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10 Things We Learned From 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

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By @Greg_Sacidor

10 Things We Learned From 2015 NBA Trade Deadline

Phoenix Suns v Oklahoma City Thunder
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The 2015 NBA trade deadline will go down in history as one of the craziest deadlines that the league has ever seen. With trades taking place from early Thursday morning all the way up until the 3:00 pm deadline, here are 10 things that we learned when all of the dust finally settled.

10. Nostalgia Exists

Sacramento Kings v Minnesota Timberwolves
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10. Nostalgia Exists

Sacramento Kings v Minnesota Timberwolves
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In the midst of all the activity that took place on Thursday, two NBA franchises reacquired players who previously played a big role in the team’s history. The Minnesota Timberwolves made the first nostalgic move of the afternoon when the brought back Kevin Garnett, who spent his first 12 seasons with the team. The Detroit Pistons soon joined in on the action as they reacquired Tayshaun Prince, who won an NBA Championship with them back in 2004.

9. Top Teams Content With Their Roster

Philadelphia 76ers v Golden State Warriors
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9. Top Teams Content With Their Roster

Philadelphia 76ers v Golden State Warriors
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Although several trades took place at the NBA’s trade deadline, one common theme rang prevalent throughout – the top teams were content with their roster. Outside of the Portland Trail Blazers, most of the top teams in each conference felt no need to go out and improve their roster.

8. Portland Trail Blazers Now Serious Contender

Denver Nuggets v Sacramento Kings
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8. Portland Trail Blazers Now Serious Contender

Denver Nuggets v Sacramento Kings
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As previously mentioned, the Trail Blazers were the only top team that seriously improved their roster. Ranked 28th in bench scoring, the Trail Blazers went out and acquired Arron Afflalo and Alonzo Gee from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Thomas Robinson, Will Barton, Victor Claver and 2016 lottery-protected first round draft pick. The addition of Afflalo will really help the Trail Blazers cause some havoc in the West the rest of the way.

7. Oklahoma City Thunder Are Not Done Yet

Enes Kanter
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7. Oklahoma City Thunder Are Not Done Yet

Enes Kanter
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With Reggie Jackson demanding a trade from the team, the wheels looked like they were ready to fall off of the Oklahoma City Thunder coming out of the All-Star break. But once the trade deadline passed, there was all sorts of new hope for the Thunder. After moving Jackson to the Pistons, the Thunder acquired multiple valuable role players including Enes Kanter, who will provide the Thunder with the low-post scoring threat they have been missing.

6. Miami Heat Are Now A Threat

Goran Dragic Phoenix Suns
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6. Miami Heat Are Now A Threat

Goran Dragic Phoenix Suns
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Although they were already holding onto the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference before today, things seemed awfully bleak for the Miami Heat. But after Thursday’s trade deadline, it appears as though they will be able to create some noise in the playoffs. In typical Pat Riley fashion, the Heat went out on Thursday and boosted their playoff hopes by acquiring the best player on the market – in this case, it was Goran Dragic.

5. Detroit Pistons Are Not Out of Things

Oklahoma City Thunder v Washington Wizards
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5. Detroit Pistons Are Not Out of Things

Oklahoma City Thunder v Washington Wizards
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To begin the year, it looked like the Detroit Pistons' season was going to be a waste. But soon after releasing Josh Smith, things looked bright for the Pistons. However, shortly after their long winning streak took the league by storm, Brandon Jennings went down with a season-ending injury, seemingly ending the team’s run. Now with Reggie Jackson in the fold, look for the Pistons to make a run at the East’s final playoff spot.

4. Philadelphia 76ers Still Looking To Rebuild

Philadelphia 76ers V Boston Celtics
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4. Philadelphia 76ers Still Looking To Rebuild

Philadelphia 76ers V Boston Celtics
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Right when you thought that the Philadelphia 76ers were ready to move along in their rebuilding process, general manager Sam Hinkie brought the team back to square one. Although moving Michael Carter-Williams for the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round draft pick – whenever they may receive it – looks like a good move in the long run, trading the team’s point guard and the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year sets the 76ers back some.

3. If You Want To Be Traded, You Will

Utah Jazz v Phoenix Suns
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3. If You Want To Be Traded, You Will

Utah Jazz v Phoenix Suns
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The 2015 NBA trade deadline will be remembered by the common theme that if a player wants to be traded, then they will be traded. Thursday’s deadline saw three teams give into the demands of their players by trading them to a new team. Although the Thunder and Phoenix Suns managed to get value back for their unhappy campers, the Utah Jazz basically gave into the demands of Enes Kanter without getting anything in return.

2. Point Guards Were At A Premium

Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
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2. Point Guards Were At A Premium

Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder
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After the 2015 NBA trade deadline had passed, a total of 12 point guards were being given new homes. Headlined by players such as Reggie Jackson and Goran Dragic being on the move, it appears safe to say that the NBA has officially become a point guard driven league.

1. Trade Deadline Isn't Over Until It's Over

Philadelphia 76ersv Milwaukee Bucks
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1. Trade Deadline Isn't Over Until It's Over

Philadelphia 76ersv Milwaukee Bucks
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No matter what happens at any other NBA trade deadline down the road, nothing will ever compare to the last 30 minutes leading up to the 2015 NBA trade deadline. As the minutes wound down, NBA insiders were flooded with new information regarding several trades that were just taking place, including the three-team trade between the 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Suns that saw Michael Carter-Williams and Brandon Knight being sent to new teams.

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