NBA Trade Deadline Aftermath, The February 2024 NBA trade deadline saw several contending teams make strategic moves to bolster their championship aspirations. Now, six weeks later, we’re seeing which teams successfully integrated new pieces and which are struggling to find chemistry. The Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, and Dallas Mavericks made the most significant moves, each taking different approaches to improve their playoff positioning.
This in-depth analysis covers:
✅ Phoenix’s gamble on Royce O’Neale’s two-way play
✅ Boston’s under-the-radar acquisition of Xavier Tillman
✅ Dallas’ bold moves for Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington
✅ Which teams improved their championship odds
✅ How these moves affect the playoff landscape
Phoenix Suns: Betting Big on Royce O’Neale
The Trade
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Suns Received: Royce O’Neale
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Nets Received: 2024 first-round pick (via Memphis), Yuta Watanabe
Impact Through 20 Games
| Stat | Pre-Trade | With O’Neale |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 31-21 (.596) | 14-6 (.700) |
| Defensive Rating | 116.3 (20th) | 112.1 (12th) |
| 3PT% Allowed | 37.4% | 35.1% |
| Net Rating | +3.1 | +5.8 |
NBA Trade Deadline Aftermath, O’Neale has been the perfect role player for Phoenix’s star-heavy roster:
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Shooting 39.7% from three in Phoenix
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Guarding opponents’ best wings nightly
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Allowing Booker/Beal to conserve energy on defense
ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted: “O’Neale is exactly what the Suns needed – a low-usage, high-IQ defender who spaces the floor.” (NBA NewsZ)
Boston Celtics: Xavier Tillman’s Quiet Impact
The Trade
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Celtics Received: Xavier Tillman
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Grizzlies Received: 2027 second-round pick, Lamar Stevens
Why This Move Matters
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Insurance for Horford/Porzingis: 6.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG per 36
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Switchable Defender: Can guard 3-5 in playoff matchups
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Cost Controlled: Only $1.9M salary this season
Hidden Value
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+8.3 net rating in limited minutes
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Held Giannis to 5-15 FG in March 10 matchup
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Perfect small-ball 5 for playoff scenarios
Dallas Mavericks: Reinventing Their Frontcourt
The Trades
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Daniel Gafford from Wizards
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P.J. Washington from Hornets
Transformation of Dallas’ Identity
| Category | Pre-Trade | Post-Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Rebounding Rank | 24th | 8th |
| Points in Paint | 18th | 5th |
| Defense Rating | 22nd | 15th |
Gafford’s Impact:
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78.3 FG% with Dallas (NBA record pace)
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2.3 BPG since arrival
Washington’s Value:
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Versatile defender for Kawhi/LeBron matchups
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37.1% from three in Dallas
Playoff Implications: Who Improved Most?
Championship Odds Movement
| Team | Pre-Trade Odds | Current Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Suns | +1200 | +800 |
| Celtics | +350 | +300 |
| Mavericks | +2500 | +1800 |
Biggest Winners
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Mavericks – Solved their rebounding/defense issues
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Suns – Found missing wing piece
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Celtics – Added depth without sacrificing chemistry
Potential Playoff Matchup Nightmares
Suns With O’Neale vs. Clippers
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Can now switch Kawhi/PG actions
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Extra defender to throw at Harden
Celtics With Tillman vs. Bucks
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Mobile big to counter Giannis
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Allows Horford to play less minutes
Mavericks’ New Size vs. Thunder
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Gafford/Washington can punish OKC’s lack of size
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Protect Luka/Kyrie defensively
Read More: NBA Rising Stars: How Chet Holmgren & Paolo Banchero Are Redefining NBA’s Young Talent
Conclusion: Deadline Moves Paying Off
NBA Trade Deadline Aftermath, While the Bucks and 76ers stood pat, the Suns, Celtics, and Mavericks made calculated moves that have already improved their championship outlook. As we approach the playoffs, these acquisitions could prove to be the difference between an early exit and a Finals run.
For more NBA trade analysis and playoff coverage, visit NBA NewsZ.
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