A Woj bomb was dropped overnight as a four-team NBA trade occurred. The center-piece of the trade was center Clint Capela, who is now being shipped from the Houston Rockets to the Atlanta Hawks along with Nene. The other teams involved include the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. The Houston Rockets acquired Robert Covington and Jordan Bell. The Timberwolves receive Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt, Evan Turner, and a Houston first-round pick via the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are getting Shabazz Napier, Keita Bates-Diop, Gerald Green, Noah Vonleh, and a Houston first-round pick.
NBA Trade Grade #1: Atlanta Hawks: B+
The Hawks finally bring in some reinforcements for the young rising star in Trae Young. Capela will be a nice fit in the Atlanta frontcourt, coupling with young star John Collins. Clint Capela will thrive in Atlanta as he will have a larger role and impact than he did with the Houston Rockets. Rather than being the fourth or fifth option on offence now, he can be the second or third option in Atlanta’s offensive scheme. The Hawks had to give up very little for some reinforcements in their frontcourt making this trade a win for them.
NBA Trade Grade #2: Denver Nuggets: C+ (Could Change)
It’s difficult to understand the motivation of the Nuggets in this trade. The one reason this grade could change is if the Nuggets make another trade before the deadline. They could be stockpiling assets for a key contributor such as Jrue Holiday, JJ Redick, or Kelly Oubre. Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez were on expiring deals, but the players they got in return still don’t make much sense for their current needs. Beasley may have had a difficult time seeing the floor this season, but he was also one of the few reliable three-point shooters on their squad this year. The Nuggets did get a first-round pick in the deal, but it may not be worth much if they don’t use it in another deal considering it is a first-round pick from the Nets (meaning it likely won’t be that high of a pick).
NBA Trade Grade #3: Houston Rockets: B+
The Rockets had to give up Clint Capela, but they still got a wing player who fits their needs perfectly in Robert Covington. Covington has been having a silent, but solid season as he is tallying 12.8 points per game, a defensive rating of 107, and a true shooting percentage of 57.2%. The Rockets were in need of some defensive help on the perimeter. They got it along with a player who compliments their offensive play-style, especially since they like to utilize a small-ball lineup often. Not to mention, the Rockets get added insurance in the front-court with the addition of Jordan Bell.
Grade #4: Minnesota Timberwolves: B- (Could Change)
The Timberwolves were finally able to off-load Robert Covington and get some key rotational players for their roster. Malik Beasley will provide some offensive punch if he is a part of their future plans. If not, he could be used in another trade which could occur soon. Not to mention, they could groom Jarred Vanderbilt to be a key bench player, especially since he hardly saw any time in the Mile High with their roster being so deep. With the team being in a rebuilding phase right now, the loss of Covington’s defensive presence was a necessary loss to ensure success with their future plans.
This trade very well could be the biggest storyline of the NBA Trade Deadline. While no blockbuster stars were involved, there were still a lot of key players and assets which were moved. So far, the Atlanta Hawks seem to be the winners of this NBA trade. However, that could change if the Nuggets and/or Timberwolves consolidate the assets they gained for another trade. We will see in the coming hours if anything else materializes due to this four-team deal.
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