Why Bucks do it: those 1-4 picks. That's almost a guaranteed shot at Dybantsa, Boozer, or Darryn Peterson. Then another protected 1-4 in the 2027 draft. If they tank this year, it WOULD be a guaranteed shot if it worked in a way that truly rewarded tanking, as in, a bottom 4 team, gets a top-4 draft pick, but... the lottery prevents that.
Thunder are real impressed by Ace Bailey's immediate flashes of brilliance, and decide if they can't get Mavs to depart with Cooper Flagg, or Spurs to give up Harp, they'll go after Ace Bailey. Vultures. But of course, they spin it as saving a talented player from a destitute situation.
Jazz, jump at this opportunity.
Rockets, quietly take Cason.