Why Portland does it: The Blazers are struggling and Dame's patience is slowly wearing out. In a last minute attempt, they add Grant to hopefully make a playoff push where he can be a great 3rd or 2nd option for the team and the no. 1 when CJ and Dame aren't on the court. They also get Hamidou Diallo, a young and athletic scorer they can pair with Anfernee Simons in the bench backcourt and for the future. Finally, they get a pick back in a swap for 2027.
Lineup:
Lillard-CJ-Powell-Grant-Nurkic
Bench:
DSJ-Simons-Diallo-Greg Brown III-Zeller
Why Phoenix does it: The Suns declined their 2020 10th overall pick Jalen Smith's option for next year which leaves him as a UFA. While he still has a little value, they package him with Dario Saric, who suffered a torn ACL in the Finals, plus an SRP swap for Robert Covington. He's definitely had a down year but he's a perfect between Mikal Bridges and DeAndre Ayton as he shoots 3 and plays defense, similarly to Jae Crowder, and is a replacement for him at times. They also add Lyles who's had an under the radar solid year for Detroit.
Lineup:
CP3-Book-Bridges-Crowder-Ayton
Bench:
Payne-Shamet-Cam Johnson-Covington-McGee
Why Detroit does it: We obviously know Detroit is in a rebuild so they get assets and picks. LNJ has had an awful year for Portland but he's on a 2 year deal which they can use to trade for an early 2nd probably. Saric could probably get you a late FRP plus he can shoot and is once again on a 2 year deal. The SRPs don't matter much as the Portland pick will be around 40 and Phoenix's will be around 50 lol. Little has had a promising year after some shooting struggles but Detroit is willing to give him a chance. He can be the starting 4 for the time being until they most likely find a solid replacement in the 2022 NBA Draft. Smith is probably my favourite prospect of all time and Detroit hopefully tries to salvage his career. Both picks they get are protected due to Grant's year of shooting struggles. They still get a top 5 protected 2023 FRP which could be lottery bound next year in a solid class and the better end of a 2027 FRP which is bound to be good considering Portland is low on young talent and could be a steal for Detroit.
Lineup:
Cunningham-Hayes-Bey-Little-Stewart
Bench:
Frank-Jackson-Nance-Smith-Olynyk