Boston Celtics: A-
The Boston Celtics were looking for both a capable ball-handler and quality backup center and ended up acquiring both in Derrick White and Daniel Theis. White can fit well into their starting lineup alongside Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Robert Williams, while Theis is infinitely better than Enes Freedom.
Boston used this deadline to build upon their already stout defensive identity, filling out their rotation with above-average defenders. They also moved off P.J. Dozier and Bol Bol to get under the tax, appeasing the wishes of ownership. Sure, they gave up a couple of first-round picks but got substantially better with the addition of White. Additionally, he’s under contract for the next four years, cementing himself as a piece of the Celtics’ core for years to come.
Brooklyn Nets: A
You never want to have to trade a player of James Harden’s caliber, but if you do, this is about as good as you’re gonna get. Receiving Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks in exchange for the disgruntled star simply makes Brooklyn a better team in the immediate future. The Nets avoid having to pay Harden his next historic contract – one that’s set to be the worst in the league – while adding young talent to pair next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Even if the latter leaves in the offseason, a duo of Durant and Simmons, surrounded by shooting, is good enough to compete with anyone in the Eastern Conference. Simmons will have much more room to operate compared to his Philadelphia days, as he’s set to play his best basketball after almost a year away from the court. There’s still potential to backfire, but this is a great deal by Sean Marks considering the situation.