Warriors Collapse After Porzingis Trade, Sixers Spiral

Merlin sees the trade deadline left several teams worse off. Golden State is 6-12 since the deadline, hurt by Curry and Jimmy Butler injuries and a Kristaps Porziņģis trade that has not helped. Houston sat idle and still lacks a true point guard. Philadelphia sold pieces and then fell apart with injuries. Denver cooled despite health, and Sacramento’s late wins threaten a top draft slot. Merlin notes front offices are straddling timelines and paying for it. Warriors tried to balance present and future and lost value trading a young wing. Rockets need a veteran floor general or Kevin Durant’s load will grow. Sixers are trapped by massive contracts. Jokic keeps Denver dangerous, but a middling stretch leaves no margin for error.