The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Celtics made just one small deal, deciding instead to go all-in with the roster that has helped them to a 39-16 record, the best in the league.
The Celtics are dealing Justin Jackson and two picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Mike Muscala, a 31-year-old veteran who is averaging 6.2 points and 14.5 minutes per game.
We tracked all the news and rumors through Thursday’s deadline. See how it unfolded below.
NBA trade deadline 2023 live updates
Click here to refresh | Sign up for Court Sense, our Celtics newsletter | Read more Celtics stories
Advertisement
Payton Pritchard stays put — 3:20 p.m.
Payton Pritchard will remain a Celtic for now.
A day after telling the Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach he’d like to be “somewhere I can play” and that he had discussed his future in Boston with Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, Pritchard was not moved at the trade deadline.
🚨 Deadline is here — 3:00 p.m.
The trade deadline has arrived.
Blazers trade Gary Payton II to Warriors; Kevin Knox to Portland — 2:51 p.m.
The details of the Wiseman trade continue to come out, courtesy of ESPN.
After getting Kevin Knox from the Pistons, the Warriors flipped him over to the Blazers in exchange for Gary Payton II, who was with Golden State during its NBA Finals run last season.
The Warriors will also send five second-round picks to Portland. They had received five picks from the Hawks earlier in the day as part of a trade that sent Saddiq Bey from Detroit to Atlanta and James Wiseman from Golden State to Detroit.
Hornets trade Mason Plumlee to Clippers for Reggie Jackson — 2:45 p.m.
The Clippers, who are sixth in the west at 31-27, have made a number of moves at the deadline.
Pelicans trade for Spurs’ Josh Richardson — 2:40 p.m.
Josh Richardson, who is on an expiring contract, has been moved to the Pelicans in exchange for Devonte’ Graham and four second-rounders, according to The Athletic.
Advertisement
Wiseman trade details: Kevin Knox heads to Warriors — 2:35 p.m.
ESPN reports the Pistons will send Kevin Knox to the Warriors as part of the deal for James Wiseman. Here’s what it looks like:
- Warriors guard James Wiseman to Pistons
- Pistons guard Saddiq Bey to Hawks
- Hawks send five second-round picks to Warriors
- Pistons send forward Kevin Knox to Warriors
Well, that didn’t age well — 2:30 p.m.
Check out this tweet Patrick Beverley sent last night:
The gang is Back❤️ https://t.co/LCxJY1GfDI
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) February 9, 2023
Beverley and D’Angelo Russell played together on the Timberwolves last season. It turns out they won’t be reunited in Los Angeles after all, with Russell coming in as part of Wednesday’s multi-team trade and Beverley headed out for Mo Bamba.
Pat Bev on the move: Lakers send him to Magic for Mo Bamba — 2:24 p.m.
Patrick Beverley is done in Los Angeles.
The 34-year-old vet is headed to the 22-33 Orlando Magic. Orlando will send back big man Mo Bamba.
The Athletic reports the Magic will also receive some sort of draft compensation, likely in the second round, in exchange for Bamba.
Eric Gordon trade details: John Wall, Danny Green head to Rockets — 2:20 p.m.
OK, let’s get this straight, per ESPN and The Athletic:
The Rockets will deal Eric Gordon to the Los Angeles Clippers. They’ll receive veteran John Wall from the Clippers and veteran Danny Green from the Grizzlies. The Clippers will send Luke Kennard to Memphis.
Green, 35, has barely played this season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs last season while he was still with Philadelphia. He made his season debut on Feb. 1.
Eric Gordon finally gets out of Houston — 2:15 p.m.
Veteran Eric Gordon will be part of a deal that will send him to the Clippers, according to ESPN.
From Gary Washburn: Gordon has been languishing in Houston for years, an ill-fitting piece in the Rockets’ rebuilding plan. But he had too many years on his contract to actually become a viable trade piece. He has a non-guaranteed year in 2023-24.
Advertisement
Gordon’s $19 million this season is still a hefty sum for a 34-year-old shooting guard.
Rockets pick up two from Hawks — 2:10 p.m.
ESPN reports the Hawks are dealing Justin Holiday and Frank Kaminsky to the Rockets.
The return: Garrison Matthews and Bruno Fernando.
Pistons’ Saddiq Bey headed to Hawks — 2:05 p.m.
As part of the Wiseman-to-Detroit trade, Saddiq Bey is headed from Detroit to Atlanta.
Bey, a third-year player out of Villanova, has appeared in 52 of the Pistons’ 56 games this year.
Detroit is 14-42.
Warriors trade former No. 2 pick James Wiseman to Pistons — 2:00 p.m.
James Wiseman, the second-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is on the move.
The third-year player, who missed Golden State’s title run with a knee injury last year, is being dealt to the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN.
In exchange, the Pistons are sending Saddiq Bey to the Hawks, who are sending five second-round picks to the Warriors as compensation.
Wiseman’s role has been limited this year. He’s appeared in just 21 games, averaging 12.5 minutes.
Thunder trade Darius Bazley — 1:55 p.m.
The Athletic reports Darius Bazley is headed to Phoenix for Dario Saric, as well as a second-round pick.
Bazley is in his fourth season in the league. He skipped college in favor of the G-League. After making at least 50 starts the past two seasons, he’s started just one game for Oklahoma City this year.
Nuggets deal Bones Hyland to Clippers, per ESPN — 1:53 p.m.
Bones Hyland, whom Denver drafted in the first round in 2021, has been part of the rotation all season. He’s averaging 19.5 minutes per game.
The Nuggets will receive two second-round picks — 2024 and 2025 — in exchange.
Advertisement
Bucks’ George Hill heads to Pacers; Serge Ibaka sent to Indy — 1:00 p.m.
ESPN and The Athletic report the Bucks, who just acquired Jae Crowder, are moving George Hill to the Pacers. Serge Ibaka, who has not been with the Bucks since January, is also headed to Indiana.
Three-team trade: Sixers deal Matisse Thybulle to Blazers; Jalen McDaniels to Philly — 12:40 p.m.
In what appears to be a multi-team trade, according to ESPN, the 76ers are sending Matisse Thybulle to the Trail Blazers. The Hornets will send Jalen McDaniels to Philadelphia.
Jae Crowder weighs in on trade to Bucks — 12:20 p.m.
Safe to say he’s glad his holdout worked out.
CUT OFF MY FINGER TO SAVE MY HAND… 99 BACK AGAIN.!! 😈😈😈😈🫡
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) February 9, 2023
Lakers deal Thomas Bryant to Nuggets for Davon Reed — 12:10 p.m.
ESPN reports the Los Angeles Lakers are sending 25-year-old center Thomas Bryant to Denver in exchange for Davon Reed, a 27-year-old guard.
Bryant has started 25 games for the Lakers this year, who are 25-30 and outside the playoff picture as the trade deadline approaches.
Reed has seen time in 35 games (1 start) for the Nuggets, who lead the West and are a game behind Boston in the league.
Nets flip Jae Crowder to Bucks for five second-rounders — 12:00 p.m.
Jae Crowder, who the Suns sent to the Nets in the Kevin Durant deal, is headed to Milwaukee, according to The Athletic
Crowder hasn’t played for Phoenix after it became clear his role with the team wouldn’t be significant. His holdout is mutual, and the team had been searching for a trade.
He was part of the package they sent to Brooklyn in exchange for the superstar Durant, along with Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap.
Celtics deal Justin Jackson to Thunder for Mike Muscala — 11:50 a.m.
The Celtics have agreed to send wing Justin Jackson and two future second-round picks to the Thunder in exchange for veteran big man Mike Muscala, multiple league sources confirmed Thursday.
Advertisement
Muscala, 31, is averaging 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Thunder this season. Boston has relied heavily on its floor spacing and 3-point shooting this year and the 6-foot-10 Muscala, a career 37.9 percent 3-point shooter, will certainly help in that area while providing added depth behind Al Horford and Robert Williams. — Adam Himmelsbach
Players to watch around the league — 10:15 a.m.
The players who are the most viable trade candidates are those on expiring contracts, or with player options who are likely to opt out of those contracts.
These players with options, which are rare for players to exercise, make the deadline most intriguing. Here’s a few who could be moved, courtesy of Gary Washburn:
Fred VanVleet, Raptors
VanVleet is considered a cornerstone in Toronto, an undrafted player who has turned himself into an All-Star-caliber point guard.
So why would the Raptors trade their most popular player? Because he has a player option for next summer and interested teams could sign VanVleet to a potential max deal this summer with no compensation for Toronto.
The Raptors have offered VanVleet an extension that he rejected, meaning he is looking for a considerable pay raise, and there are clubs who are seeking a franchise point guard, such as the Suns and Magic.
The Raptors don’t want to trade VanVleet, but they’re not winning this season with him and they don’t want to see him walk for free.
OG Anunoby, Raptors
The Raptors looked as if they would bounce back from Kawhi Leonard leaving for the Clippers without a glitch. They reached the Eastern Conference semifinals the next season and then, after drafting Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick, lost in a hotly contested first-round series to the 76ers in 2022. But the Raptors have stumbled this season and Anunoby is their most attractive asset besides Barnes.
Anunoby is a physical defender and solid perimeter shooter. Like VanVleet, the Raptors don’t want to move Anunoby, but he has one more year on his contract at a bargain $19 million before a player option for the 2024-25 season. Since he has an additional year on his contract, Anunoby is more marketable, but Toronto’s price will be higher.
He’s a homegrown player who has turned into one of the league’s better defenders. Those types don’t come around often.
P.J. Washington, Hornets
Why would the Hornets trade Washington, a former No. 12 overall pick? Because they’ll have to make a decision on other players and Washington could be left out.
The development of Jalen McDaniels has made Washington expendable and McDaniels will be up for an extension this summer. The Hornets will also have to save money for a potential max extension for point guard LaMelo Ball this summer. The potential five-year, $200 million deal is quite a commitment for usually prudent owner Michael Jordan, and Washington will be a restricted free agent this summer.
The Hornets would have the option to match any offer for Washington, but if they aren’t going to, why not trade him now and get compensation? His $5.8 million salary could match the Celtics’ Dennis Schröder trade exception and other teams would be interested, though they’ll probably have to attach at least a first-round pick, as well as a young player.
Kelly Olynyk, Jazz
The former Celtic has become a useful player but probably isn’t part of their long-term plans. His $12 million salary with $3 million guaranteed next season makes him attractive to clubs looking for a veteran stretch-4 who could also play center. Again, the question is what exactly would Ainge request for Olynyk? Is he worth a first-round pick? Or would it require just an expiring contract?
Will Barton, Wizards
Barton played good basketball for many years in Denver and he was supposed to help the Wizards a lot more than he has. He’s on an expiring contract, and at age 32, his most productive days may be over. But Barton is an intriguing player in a winning situation where he could score and defend off the bench. Barton is still shooting nearly 38 percent from the 3-point line and his $14 million salary could turn him into a tradeable piece for a Wizards team just looking for second-round picks and salary-cap relief.
Cam Reddish, Knicks
He’s been benched in two locations now, but a team looking to develop young players could see the potential in Reddish, a 2019 first-round pick of the Hawks. Reddish is a ball-dominant forward who is a below-average 3-point shooter. That doesn’t make him marketable, especially since he couldn’t crack the rotation of two teams. But a rebuilding team looking to replace an aging player with a prospect could offer the Knicks a deal and give Reddish yet another chance.
Donovan Mitchell weighs in on KD trade — 9:30 a.m.
Wtf did I just wake up to ??😂😂😂
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 9, 2023
What types of roles the Celtics could pursue at the trade deadline — 8:45 a.m.
It’s becoming apparent the Celtics need to make a move before the Thursday trade deadline or make an addition in the buyout market.
The need for a swingman and a third big man has become evident as the Celtics progress deeper into the season with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown playing heavy minutes and the team’s disinterest in playing Robert Williams extensive minutes, creating a need for another center. Read more from Gary Washburn.
Suns swing massive blockbuster for Kevin Durant, per reports — 1:30 a.m.
The long-swirling rumors around Nets superstar Kevin Durant finally culminated in a blockbuster trade late Wednesday evening, with the Suns reportedly dealing for the 13-time All-Star in one of the biggest deadline moves ever.
According to ESPN, Phoenix will send Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, and a 2028 pick swap to Brooklyn for Durant and TJ Warren.
The Suns are sending Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder, four first-round picks, a 2028 pick swap for Durant and TJ Warren, sources tell ESPN. Durant wanted move and new owner Mat Ishbia pushed to get deal done tonight. https://t.co/fqFUMIDllo
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
The move comes days after the Nets flipped enigmatic star Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks as Brooklyn looks toward a potential tear-down less than 18 months after boasting a trio of stars in Durant, Irving, and former MVP James Harden.
Westbrook reportedly centerpiece of big three-team deal — 8:42 p.m.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves are putting the finishing touches on a deal that would send D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to Los Angeles, while Russell Westbrook and a first-round pick would go to Utah, and Mike Conley Jr. and a second-round pick is headed for Minnesota, according to multiple reports.
How Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari factor in at the trade deadline — 4:30 p.m.
Center Robert Williams, who made his debut in December following offseason knee surgery, has a long history of injuries, and forward Al Horford turns 37 in June, so Boston could look to add another big man even though Luke Kornet has played well during his limited opportunities. The Celtics could also benefit from some wing depth, especially with star forward Jayson Tatum averaging a career-high 37.4 minutes per game, second-most in the NBA. Forward Sam Hauser’s struggles after his hot start made this potential need more glaring, but Hauser may have snapped out of his funk in drilling five 3-pointers in Monday’s win over Detroit.
Forward Danilo Gallinari, who has been sidelined since tearing his ACL while playing for Italy in a World Cup qualifier in September, remains hopeful that he will be able to return at some point in the playoffs. But the Celtics are not counting on that possibility, and his $6.4 million salary could be useful in orchestrating a trade. — Adam Himmelsbach
How often do the Celtics’ trade deadline deals work out? — 4:15 p.m.
Since 2013-14, the Celtics have been one of the NBA’s most active teams at the trade deadline. Their 16 trades within one month of the deadline are seventh-most in that span. They have made at least one trade leading up to the deadline in six of the last 10 seasons. They’ve acquired 19 players, 10 draft picks, a pick swap, and cash considerations while giving up 21 players and six picks, plus some cash.
But how often do those deals work out? Julian Benbow explored the numbers behind Boston’s moves.
Analysis: Why D’Angelo Russell and Russell Westbrook are on the trading block — 4:00 p.m.
Russell will be a free agent this summer and he hasn’t necessarily added to Minnesota’s success on the floor. Many observers consider Russell a selfish player who doesn’t always play hard and is consumed with his numbers. But he has enough talent to help a team making a playoff push.
Russell may be difficult to trade because he’s earning $31 million is the final year of that deal he signed with the Nets, and he most likely will not earn that money in free agency this summer. But there have been murmurs that the Timberwolves will be in search of an upgrade at point guard, so they could be open to a deal, although the players in return would have to help Minnesota’s quest in the Western Conference this season.
Westbrook is in the final year of a contract that pays him $47 million this season, so the parties interested in 25 games of Westbrook will be minimal. But the Lakers will be trying to offer Westbrook for a player who can help a championship run this season. A rebuilding team would take on Westbrook’s salary because of the cap relief this summer. His improved play of the past few weeks has slightly boosted his value around the league, but the question is whether Westbrook would be an asset to a contending team. — Gary Washburn
The Athletic: Russell Westbrook could be dealt to Jazz — 3:50 p.m.
Trader Danny at it again?
The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Tony Jones are reporting that a three-team trade could be in the works that would send the Lakers’ Russell Westbrook and draft compensation to the Jazz, Utah’s Mike Conley Jr. to the Timberwolves, and Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers.
The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are in discussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as a first-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023
Former Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is running the show in Utah.
Kyrie makes first comments since being traded to Mavs — 3:30 p.m.
Kyrie Irving is expected to make his debut with the Mavericks in Los Angeles on Wednesday when they visit the Clippers. The Mavericks struck a deal Sunday to acquire the eight-time All-Star from the Brooklyn Nets.
Here’s what he had to say Tuesday:
On playing with Luka Doncic:
“I’ve played with some of the best of all time, greatest of all time. I’ve been on some of the greatest teams, the Olympics and the world championships. This is going to be my first time seeing one of those bad Europeans come over and really dominate up close — and have the opportunity to do it at a pace that I don’t think has ever been seen before other than like Larry Bird.”
On leaving Brooklyn:
“I just know I want to be places where I’m celebrated, and not just tolerated or kind of dealt with in a way that doesn’t make me feel respected,” Irving said. “There were times throughout this process when I was in Brooklyn that I felt very disrespected. I work extremely hard at what I do. No one ever talks about my work ethic, though. Everyone talks about what I’m doing off the floor. I just want to change that narrative and write my own story and just continue to prepare in the gym and now that I’m in Dallas just focus on what I can control.”
Jaylen Brown trade rumors: He’s sick, not a candidate — 3:15 p.m.
When Jaylen Brown missed Monday’s game against the Pistons with an illness, there was some speculation that he may have been held out because of the possibility of a trade for Nets star Kevin Durant, whose future in Brooklyn could be uncertain after his friend and fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving was traded to the Mavericks.
But a team source insisted Tuesday that Brown’s absence had nothing to do with a potential deal; Brown simply had an illness. He’s been upgraded to probable for Wednesday’s home game against the 76ers. — Adam Himmelsbach
Payton Pritchard speaks out: I just want to be ‘somewhere I can play’ — 3:00 p.m.
Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was one of the last players on the court after the morning shootaround Wednesday, going through a long workout with an assistant coach. He said he is approaching this season as a redshirt year as he tries to earn a prominent role on this first-place team.
But the 25-year-old believes he should be more than an insurance policy. And with Thursday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline approaching, he stressed that he just wants an opportunity to thrive, whether in Boston or elsewhere.
“I mean, it’s not easy,” Pritchard told the Globe. “It’s a lot of ups and downs. I think people know I want to play, especially while I’m young still. So that’s my biggest thing, being somewhere I can play, where they believe in me.
“But at the end of the day, I’m here and we have a great team, best in the NBA. I’m very fortunate to be part of that.”
When Pritchard was asked whether he has had conversations with president of basketball operations Brad Stevens about his future in Boston, he nodded.
“Sure, but, I mean, at the end of the day it’s Brad’s decision, and I don’t really have a say in it,” he said. “So, whatever he decides.” — Adam Himmelsbach
Katie McInerney can be reached at katie.mcinerney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter at @k8tmac. Follow Andrew Mahoney on Twitter @GlobeMahoney. Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.