NBA Trade Deadline Tracker: 76ers add Buddy Hield and Miles Bridges stays put

NBA contenders reloaded before Thursday's trade deadline, while other teams made moves with eyes toward the future. Check it out!

NBA contenders were busy reloading before Thursday's trade deadline, making moves to bolster their rosters for the present and future. The 76ers acquired Buddy Hield, a much-needed 3-point specialist, to address their struggles from beyond the arc. Hield, a career 40.1% 3-point shooter, joins a Sixers team that ranked near the bottom of the league in 3-pointers made per game. This move comes as the Sixers deal with the absence of superstar center Joel Embiid, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Meanwhile, the Thunder, who are in the mix at the top of the Western Conference, added veteran forward Gordon Hayward to their roster. Hayward, despite battling injuries, has been a solid contributor when healthy this season. The Thunder sent little-used players Tre Mann and Davis Bertans to the Hornets in exchange for Hayward, who is in the final year of a lucrative contract.

In a surprising move, high-scoring forward Miles Bridges decided to stay with the struggling Hornets, rejecting trade offers from contenders like the Suns. By doing so, Bridges will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, giving him more control over his future. This decision also allows Charlotte to retain his Bird Rights, giving them the ability to offer him a max contract in the offseason.

The Mavericks, in need of center help, acquired Daniel Gafford from the Wizards in exchange for Richaun Holmes and draft compensation. Gafford, a 6-10 center, brings shot-blocking and rebounding to the Mavericks' frontcourt, addressing a key need for the team. This move comes as the Mavericks deal with injuries to promising rookie center Dereck Lively.

The Raptors, who have been active in making trades this season, made a lower-profile move, acquiring veteran center Kelly Olynyk and guard Ochai Agbaji from the Jazz. In exchange, they sent forward Otto Porter Jr., guard Kira Lewis Jr., and a 2024 first-round pick to Utah. This move adds depth to the Raptors' roster as they continue to reshape their team through trades.

Overall, the NBA trade deadline saw contenders loading up for the stretch run, while other teams made moves with an eye towards the future. These trades will have a significant impact on the league as teams position themselves for playoff runs and future success.