NBA Trade Deadline: Grading every team’s 2022 deadline moves

Orlando Magic: B-

The Magic held onto both Terrence Ross and Gary Harris at the deadline, only taking on Bol Bol and P.J. Dozier at the deadline to help out the Celtics. They may get a look at Bol, but more than likely he’s out for the season, set to enter free agency in the summer. Ideally, they’ll deal Ross in the offseason, as the bench sparkplug could help tons of teams as a sixth man. It’s a bit strange to see the 13-43 Magic hold onto all their veterans at the deadline, but it’s not too consequential either way.

Philadelphia 76ers: B+

Well, here we go. Acquiring James Harden at the deadline is something that few thought was possible, but that didn’t stop Daryl Morey from pursuing it. Eventually, he got his way, sending back Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks. The fit of Harden and Joel Embiid sounds wonderful on paper, but it’s difficult to fully buy into the former considering his lackluster play over the last 12 months.

This trade certainly increases their upside, moving them into championship conversations, with one of the league’s best duos. However, Curry (and even Drummond) were very important pieces to Philly, leaving them with holes on the roster. They’ll look to add shooting and a backup center in the buyout market. It’s a hard trade to pass up, but also a dangerous move considering the eventual extension of Harden, one that’s going to be one of the league’s worst of all time.