NBA Post Trade-Deadline Notes

Cavs Add Harden, Pacers add Zubac, Clippers Move into the Unknown

• The Cleveland Cavaliers were James Harden's second choice once he realized the Clippers weren't planning to extend him. Harden is 36, but his offensive prowess remains. Never a high-flyer, Harden's decision-making, passing genius and ability to make something out of nothing continue to make him a force on offense. Defensively, he remains limited, but has the bulk to survive against bigger players in a switching scheme. The Rockets said no, waiting on Fred VanVleet's return and building around Amen Thompson and the last phase of Kevin Durant's career.

• The Cavs offered Darius Garland and both teams said yes. Garland is a special offensive player in his own right, but nagging toe injuries have torpedoed his career in the last two seasons. At only 26, the Clippers decided Garland's youth and upside were worth the risk and set a new course for their future. Cleveland is now a threat to win the East again and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will have plenty of lobs coming their way.

• Meanwhile, the Clippers pushed their chips further into the future by trading steadily underrated center Ivica Zubac to Indiana for a combination of Benedit Mathurin (entering RFA), center Isaiah Jackson and two picks, one of which could become the 5th-9th pick in the loaded 2026 draft (depending on Indiana's eventual lottery position).

• In Zubac, Indiana gets a cornerstone to add to Haliburton and Siakam and…if they land a top 4 pick, another potential building block for their future.

Celtics get Vucevic, Bulls Become 2nd Round Pick Hoarders

• The Celtics have surpassed expectations this year (54-win pace when they were pegged around 43). The front court (Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, occasionally Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh as undersized but long power forwards) was thin coming into the season. The team has done an awesome job collectively rebounding and hitting the offensive glass, but playoff battles in half-court slugfests would be a different story.

• In addition, the Anfernee Simons spurtability factorboosted their offense in the last 20 games (Simons has adapted as the season progressed, playing adequate defense and having some scorching shooting nights).

• With the desire to cut more payroll and get under the luxury tax (accomplished by the Chicago trade and 3 more smaller deals involving Minott, Tillman and Boucher), the rumors of Simons getting dealt came true.

• Enter Nicola Vucevic, the long-forgotten big man languishing in Chicago. Vucevic's size, rebounding and passing have never been in question. His defense is the main issue, especially in the pick-and-roll.

• Vucevic adds 5-out spacing and a legit post-anchor that can pass -- missing from this year's team (no Porzingis or Horford).

• Meanwhile, Chicago made a flurry of somewhat confusing lateral moves (too late to tank enough for it to matter) adding a slew of 2nd round picks.

Jazz get Jaren Jackson and Look to Make Noisy Jazz Next Year, Grizzlies Couldn't Move Ja Morant

• Lauri Markannen now has a supporting cast that could make noise…though the West remains crowded.

• A starting 5 of Kessler (returning next year) JJJ, Markannen, the very skilled Keyonte George and young Ace Bailey is intriguing. It wouldn't be shocking (if healthy) if they finished with 45+ wins next year.

• Memphis was trying to trade Ja Morant but couldn't find a taker. Morant's insane athleticism have been overshadowed by the offcourt issues and the questionable 3-point shot. It's worth noting that small guards have become less valuable league-wide as switchability and offensive versatility have gained currency. Trae Young and Ja Morant are two examples.

Giannis Stays in Milwaukee

• Not much to say here except that Milwaukee is praying for a top 3 pick in the lottery as a way to persuade Giannis to stay.

• What does Giannis want? Seemed like he wanted to be a Knick…but also seems like he's a rare athlete who prizes stability over chasing the what ifs of a new destination. Maybe Giannis’ family unity (immigrants from Nigeria to Greece), his brother joining him in Milwaukee, and the Wisconsin love he's embraced…outweigh the brand-building off-court factors.