The NBA has witnessed some puzzling trades over the years, and recent moves have fans scratching their heads even more.
Questionable Trades in Recent Years:
In past seasons, teams like the Lakers and Timberwolves made controversial trades. The Lakers swapped Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Russell Westbrook shortly after a championship win. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves traded a hefty package for Rudy Gobert, including four first-round picks and Walker Kessler. Now, two new trades from 2024 are joining this list of questionable decisions.
The Knicks’ Risky Gamble:
The Knicks decided to trade for Mikal Bridges, Keita Bates-Diop, a future second-round pick, and draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet. In return, they sent Bojan Bogdanovic, Mamadi Diakite, Shake Milton, multiple unprotected first-round picks spanning from 2025 to 2031, an unprotected pick swap in 2028, and more to the Nets.
Bridges’ stats tell a concerning story. His Box Plus/Minus (BPM) stands at -1.5 among starters on his teamโa stat that reflects poorly when compared to replacement-level players. His True Shooting Added is at -8.3โthe lowest on the teamโand his Player Impact Estimate (PIE) ranks him 300th in the league.
While Bridges shows promise inside the paint with impressive shooting percentages close to the rim and mid-range areas, his three-point shooting is lackluster at just 34.3%. Defensively once known as a ballhawk during his time with Phoenix Sunsโhe’s now struggling against top players like Zach LaVine and Jayson Tatum who have shot perfectly against him this season.
Despite leading in minutes played per game for New Yorkโhis overall impact remains unimpressive making fans wonder if mortgaging their future was worth it.
Fans often feel these big trades don’t always pay off as expected!
The Pelicans’ Dubious Decision:
New Orleans took a chance by acquiring Dejounte Murray while giving up Dyson Daniels E.J Lidell Larry Nance Jr Cody Zeller along with valuable draft picks including one from Lakers (2025) plus another protected pick (2027).
Murray suffered an injury early but returned only averaging modest numbersโ15 points per game on poor shooting percentages both overall (33%) beyond arc(25%). Concerns arise about whether he fits well enough within their system given struggles creating shots independently since returning post-injuryโnot resembling lead guard needed guide deep playoff runs effectively yet…
Meanwhile Atlanta seems thriving post-trade winning six out seven games recently climbing standings thanks largely Trae Young flourishing without Murray alongside him boasting impressive stats himself such as leading league assists per game! Dyson Daniels centerpiece deal emerges transformative defensive force leading steals deflections solidifying role premier disruptor NBA today!
Pelicans sacrificed much hoping compete championships finding themselves last place Western Conference dismal record leaving many questioning wisdom behind move
