NBA Teams That Hit Big Time At 2021 Trade Deadline

Another trade deadline has come and gone, and as expected, it was quite eventful and unpredictable.

A couple of big names were traded, while some of the most talked-about trade targets ended up staying put. Of course, there was that one trade that nobody saw coming.

As with every trade deadline, there are winners and there are losers.

Here are some of the teams that hit it big at the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline

READ ALSO: LOOK: Most Impactful Trade Deadline Moves In NBA History

Chicago Gets Another All-Star In Nikola Vucevic

Perhaps the biggest deal that went down on Deadline Day was one of the earliest as the Chicago Bulls pulled off a massive move by bringing in two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic from the Orlando Magic.

The full deal sees Orlando trade Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu to the Bulls for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter, and a pair of first-round picks.

This was also arguably the most surprising move of the deadline, especially after Orlando had stated that they were looking for a hefty return for their star big man.

Currently sitting as the tenth-seed in the Eastern Conference, the Bulls’ big move signifies a win-now mentality as they get a second star to pair with Zach LaVine, who’s having an All-Star-worthy season of his own.

In "Vooch," the Bulls are getting a nightly double-double guy as he’s averaging a career-high 24.5 points and 11.8 boards per game.

The Bulls also sent Chandler Hutchison to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Mo Wagner and Troy Brown. They would later send Wagner to the Boston Celtics for Daniel Thies.

Miami Gets Victor Oladipo For Cheap

In one of the more anticipated moves of the deadline, the Miami Heat brought in another All-Star in Victor Oladipo from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, and a 2022 pick swap.

This is the second time that Oladipo switched jerseys this season after having been traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Rockets as part of the blockbuster James Harden deal.

In his 20 games with the Rockets, Oladipo was quite solid as he put up 21.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and five assists per outing.

The two-time All-Star becomes another weapon for the Heat, who are looking to make a return trip to the NBA Finals.

Oladipo joins a Heat core that includes Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic.

The Heat also added forward Nemanja Bjelica from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Moe Harkless and Chris Silva.

The South Beach squad is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference.

Denver Loads Up On Big Men

The Denver Nuggets may have not gotten an All-Star at the deadline, but they did get a big catch in Aaron Gordon.

The deal sees Denver sending Gary Harris and RJ Hampton to the Orlando Magic for Gordon and Gary Clark.

The high-flying Gordon has been the center of numerous trade rumors all week, especially after publicly requesting to be traded from the Magic.

Gordon, who’s averaging 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this year, will definitely bolster the Nuggets’ talented core led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Earlier in the day, the Nuggets also added center JaVale McGee from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isiah Hartenstein and a pair of future-protected second-rounders.

McGee has been solid for the Cavaliers this season, putting up eight points and 5.2 boards per contest.

Rip City Adds NBA Champion Norman Powell

The Portland Trail Blazers picked up a solid piece in NBA champion Norman Powell from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood.

Powell was one of the more sought-after targets during the trade deadline, and it’s no surprise given his ability to score the basketball. He is putting up 19.6 points per game.

Powell joins arguably the best backcourt in the NBA in Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, who have helped the Blazers to the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference.

Honorable Mentions:

• Boston Celtics get guard Evan Fournier
• Dallas Mavericks acquire JJ Redick and Nicco Melli
• Los Angeles Clippers trade Lou Williams to the Atlanta Hawks for Rajon Rondo