What every trade deadline deal means for the Magic
Andre Miller gets reunited with George Karl. The interest here though is what this means for the Wizards in their quest to win in the East.
Miller was always seen as more of a sage and veteran leader than anything else. He is averaging just 3.6 points per game. He is not getting the playing time. So this turns out to be a win-win. Miller goes somewhere he can be used and the Wizards get a guard who can contribute off the bench.
Ramon Sessions has been known as a scorer throughout his career. But he is averaging just 5.4 points per game this season. And he still has two years left on his contract. Maybe he can recapture the spark.
It definitely helps the Wizards add depth. But it is unclear if Sessions can be the player he once was.
This is a nice bit of nostalgia. It is going to be nice seeing Kevin Garnett back in a Timberwolves uniform. The fans will appreciate it too.
Thaddeus Young is still a very productive player, particularly on the offensive end as a glue guy and grinder, he should help support the Nets in their playoff push. Right now Brooklyn is outside the Playoff picture, tied with Miami for eighth.
Young has put up some good numbers on bad teams, seeing his numbers drop to 14.3 points per game this year in Minnesota. But he has Playoff experience. Young has an early termination option after this season, so we will see what future impact this has.
This was one of the more interesting minor deals on the day. JaVale McGee is a bundle of potential hampered by injuries and a two-year deal that will pay him more than $10 million per year the next two seasons.
For all of the embarrassing things McGee does, when played for short stretches he can be incredibly effective. Again, when healthy. Which he has not been for the last two years.
Orlando desperately needed a rim protector and McGee would certainly fit that bill. That piqued my interest when it came to this deal. Denver more or less paid Philadelphia a very protected first round pick from Philadelphia to pawn off the final two years of McGee’s contract on them. That seems like a low, low asking price.
Ultimately, McGee is not someone who would work well for the Magic. His attitude and focus could wane in a locker room without a solid veteran to keep everyone focused and there could be issues with bringing him off the bench and having him paid almost as much as Nikola Vucevic. It is certainly not a good match.
Next: The Dragon goes to Miami