The 2020 NBA trade deadline featured some last-hour deals that could change the postseason outlook for some teams, and the long-term trajectory for other clubs.

Andre Drummond and D’Angelo Russell were the only former All-Stars to be moved. Drummond was sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a salary dump deal, singling the center’s days as a star likely finished. Russell was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves, brightening the outlook of the struggling franchise.

It could take months or even years to properly judge which teams made the best moves. But for this knee-jerk reaction post, we will look at three trade deadline winners.

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves needed to do something to appease disgruntled star center Karl-Anthony Towns. They accomplished their goal by acquiring his friend, D’Angelo Russell, from the Golden State Warriors. An All-Star in 2019, the 23-year-old is primed to be the point guard of the future for Minnesota.

Russell was netted in a trade that sent guard/forward Andrew Wiggins to Golden State. Landing Russell was a major win for Minnesota, but ridding themselves of Wiggins’ mammoth contract is a major triumph of its own.

Wiggins has three additional seasons and $94.5 million remaining on his contract. The Timberwolves gave away their 2021 protected first-round pick and a ‘21 second-round selection in the deal, but that was well worth it.

Defense is not a strong suit for Russell or Towns. There are certainly hurdles to climb moving forward. But Minnesota—which has lost 13 straight—should be praised for being aggressive during the deadline in a lost season.

By trading Wiggins and acquiring Russell, the Timberwolves got a younger and cheaper player. Add in the fact that point guard was a position of need, and it’s clear why this trade is a win for Minnesota.

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Washington Wizards agreed to a three-team trade that sent Marcus Morris and Isaiah Thomas (expected to be released) to LA. Jerome Robinson will be the newest member of the Wizards, while Moe Harkless and LA’s 2020 NBA Draft first-round pick were sent to the Knicks. On the surface, this looks like a good deal for all parties involved. But for now, let’s focus on the Clippers (36-15) and how they boosted their title chances.

Morris has been a knockdown shooter from deep this year, hitting 43.9 percent of his 3’s. Not only does the veteran spread the floor, he is also a reliable defender. Morris has done a solid job of guarding Lakers superstar LeBron James in the past. He will be called upon to defend the bigger forwards, and in small-ball lineups he could be asked to square up against the opposing center.

Harkless was a defensive specialist for the Clippers. But his inability to hit shots from the outside limited his playing time. Morris will see a much smaller role for the Clippers than he did with the lowly Knicks, but he figures to play in crunch time on occasion.

The obvious reason why obtaining Morris was a major win for the Clippers?—they denied the Lakers from getting him, as their rivals were also in pursuit of the forward.

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Miami Heat

The No. 2 seed is up for grabs in the Eastern Conference. Looking to snag the East's second seed, the Heat (34-16) bolstered its roster by snatching Andre Iguodala and Jae Crowder in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Miami had to give up Justice Winslow, 23, in the trade. The 10th overall selection of the 2015 NBA Draft, Winslow has been a bit of a disappointment relative to expectations. Often injured, Winslow has struggled to develop as an offensive player. He did well as the point forward last year, but had no place being the floor general of a Miami team which has All-Star Jimmy Butler, impressive rookie guard Kendrick Dunn and Goran Dragic to run the offense.

Winslow is a strong defender, but so too are Iguodala and Crowder. Iguodala has not played all season, so it remains to be seen how much the 36-year-old has left in the tank. Perhaps the time away from the court will benefit the former Finals MVP. Iguodala, of course, has been a mainstay in the postseason this decade. Crowder has played his share of playoff contests too, reaching the Conference Finals with the Celtics in 2017. Miami can utilize Crowder as a small forward and at the 4.

The Heat is better geared for this NBA postseason with Iguodala and Crowder on board. Furthermore, Miami didn’t relinquish any draft picks in the trade.