By: Austin Hanson 

     The trade deadline for any major sports organization always brings emotions of nervousness, anxiety, joy, and sometimes heartbreak for both fans and players. This year the NBA trade deadline was no exception, with many intriguing trades and free-agent signings from multiple organizations. Some hope to make a final bolster to their rosters to win a championship, while others are making moves to “rebuild” their rosters.  

     The Squire interviewed eighth grade basketball player, Kymani Vine to find out what he thought out about the moves made, Vine explained, “I believe this year’s deadline was much more impactful for the league and a lot more reckless”. He isn’t the only person saying this either, as many people on social media have shared that this was the most chaotic trade deadline day in NBA history.  

     Arguably the most impactful and influential trade that happened was the three team trade between the Los-Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Utah Jazz. This trade saw the Lakers land star point-guard Luka Doncic, along with veteran role players Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris. The Mavericks who traded Doncic away, received Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Jazz received guard Jalen Hood-Schifino and two 2025 second round picks. This trade shook the league and outraged many Mavericks fans, as Luka had led the team to the NBA championship in 2024 and lost to the formidable Bostin Celtics. Lakers fans, however, were thrilled, as Luka is not only a fantastic addition to the team now but will also be a key piece for the organization for many years to follow.  

     The Lakers were also part of another big-time trade this deadline, one that saw the Charlotte Hornets trade star young center Mark Williams to the Lakers, in exchange for Rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and a first-round pick swap. However a few days after this trade was completed, it was rescinded as Mark Williams failed his physical test with the Lakers. 

     Even though Lakers fans missed out on another potential young superstar, fans say that they are still thrilled. “I am most excited to watch the Lakers,” said Vine. “I think that once Luka builds chemistry with his teammates, they will be a very dangerous team come playoff time.”  

     The next biggest trade of the deadline was all-star forward Jimmy Butler being traded to the Golden State Warriors in another three-team trade that included the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Utah Jazz. In this trade Butler, along with cash considerations and two second-round picks were sent to the Warriors. The Heat received Andrew Wiggins, Kyle Anderson, and a protected first round pick. The Jazz received guard Dennis Schroder from the Warriors; however, they immediately traded him within 12 hours to the Detroit Pistons for draft picks. Vine shared with The Squire how he felt about the Jimmy Butler trade, “My favorite team is the Warriors, so I’m thrilled that we were able to land another superstar to play alongside Steph Curry, as he needed some help.” Many people, some fans of the Warriors and others not, agree with him, as the duo of Steph and Jimmy is sure to be a nightmare for every team in the league. 

     In accordance with the trade deadline commencing, many fans are expressing their opinions on who “won” the trade deadline, and which team was able to make the biggest move. “I believe the Mavericks made the best move this deadline,” explained Vine. “The addition of Anthony Davis as both an offensive and defensive threat was huge for them, and him playing alongside Kyrie is scary for the league.”  

     Additionally, many teams’ odds to win the NBA championship have skyrocketed, while others have plummeted. The Laker’s went from +100000 to now being at +1600, and the Warriors went from +10000 to +3300. However, the Mavericks went from +2000 before the Luka trade, to now being at +4000 afterwards. The Squire asked Vine who he thinks is going to win the NBA championship now that big time moves have been made, and he predicted, “I still think that the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the championship this year.”  The Thunder’s odds of winning are +230, second only to the Boston Celtics who are at +200. “The only team that I think can beat them are the Mavericks. I think their defense is just enough to slow down the powerhouse Thunder team,” added Vine.  

     This year’s NBA trade-deadline is sure to go down in history as one of the most chaotic, and impactful deadlines in recent memory, The Squire thanks Kymani Vine for sharing his thoughts on the deadline. Be sure to stay in tune with the second half of the regular season to be prepared for playoffs!