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NBA: Top 5 moves that raised teams’ title ceilings

By Preston Klaus

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball pressured by Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on March 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball pressured by Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on March 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers
LA Clippers Nicolas Batum (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) /

Criteria

I am limiting this list to any transaction that came in this year’s draft, free agency, or during the season. This includes draft picks, coaching hires, or trades/sign-and-trades. However, I am excluding re-signings (for example, Giannis Antetokoumpo’s extension, or Anthony Davis’s re-signing) as these players were on their respective teams last year.

I am also adding weight to each move depending on how far the team has advanced in the playoffs this season, as well as how big of an impact the move has made for that team in their quest to and through the postseason. Bonus points if the deal is a good financial value for the team too, although it isn’t necessary. Injuries aside, credit must be given to the teams that make it to the end.

Honorable Mentions

PJ Tucker traded to Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee made a clever deadline deal to acquire Tucker at the deadline and he has been crucial to their playoff run. Starting every game since the first round and guarding Nets’ star Kevin Durant in round two helped the Bucks squeak past the Nets on their way to the Finals.

Batum signs with LA Clippers

After his albatross $27 million contract was released by the Hornets to make room for Gordon Hayward, Batum shook his label of being ‘overpaid.’ Finding his niche with the LA Clippers on the veteran minimum salary, Batum started 38 of the 67 regular-season games he played in, was a key starter late in the postseason, and upped his 3-point average to an elite 40.4 percent – up 11.8 percent from last season.

Nate McMillan hired midseason by the Atlanta Hawks

A tough cut for the top five list, McMillan took over the Hawks as interim head coach when they were 14-20 and led them to an Eastern Conference Finals berth. He was absolutely critical in maximizing the abilities of this young Atlanta team.

Derrick Rose traded to the New York Knicks

The former MVP helped the Knicks finish 24-11 after trading for him and clinch homecourt advantage in the playoffs.

Jae Crowder signed by the Phoenix Suns

One of the NBA’s tough guys was scooped up in the offseason for $10 million a year by Phoenix after the Heat prioritized salary cap flexibility. Now in his second straight NBA Finals, Crowder continues to be a huge part of the Suns’ success.

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