchange for Durant. 

The Nets entered the Trade Deadline in fifth place in the Eastern Conference and were among the betting favorites to win the NBA title just a few days ago. Now the Nets are going to be looking towards the future, and they will have plenty of draft picks to use in the coming years.

Lakers Make Major Changes

LeBron James is now the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, but his Lakers team still sits near the bottom of the standings in the Western Conference. There is still time to make a run, and the Lakers were one of the busiest teams at the trade deadline. 

Los Angeles was able to acquire Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic right before the trade deadline, and that move was necessary after trading away Thomas Bryant. Patrick Beverly was sent to the Magic in that deal, but just one day earlier, the Lakers made an even bigger move. 

The Lakers also traded away Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal, and the main piece that they got back was D’Angelo Russell. Los Angeles was hoping to make enough moves to make a playoff run, but they also saw the rest of the Western Conference improve in pretty big ways. 

Warriors Deal Wiseman

The Golden State Warriors are a team that never seems to make a big splash at the Trade Deadline, and that was the case again this season. Golden State did end up making a move, though, as they sent James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons as part of a three-team deal. 

The Warriors had struggled to find minutes for Wiseman of late, and he continued to struggle to stay healthy. Golden State was also looking for some help at the guard position, and they were able to acquire Gary Payton II from Portland. 

Payton played a big role for the Warriors a season ago, and Golden State is hoping that he can provide a spark once again.

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All Media on this page by Associated Press.