Thursday's NBA trade deadline was characteristically eventful and a little bit surprising. Several players moved who were expected to, while others who we thought would be on their way out stayed put.
All in all, it was a wild day of trades. But a deal that didn't get done is what leads our takeaways.
The NBA world now patiently waits for the offseason and summer of Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was not traded before the deadline despite asking for the New Orleans Pelicans to move him. The Los Angeles Lakers offered everything but the keys to the Staples Center to the Pelicans to acquire the five-time All-Star, but the 2012 No. 1 pick remains in New Orleans. Now we wait.
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Just like the Pelicans wanted to, as the Boston Celtics will now be allowed to bid on the star when July 1 rolls around. Boston is expected to offer an "explosive package," which may include Jayson Tatum. It's a waiting game now, even more so than it was when Davis first asked to be dealt.
Philadelphia finally gave up on Markelle Fultz
Markelle Fultz's tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers was an eventful one as he came in with high expectations, then developed an odd hitch in his shot and ultimately was shut down with a shoulder injury.
That tenure is now over for Fultz as Philadelphia traded him to the Orlando Magic for Jonathan Simmons and a first- and second-round pick. Fultz will now try to find his way in Orlando because he never truly got his footing in Philadelphia.
Raptors, Bucks only get stronger
There is talk around the NBA right now that the Golden State Warriors is the best team and it is followed by the top four teams in the East. It may be hard to argue that after Thursday.
The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Nikola Mirotic from the Pelicans for two players and the Toronto Raptors added center Marc Gasol in a three-player trade with the Grizzlies.
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Both players are very interesting additions to both squads as they can stretch the floor which gives space to Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee and even more options for Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.
These teams are deep with very good starting fives and they just made the top of the Eastern Conference even stronger.
Trade deadline: part two
The trade deadline may be over, but there is still likely to be a lot of movement in the next few days and that will center around the buyout market.
New York Knicks center Enes Kanter and guard Wesley Matthews are expected to be bought out while the Chicago Bulls is considering buying out Robin Lopez. Furthermore, Wayne Ellington is expected to join that market after he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Marcin Gortat is also out there after being waived by the Los Angeles Clippers and Carmelo Anthony could finally find a home.
The deadline may be done, but the action is far from over.
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