NBA Trade Deadline 2019: Winners and losers

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 13: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks is welcomed back after tearing his ACL previously in the season prior to taking on the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2018 in New York City. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Winner: New York Knicks

There were no indications of a Kristaps Porzingis trade happening and the suggestion of one seemed preposterous. But then, through a series of Woj bombs, it all formulated right before our eyes within what felt like minutes. What transpired was extra shocking since the Knicks are notoriously loose-lipped.

A torrent of takes, both hot and cold, flooded the interwebs once news of the Porzingis trade to Dallas shook out. Some people aired their journey of emotions through a Twitter thread, others put together well thought-out pieces to help bystanders wade through the dross.

In the move, New York cleared the decks on their cap sheet for the hyped class of ’19 free agents.

In addition to the salary dump, New York picked up Dennis Smith Jr., a perfect backcourt mate for Frank Ntilikina. In an ideal world, the two will grow together making up for each other’s shortcomings with their strengths.

The trade also came with a pair of first-round picks from Dallas. Nothing’s ever guaranteed with the draft, but the past has shown us future picks come with limitless possibilities. Tucking them away in a growing war chest of assets only helps down the line.

Yes, the Knicks lost who was thought to be their savior and salvation, but Porzingis turned out to be a false prophet.

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