Trade
Blazers trade Jusuf Nurkic to the Kings in exchange for Delon Wright and two second-round picks. (one unprotected 2021, one via Detroit or Chicago {less favorable} 2022).
Blazers trade CJ McCollum, Anfernee Simons, Derrick Jones Jr, and one unprotected first-round pick (2023) for Myles Turner, TJ Warren, and Jeremy Lamb.
Signings
Blazers - Signed free agent Carmelo Anthony to a 1-year contract worth $2.7M.
Blazers - Signed free agent Enes Kanter to a 1-year contract worth $5.2M.
Blazers - Re-signed free agent Norman Powell to a 3-year contract worth $60.6M.
Blazers - Signed free agent Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to a 1-year contract worth $2.3M.
Pacers - Signed free agent Paul Millsap to a 2-year contract worth $15.1M.
Pacers - Signed free agent Gorgui Dieng to a 1-year contract worth $5.0M.
Pacers - Signed free agent Reggie Bullock to a 1-year contract worth $5.0M.
Pacers - Sign-And-Trade Derrick Jones Jr. for a 3-year contract worth $22.5M.
Why the Blazers do it:
The Blazers need to solidify their SF position and acquire legit defense. In this trade, they get Myles Turner, Delon Wright, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to help improve their defense. Myles Turner allows Lillard and Powell to have a true Pick-And-Pop player, and he serves as the Blazers rim-protector. Delon Wright allows the Blazers to finally run a defensive-playmaking-minded PG off the bench. Jeremy Lamb brings explosiveness off the bench, and he is actually a plus-team-defender. TJ Warren allows the Blazers to have a legit starting SF capable of creating his own shot and defending at an above-average rate. Bringing back Melo and Kanter is a must because both are some of the most consistent offensive bench players in the league. Having 4-plus defenders in the starting lineup and 3-plus defenders off the bench would allow the Blazers to not only be a top offense but a top defense. Giving up Nurkic, CJ
Starters Damian Lillard - Norman Powell - TJ Warren - Robert Covington - Myles Turner
Bench Delon Wright - Jeremy Lamb - Nassir Little/Carmelo - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - Enes Kanter
Why the Pacers do it:
The Pacers are contemplating building around Sabonis or Turner, and let's say hypothetically that they choose Sabonis. Myles Turner would need to be traded because he is not a great fit alongside Turner, at times the Pacers can play at a high level with the two big men, but for the most part... they struggle. The Pacers acquire a legit offensive star in CJ McCollum, McCollum can create his own shot and play off-ball at a great rate. Perhaps the Pacers could help McCollum elevate his game furthermore? Also, the Pacers acquire Anfernee Simons to help out the bench's offensive game and help the Pacers in the long run. I also believe Paul Millsap would be a great fit because of his defensive IQ. Reggie Bullock and Gorgui Dieng allow the Pacers to improve their much-needed three-point shooting and solidify their bench unit. (Bullock is shooting 40% from deep. Dieng is shooting 48% from deep) Jones Jr also improves depth
Starters Malcolm Brogdon - CJ McCollum - Caris LeVert - Paul Millsap - Domantas Sabonis
Bench T.J. McConnell/Anfernee Simons - Reggie Bullock - Justin Holiday/Derrick Jones Jr - Gorgui Dieng - Goga Bitadze*
Why the Kings do it:
The Kings trade a guard they do not need for a Center, which is a position they need to fill. Jusuf Nurkic is only 26 years old, and he has a beautiful all-around game. He can use his playmaking ability to throw lobs to Fox/Bagley or kick it out to the open man. He has also proved to be a great rim-protector(when healthy). After this trade, I believe the Kings should target Cam Reddish
Starters De'Aaron Fox - Tyrese Haliburton - Harrison Barnes - Marvin Bagley - Jusuf Nurkic