NBA Trade Deadline: Grading And Explaining The Significant Deals

Feb 9, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) shoots the ball over Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Thunder won 124-114. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Trail Blazers get: Arron Afflalo, Alonzo Gee

Grade: A

Nuggets get: Thomas Robinson, Will Barton, Victor Claver, lottery-protected future first-round pick

Grade: B-

In probably the most underrated move of the day, mostly because it was the first of such to go down, the Portland Trail Blazers made their move to solidify themselves as contenders in the Western Conference. Adding Arron Afflalo to a team that greatly needed bench scoring is the type of move that differentiates a team from bowing out in the first round to potentially making a conference finals run.

Before this trade I liked the Blazers. Now, I think I may actually really, really like this team to do some damage in the Western Conference.

This was the one of two moves that Denver was able to muster at the deadline, although this was the only one in which the Nuggets actually received decent compensation. The deal was understandable.

Trade Winner: Blazers — and it’s not even close.

Next: Miami back?