We're five weeks removed from the NBA's trade deadline and five weeks shy of the postseason. What better timing for a progress report card on every playoff team that shopped the trade and buyout markets. Who's better since our instant reaction to the deadline's winners and losers? Who's worse? Pencils down, people.
Boston Celtics
Players in: Xavier Tillman, Jaden Springer
Players out: Dalano Banton, Lamar Stevens
Picks in: 2027 R2 (least favorable NOP or POR, top-55 protected)
Picks out: 2024 R2 (most favorable CHI or NOP), 2027 R2 (ATL), 2030 R2 (DAL)
It took several weeks for Tillman to be cleared from a sore left knee, and his return has been met with inconsistent playing time, if any at all.