（原文发表于2月6日，作者为ESPN的Kevin Pelton，文章内容不代表译者观点）
随着NBA交易截止日的临近，一些重要交易已经对联盟未来格局产生了深远影响。独行侠完成了两笔引人注目的交易，其中包括一项震惊全联盟的三方交易——东契奇被送往湖人，以换取安东尼·戴维斯。此外，独行侠还从76人获得凯莱布·马丁。而其他重磅交易则涉及福克斯加盟马刺，以及拉文由公牛转会至国王。同时，巴特勒与热火之间的纠纷也在一次四方交易中得到解决，他将加入勇士队。在截止日前夕，还有英格拉姆加盟猛龙、雄鹿将米德尔顿送到奇才以换回库兹玛等重要操作。
ESPN记者Kevin Pelton对此次主要交易进行了评分，并分析了所有相关球队和球员所受到的影响。
交易详情
- 雄鹿得到：凯尔·库兹玛、小帕特里克·鲍德温、2025年次轮签
- 奇才得到：克里斯·米德尔顿、AJ-约翰逊、2028年的首轮互换权
密尔沃基雄鹿 评分：C
This trade appears to be more of a financial maneuver than a basketball move. By swapping Middleton's $31.7 million salary for Kuzma's $23.5 million (plus part of his 15% trade bonus), the Bucks have reduced their luxury tax bill by nearly $30 million this season and avoided crossing the second luxury tax apron, which could benefit them in their current campaign.
The calculation related to that second apron may help Milwaukee as they navigate through this season’s challenges. According to ESPN reporter Bobby Marks, it requires Kuzma to waive part of his traded player exception so that the Bucks can remain just below the restricted second apron threshold.
If no further game-changing trades occur, this deal suggests that Milwaukee acknowledges its inability to contend for an NBA championship at present. Since pairing Lillard with Giannis Antetokounmpo, hopes for title contention hinge on either Middleton achieving full health or being traded away for another star—options now seemingly off the table.