Why the Portland Trail Blazers Do It: The Blazers get TJ McConnell, a dependable backup point guard to provide playmaking and defensive ability behind Damian Lillard. His contract fits under the Blazers' hard-cap restrictions. The Blazers also get two second-round picks (2025 and 2027), giving them additional assets to either use for future trades or to continue to develop young talent.

Why the Indiana Pacers Do It: Indiana adds a young, high-upside player in Shaden Sharpe who could develop into a key piece of their rebuild. Sharpe’s athleticism and scoring potential make him an intriguing option for the Pacers to pair with their other young talent. Indiana also moves TJ McConnell and the second-round picks, which they can afford to part with as they focus on developing their younger players and building around Tyrese Haliburton and Benedict Mathurin. Trade Breakdown:

Portland Trail Blazers: Shaden Sharpe (SG, 6'6", $6.6M) Sends Sharpe, a talented scorer with high upside, in exchange for a more immediate, experienced backup point guard in TJ McConnell. The Blazers also add two second-round picks to their asset collection.

Indiana Pacers: TJ McConnell (PG, 6'0", $8.7M) McConnell is a solid backup PG who can provide leadership and defense, which fits their long-term rebuilding strategy. 2025 2nd Round Pick and 2027 2nd Round Pick The Pacers part with McConnell and two second-round picks but gain a player who has high upside in Shaden Sharpe.

Why It Works for Both Teams: Portland gets a useful backup point guard in McConnell who can contribute immediately, and the Blazers also get more future assets in the form of second-round picks.

Indiana gets a young, talented player in Sharpe, who they can help develop as a potential future star. They also get a few more assets to build their team for the future.