The National Basketball Association (NBA) off-season 2023 was extremely active, with multiple all-stars joining new, contending teams.
Former all-star, Kristaps Porzingis, was traded to the Boston Celtics from the Washington Wizards in a three-way deal, becoming the first major trade of the off-season. The trade included the Celtics trading Marcus Smart, their longest tendered player, to the Memphis Grizzlies. Smart had played his entire career in Boston and became a fan favorite. He was known around the league as the Celtics’ heart and soul and love and trust.
“The greatest legacy that you can leave is to be someplace, and it’s better off because you were there,” said Brad Stevens, Celtics President of Basketball Operations.
The Wizards received Tyus Jones from the Grizzles and Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala in return from the Celtics. Both the Celtics and Wizards additionally received future draft picks.
Just days later, Bradley Beal, another Wizards player, was traded to the Phoenix Suns, just one season after signing his supermax extension. Beal spent 11 years in Washington with a record of 22-23 in the playoffs. The three-time all-star wanted to win a championship and knew the only way that could happen was to join a contending team. Beal was asked about teaming up with two fellow all-stars in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
“Chill and not face as many double-teams,” stated Bradley Beal.
The Beal trade was also a three-way deal, incorporating the Indiana Pacers. The Suns did not only add Beal to their roster, but also, Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd. The Wizards received all-star Chris Paul, who was later sent to the Golden State Warriors. The Wizards also added Landry Shamet via Suns and Bilal Coulibaly via Pacers and a number of draft picks. The Pacers added Jarace Walker to their roster and received future second-round picks from both the Wizards and Suns.
Another major trade in the league was Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. After spending 11 seasons playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard expressed his desire to join a contending team, much like Beal. Milwaukee’s star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo released a statement days before the trade saying he was playing to win another championship, and he did not care if that was as a Buck or on another team.
To keep their star, Antetokounmpo, happy, the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard. NBA fans were shocked; many expected to be traded to the Miami Heat. But the trade did not come without the Bucks having to sacrifice their five-time NBA all-defensive team member and two-time all-star, Jrue Holiday. Holiday was originally traded to the Portland Trail Blazer but has since landed in Boston.
The NBA trade deadline is not until Feb. 9, so the chances of another all-star being traded are high. One all-star trade to keep an eye on is Philadelphia 76ers’ all-star James Harden who has said he refuses to play for the 76ers, creating multiple issues within the organization.
