Portland seems to have pressure to upgrade their roster, but also really needs to tank imo. A crafty GM might see Middleton as a perfect pickup - a vet, a good teammate, a talented player, and injured. For a team in Portland’s position, Middleton is way better than Grant, who demands the ball over young playmakers who need reps. Portland should get off Grant and Simons, too, to clear the way for their backcourt of the future and properly tank for a year or two without being too Hinkie about it. And that Bucks 2031 pick is gold.

The Bucks effectively replace Middleton with BI, Brook with Wendell, and Connaughton with Cole Anthony. This sorely-needed youth movement costs them one distant future first but also nets them a few 2nds to help them facilitate other deals.

Magic get an massive offensive infusion in the backcourt. Simons only makes about $12m more per year than Cole Anthony. Wendell Carter Jr will need a new contract soon, and they probably won’t be able to pay him. Anthony Black looks talented but likely unnecessary among a backcourt of Suggs, Simons, KCP, plus Harris/Howard/Fultz(?), etc. Simons is the perfect offensive complement to Orlando’s rotation.

Detroit and Grant are like peas and carrots. For such a small price, how can they say no?

The Pellies need Brook Lopez badly. Zion is the closest thing to Giannis there is in terms of his strengths and limitations, and late-career Brook will highlight those strengths and cover for those limitations better than anyone. The only question is for how long? Anthony Black is nice upside piece who fits their future roster better than BI, for all his talent.