The Butterfly Effect: How A Midseason Trade Shaped the NBA's Landscape

In late January, the San Antonio Spurs traded backup guard Bryn Forbes to the Denver Nuggets. Five months later, that under-the-radar move has made a major impact on the 2022 Eastern Conference finals. When a situation goes full circle you should be more confident in placing a bet at New Jersey Online Casinos such as BetMGM, DraftKings and FanDuel on who you think will win the chip.

It was the opening of an opportunity for the Boston Celtics that has been fully realized, as they have pushed the Miami Heat to the brink after a 93-80 Game 5 win on Wednesday and a 3-2 series lead.

It had been eight years since the Spurs were willing to work a midseason trade, and the Celtics held a minor part in it, acting as the third team in the deal. More importantly, it was the awaited signal that the Spurs were open to trades -- and the Celtics wanted in. A few weeks, a bunch of phone calls, and plenty of negotiations later, the Celtics pulled the sword from the stone and landed guard Derrick White.

This is not to say White is the main reason the Celtics are one win from their first NBA Finals appearance in 12 years. But having White, a starter-level guard who is a luxurious backup for a title contender, is a cornerstone of why Boston is in this position. This is where Boston's preparation helped save them.

Getting White has proved a vital addition, especially as Marcus Smart had missed three games this postseason because of quadriceps, foot, and ankle injuries.

The Celtics are 3-0 in those contests. And on Wednesday, when Smart was limited and shooting 1-of-5, White had 14 points, five assists, and two steals. A big reason the Celtics have persevered is because of how the roster has been constructed for this late-season run, the inserting of White and his ability to deliver within his role perhaps being the best example.