Cavaliers: The Cavs were the No. 1 seed last year, but not really a real title threat. Now LeBron comes home to the best supporting cast he's had since Miami with Donavan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Yes the depth takes a hit, but adding the former 6th man of the year Malik Monk, young, but talented stretch four Keegan Murray, a former lottery pick in 2024 with tons of defensive upside in Devin Carter, on top of a few picks, alongside the kid from Akron not only makes the Cavaliers runaway favorites in the East, but legitimate title contenders on LeBron's fairwell tour.
Receive: LeBron James, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, Bronny James, 2026 FRP via SAC, 2028 FRP Swap via LAL, 2032 SRP protected via LAL
Send: Darius Garland, De'Andre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, 2028 2nd
Ideal Lineup:
PG: Malik Monk / Lonzo Ball / Craig Porter Jr. / Devin Carter
SG: Donavan Mitchell / Sam Merrill / Tyrese Proctor / Bronny James
SF: LeBron James / Jaylon Tyson
PF: Keegan Murray / Dean Wade
C: Evan Mobley / Larry Nance Jr.
Lakers: With LeBron's future in LA uncertain, the Lakers come away more well-rounded then they've been in years. They finally add a center in Allen, alongside Hunter, and DeRozan to form a deeper, more balanced roster that is similar to a 2024 Mavs team that made the NBA Finals. DeRozan may be flipped at the deadline depending on his value and team success, but they are set up nicely for the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles.
Receive: DeMar DeRozan, De'Andre Hunter, Jarrett Allen, 2029 SRP via SAC
Send: LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Bronny James, 2028 FRP Swap, 2032 SRP Top 33 protected
Ideal Lineup:
PG: Luka Doncic / Gabe Vincent / Shake Milton
SG: Austin Reaves / Dalton Knecht / Jordan Goodwin
SF: DeMar DeRozan / Jake LaRavia / Adou Thiero
PF: De'Andre Hunter / Jarred Vanderblilt / Maxi Kleber
C: Jarrett Allen / Deandre Ayton / Jaxson Hayes Maxi Kleber
Kings: The Kings go all-in (again), landing Darius Garland to pair with Domantas Sabonis. Losing Keegan Murray does sting, but I wouldn't call it an overpay for Garland either, I would actually call it a fleece, being able to acquire Garland without giving up any draft capital (actually gaining some) because of the three team deal is brilliant. Not to mention, they fill the void at power forward left by Murray with a very capable Rui Hachimura.
Receive: Darius Garland, Rui Hachimura, Max Strus,
Send: DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, Keegan Murray, Devin Carter, 2026 FRP, 2029 SRP
Ideal Lineup:
PG: Darius Garland / Dennis Schroder
SG: Keon Ellis / Nique Clifford / Terence Davis
SF: Zach LaVine / Max Strus
PF: Rui Hachimura / Dario Saric
C: Domantas Sabonis / Drew Eubanks / Maxime Raynaud