Thursday’s roundup: Big names stay put
Miami — Paul George stayed put. So did Jimmy Butler, Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose.
And as the trade deadline passed Thursday, the NBA landscape seemed remarkably unchanged.
In all, seven deadline-day trades involving 14 players were put together by the 3 p.m. Eastern deadline — but no last-minute blockbusters. All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was traded to New Orleans by Sacramento earlier in the week, yet every trade that followed paled in comparison.
“You know where all those big dominoes are? They’re still home, with the exception of one,” Miami President Pat Riley said.
“I’m sure there were people that probably made some pretty significant offers. … When you have that kind of player … it takes a lot to say, ‘OK, we’re going to let this guy go.’ You stay with the sure thing there.”
George remained with the Pacers, despite widespread speculation the Celtics were pursuing the four-time All-Star.
“We had a lot of conversations, there’s things that we could do to improve our team, but nothing that is good enough to do,” Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said.
Jimmy Butler stayed with the Bulls, and the Knicks held onto Rose and Anthony — the latter of whom would have had to waive his no-trade clause to make any deal occur anyway.
“I wasn’t concerned,” George said. “At the end of the day, I’m in a good situation. … I heard the rumors, different rumors, but I can’t control what was going to happen one way or another.”
Perhaps the most interesting moves Thursday afternoon were not trades at all. Dallas put point guard Deron Williams on waivers, and when Williams clears he reportedly plans to sign with the Cavaliers.
Another significant player who may get to choose his next spot is Andrew Bogut, who was traded by Dallas to Philadelphia — and figures to be a buyout candidate. Bogut’ cannot go to Golden State, however, since the Warriors traded him last seasonm.
Of the 14 players traded Thursday, only Roy Hibbert has been an All-Star in the past.
Thursday’s transactions
The Thunder acquiring Bulls forwards Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott, said Mark Bartelstein, the agent for Gibson and McDermott. He said the Thunder sent Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow to Chicago. The Bulls also will send a 2018 second-round pick to the Thunder.
... The Mavericks reportedly acquired big man Nerlens Noel from the 76ers for Bogut, Justin Anderson and a protected first-round draft pick.
... The Suns, according to reports, traded forward P.J. Tucker to the Raptors for forward Jared Sullinger and two second-round picks.
... The Suns also reportedly acquired power forward Mike Scott from the Hawks for cash.
... The Nuggets acquired Hibbert from the Bucks for a protected second-round pick.
It’s the second time this month Hibbert has been dealt. The Bucks picked up Hibbert from the Hornets on Feb. 2.
... The Nets reportedly acquired swingman K.J. McDaniels from the Rockets for a future draft pick .
The Nets also waived guard Marcus Thornton, acquired Wednesday from the Wizards.
... The Hawks acquired former Pistons power forward Ersan Ilyasova from the 76ers on Wednesday night.
The 76ers obtained injured center Tiago Splitter and a protected second-round draft pick, and have the right to swap another 2017 second-round pick with the Hawks.
... The Pelicans waived forward Terrence Jones and signed shooting guard Hollis Thompson to a 10-day contract.