Why the Hawks do it

No matter what kind of numbers Trae puts up, the Hawks are bound to lose. Atlanta must get help, and they must get help quick. Luckily, the Hawks have one of the best trade pieces in the league: Chandler Parsons. His expiring contract can be traded for a big name player, like Steven Adams. Look at the Hawks roster. Their center is Alex Len. Alex frickin Len. The Hawks must find a better big man, and they must find one quickly. Luckily for them, OKC is looking to unload some of their bigger contracts like Steven Adams. Chandler Parsons and Damian Jones, packaged with a 2023 first round pick will do the deal, since OKC said they are willing to take in bad contracts.

Why the Thunder do it

Well, I guess I said it abive, but the Thunder are willing to absorb bad contracts. After they pay Parsons, they'll have cap space flexibility to sign some young players and savvy vets to really get their rebuild going. Plus, they get a first round pick to add to their library of picks and Damian Jones to be their backup for at least this season. Nerlens Noel has been playing pretty well this season, so I'm sure the Thunder are fine starting him.