NBA Trade Verdict
Knicks Win
New York captured the stronger long-term value when Minneapolis sent Slater Martin for Walter Dukes, Burdette Haldorson and the later Phil Jordon consideration.
October 26, 1956 Los Angeles Lakers / New York Knicks Record confidence: High
Los Angeles Lakers Received
- Player Walter Dukes (Wally Dukes)
- Draft Rights draft rights to Burdette Haldorson
New York Knicks Received
- Player Slater Martin
- Draft Rights draft rights to Jerry Bird
- Conditional Asset player to be named later (Phil Jordon on 1956-12-28)
Trade Analysis
Slater Martin was still an elite floor general and championship-tested guard when Minneapolis moved him. He soon became a central piece of St. Louis’s contender and helped the Hawks win the 1958 championship. Walter Dukes supplied size and rebounding, while Burdette Haldorson and Phil Jordon added depth, but the Lakers did not receive a player with Martin’s sustained impact. The return was not empty, yet the durable star value and championship contribution that left Minneapolis create a clear the other team-side advantage.