Mike Lowry wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2026 10:13 pm
Which was the best trade executed on day 60?
How are you defining "best"?
What impact will this trade have?
Amongst the destruction of the Warriors and Hawks and reorganizing for the lotto, the difference between “best” and “favorite” subjectively speaking both involved the Hawks. Just in terms of what he was looking for and extracting that value and having multiple chances at an even greater lotto ticket, the appeal of adding David Robinson or Shawn Kemp is gaining more traction across the league. That was evident after Day 60.
Hawks essentially reset their team by bringing in younger assets, resetting their books, and adding to their war chest. As a GM, that is exemplary work. Making big swings, Chad saw the chance to add LaSalle Thompson amid a team in flux and swung for the fences. Though, I do wonder how he’ll move the pieces around the board with Green, Thompson, & Bailey. What he gave up? Reggie Miller. A 3pt specialist that’s on a rookie deal and going to get more efficient and deadly as a scorer. Mitch Richmond & Mark Price is an excellent scoring combo from the wings to have Thompson & Bailey or Green clean up the misses.
Then Ryan found a new home for Kevin McHale, still a monster in this league, and shipped him off to Portland for essentially Ken Norman, and the Knicks potential lotto pick. Wig stockpiles talent while Ryan regroups and strengthens the possibility he could have two lotto picks in the next draft ahead. If it hits and he gets Kemp or Robinson, there’s your answer for the next decade plus as the next dominant player in SLOE.
Then came the trade of Derek Harper to Chicago for Nick Vanos, and their own pick back. A heavy price to pay as Harper is still a quality player but this gives Ryan the ability to control his own destiny. Also, he’s going to find a buyer for Cliff Robinson & Reggie Theus and get more picks and assets back. Tough to hate on the GM exhibit Ryan put on over the course of this past weekend.