Celtics: The Celtics make a lateral move here with next year in mind. Anfernee Simons likely doesn't have much time left in Boston. With how the young wings have been looking this year (Walsh, Minnot, Hugo), Hauser could very likely be a goner as well. In exchange for those two, Boston brings back a legit starting level center in Gafford. They also take on the FVV contract, but he should have real value on the court next year or in the market this summer. They don't get out of the tax, but they inch closer.

Mavericks: Without Nico, the Mavs need to shed salary and get younger. Getting Klay off the books should be a priority, even if it comes at the expense of Gafford. In return, Simons is a quality guard who should fit well next to Coop. He expires after this year, but he can be resigned on a reasonable deal going forward. Scheierman is a decent flier too.

Rockets: While the Rockets in theory could use a guard, they have been scoring just fine so far. At this point, the last thing they should be doing is bringing in someone who will take the ball from KD, Sengun, and Amen. Rather, they should be looking for guys who can amplify the strengths of the current team. Hauser is a lights out shooter (currently slumping but whatever) who can defend at a high level due to his length. Mann should be a good guard/wing off the bench who can do a bit of everything (cut, shoot, defend). Neither of these guys will be starters, but swapping out dead money (heartless but still) for two legit rotation guys is a move that a contender needs to make.

Nets: Getting control of their 2027 1st back in exchange for taking on bad money is a great piece of business.