This NBA trade deadline featured a lot of trades this season, and it seemed like a lot of teams had win-now ambitions. It seemed like a majority of teams in the league were engaged in some sort of trade, and many players are now on different teams.
However, despite the astounding amount of trades that did happen, there were also some notable trades that didn’t happen. Whatever the reason, there were a decent amount of hyped potential trades that fell through at the deadline. Here are the 5 best NBA trades that didn’t happen prior to the deadline.
5. John Collins To The Warriors
John Collins is one of the best young big men in the league, currently averaging 18.1 PPG and 7.8 RPG. Collins will be a free agent at the end of the season, and there was some buzz around the league about the Atlanta Hawks potentially sending him away to avoid signing him to a big deal.
A team that didn’t make a big splash was the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors made some minor trades but didn’t really change their roster all that much to help Stephen Curry make the playoffs. They had some assets and an expiring contract in Kelly Oubre Jr. which could have been moved for a win-now piece like John Collins. While Collins would have been amazing on this Warriors team, no trade happened, and Collins stayed put in Atlanta.
4. LaMarcus Aldridge To The Heat
Many people expected somebody to trade for LaMarcus Aldridge. Despite the fact that he is in the twilight of his career, LaMarcus Aldridge can still contribute to a contending team and potentially still be a starter in this league. There were rumors that the Miami Heat wanted Aldridge, but the trade didn’t happen, leading the San Antonio Spurs to buyout LaMarcus Aldridge’s contract.
Once LaMarcus Aldridge completes a buyout with the Spurs, the Miami Heat are expected to emerge as a frontrunner to sign him, sources tell ESPN. Aldridge plans to talk with several teams before finalizing a decision.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
Aldridge could still make his way to Miami now that he is a free agent, and he would potentially start for them right away. The Miami Heat would be a good organization for Aldridge, and if they do manage to sign him, then not trading for him will be entirely justified.
3. Lonzo Ball To The Bulls
Lonzo Ball is a point guard who has a fairly well-rounded skillset. Ball is able to shoot the 3PT shot at a high rate and play good defense on the perimeter, as well as being one of the best distributors in the game. Lonzo Ball will command a big contract at the end of the season, so there were rumors about the New Orleans Pelicans trading him away. The Chicago Bulls were one of the teams that were trying to trade for Lonzo Ball.
The Chicago Bulls remains in pursuit of Lonzo Ball, per @wojespn
Lonzo Ball, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic 👀🔥
(📸 @DesignAllAround ) pic.twitter.com/wgDd4bRYeH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 25, 2021
The Chicago Bulls did manage to get Nikola Vucevic in a big trade but did fall short of getting Lonzo Ball. Lonzo Ball would have added somebody who can run the offense to the Chicago Bulls, and his playmaking would have been valuable next to two top-tier scorers in Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic. Despite the push from the Bulls, Lonzo Ball is still in New Orleans, and they will continue to reap the benefits of his services through at least the end of the season.
2. Kyle Lowry To The 76ers
Kyle Lowry was a player that was coveted by many teams ahead of the trade deadline. Lowry is a multiple-time All-Star and an NBA champion. Lowry is a great perimeter defender, as well as being an elite shooter and playmaker. He would have helped any contending team, and it was reported that the 76ers were in the lead to make a trade for him at some point during the trade deadline.
Report: 76ers and Raptors were close to deal for Kyle Lowry with Danny Green getting rerouted to 3rd team https://t.co/LuB2MnvO1g
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 26, 2021
Lowry was very close to joining the 76ers but is going to finish the season in Toronto. Lowry is 35, and he would have been able to compete for a championship if he were traded to the 76ers. The 76ers ended up trading for George Hill instead, but acquiring Lowry would mean putting another All-Star caliber player on a squad that has a real chance of making the Finals.
1. DeMar DeRozan To The Lakers
DeMar DeRozan is a player who was on the last year of his deal with the San Antonio Spurs. DeRozan is an elite shot creator and playmaker, and there were arguments that he deserved an All-Star spot this season. The San Antonio Spurs made DeMar DeRozan available for trade, yet no deal materialized.
The Spurs have “made it clear” that DeMar DeRozan is available for trade, via @JakeLFischer.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 23, 2021
DeMar DeRozan would have been a good fit on the Los Angeles Lakers. DeMar DeRozan would give the Los Angeles Lakers some steady scoring, and give them that third piece that would potentially put them over the top of elite teams. DeMar DeRozan with LeBron James and Anthony Davis would have been a scary sight, but alas, a trade did not happen.
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