Published 12:51 IST, February 5th 2020
NBA Trade Deadline: Wolves, Hawks, Rockets, Nuggets get four-team trade deal over the line
NBA Trade Deadline: NBA teams began to scramble to get trade deals over the line. However, the Timberwolves, Rockets, Hawks and Nuggets have pulled through.
Robert Covington, Clint Capela, Evan Turner, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Keita Bates-Diop and Gerald Green will reportedly be heading to new locker rooms after the NBA trade deadline. As part of the nostalgic four-team trade, Atlanta Hawks veteran forward Evan Turner will head to the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez. As part of the deal, Wolves’ Robert Covington will make his way to the Houston Rockets, with Rockets center Clint Capela heading to the Atlanta Hawks with potentially two first-round picks. Evan Turner will also bring an expiring contract with him to the Timberwolves.
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NBA trade deadline: Warriors quote high price for D’Angelo Russell, but four-team trade deal goes over the line
At first, it appeared that Golden State Warriors’ D’Angelo Russell was at the centre of this four-team trade deal storm. The Wolves have long tried to bring D’Angelo Russell to Minnesota to partner up with Karl-Anthony Towns. That move, however, appears to be dead in the water, with the Wolves unable to agree with the Warriors with the degree of the draft pick compensation for D’Angelo Russell. On paper, Evan Turner, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt could add to the strength in depth for the Timberwolves, with Evan Turner and Malik Beasley being the silver lining in this deal. Turner could also prove to be the playmaker the Wolves desperately need in wake of the lack of quality around Karl-Anthony Towns. Whether that upsets the loss of Robert Covington remains to be seen.
Robert Covington: Timberwolves’ loss, Houston Rockets gain
The move to send Clint Capela to the Hawks and roping in Robert Covington seems to be an effort on the Houston Rockets’ part to alter their approach in defence. Covington is capable of holding his own while shooting from deep. His arrival also saves money for the Rockets both, in the short-term and the long-term.
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NBA trade deadline: Atlanta Hawks seemingly the biggest winners
On paper, it would appear that the Atlanta Hawks are the biggest winners in this four-way deal. Clint Capela’s arrival will bolster the defence of the Atlanta Hawks. With the scoring being led by Trae Young, who seems to be getting better by the second, Clint Capela’s acquisition will offer defensive solidity to the Hawks. The Clint Capela signing also avoids putting a dent in the Hawks’ finances, with Capela reportedly raking in half as much as Andre Drummond would possibly earn were the move to go through.
Updated 12:51 IST, February 5th 2020