Why the Trailblazers do this: Anfernee Simons is considered the best player on the Trailblazers team. However, with Brogdon on the roster, one of them will lose valuable playing time. Mike Richman of Locked On Blazers suggests that the Trailblazers need to get value for their veteran players. Brogdon, the oldest player on the roster, presents a potential overlap issue, which means he is the most likely to be traded in 2024. Moreover, Brogdon's significant contract may hinder the team's flexibility in the future. Thus, the team may consider getting off his contract to open up cap space for future moves. The team also wants to give playing time to Scoot Henderson, their 2023 lottery draft pick. Therefore, they must decrease their backcourt depth and add depth to the small forward position.
This trade addresses the above-mentioned concerns by reuniting the Trailblazers with Nicolas Batum, a consistent player who fits well with the current team's core. Batum's versatile playing style can contribute in multiple areas, and his unselfishness on the court will make him a valuable role model for young players like Shaedon Sharpe.
Additionally, the Trailblazers acquire Isiah Jackson in this trade proposal, a promising young defender who can address the Blazers' need for rim protection. Jackson's raw talent and high ceiling make him a valuable addition. Jackson lost the reserve center position to Jalen Smith; thus, it is time to find him a new city where he can develop.
Why the 76ers do this: As the Philadelphia 76ers aim to bolster their lineup, they need to improve at the point guard position while improving their bench scoring and forward position depth. Players such as Malcolm Brogdon and Jabari Walker, a stretch big, could provide instant offense, which is crucial for championship contenders. Brogdon, a solid point guard with good shooting and playmaking abilities, could help take some of the pressure off Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris on the offensive end. Meanwhile, a young player in Walker might have untapped potential that the 76ers could develop.
In addition to improving their bench scoring, the 76ers need to offload the contracts of Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington to open up some cap space. While Batum and Covington are valuable assets, their contracts are significant, and trading them would give the 76ers more flexibility to make other moves.
Furthermore, Kelly Oubre Jr., who has been sidelined due to a rib injury in an alleged hit-and-run, is nearing his return to the team. The team is targeting his return to action in the Sixers' Dec. 6 game against the Washington Wizards or the Dec. 8 game against the Atlanta Hawks. With Oubre back in the lineup, Coach Nick Nurse must make tricky lineup and rotation decisions. Moving Batum and Covington could provide Oubre Jr. with more playing time.
Why the Pacers do this: The Indiana Pacers need a small forward, and the versatile veteran in Robert Covington could be the solution. In his return to Philadelphia against the Phoenix Suns, Covington played strong defense and rebounded well. Additionally, as a solid wing defender with good shooting abilities, Covington could help shore up the Pacers' defense and provide some much-needed shooting from the wing. His veteran presence and defensive prowess could provide valuable experience to a young Pacers team. This move would fit well with the Pacers' balancing youth and experience strategy.
To make room for Covington, the Pacers might consider trading Isiah Jackson, a promising young big man who has yet to prove himself at the NBA level. Isiah lost the reserve center position to Jalen Smith.
Finally, upgrading their 2027 2nd-round pick could be a valuable asset for the Pacers as they look to rebuild and strengthen their team for future seasons.