Why Detroit Does This:
The Pistons are actually looking really solid this year, with Cade emerging as the consensus No.1 overall pick he should be, and Jaden Ivey looking like a really capable NBA player. They could use a guy who is in the middle of his NBA Career.
BI is only 27, having a good year considering the circumstances, and could emerge with this squad, a mindset that the Nets wanted to have with Mikal, and the Jazz have with Lauri.
They have a plethora of young wings that Ingram could then pass the torch to a few years down the line, ready to takeover
They also don't actually give up that much for a guy that was an all star a couple seasons ago and is averaging 23 on solid shooting splits
Why New Orleans Does This:
I hate this BI fit, before Zion went down, they look horrible in the half-court set, their pick and roll is so predictable, and he doesn't mesh.
Missi has been solid, but their lack of a true big has been apparant. Poeltl has been great this year, he is a double-double machine, with great touch around the rim, defence and playmaking chops. His only deficiency being a complete non-factor from outside, but with improved FT%, he's looking really good
They also grab Kelly Olynyk in this deal who can change their Big Man depth from one of the worst in the league, to one of the best. Adds a complete different element in guarding a big man, can offer spacing next to Zion in certain lineups when needed, and just overall greatly helps this team.
Oh yeah, and a FRP
Why Toronto Does This:
Raptors are rebuilding and selling. Scottie is out indefinitley, and they, simply put, are not good enough. But that's okay, they moved Pascal and OG last year, lost FVV in FA the year before, and have a bunch of young dudes to build around
Poeltl and Kelly are 2 of the guys who don't match the timeline, and they get a really solid return for them. They get their own second round pick as well which projects to be one of the best seconds this year.
They also get Bobi Klintman and Beef Stew, those are 2 guys who fit their timeline, and I really like Beef Stews fit. An active defender who plays hard, and can stretch the floor. Fits well alongside Scottie.
Waive THJ
Pistons Rotation:
Cade Cunningham - Jaden Ivey - Brandon Ingram - Tobias Harris - Jalen Duren
Bench:
Marcus Sasser - Malik Beasley - Simone Fontecchio - Ron Holland - Paul Reed
Reserves:
Alondes Williams - Wendell Moore - Ausar Thompson (IL) - Cole Swider - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Pelicans healthy Rotation:
Dejounte Murray - Jordan Hawkins - Herb Jones - Zion Williamson - Jakob Poeltl
Bench:
Jose Alvarado - CJ McColllum - Trey Murphy - Kelly Olynyk - Yves Missi
Reserves:
Jaylen Nowell - Javonte Green - Brandon Boston - Karlo Matkovic - Daniel Theis
Raptors (healthy Rotation:
Immanuel Quickley - Gradey Dick - RJ Barrett - Scottie Barnes - Isaiah Stewart
Bench:
Davion Mitchell - Ochai Agbaji - Bruce Brown - Jonathon Mogbo - Chris Boucher
Reserves:
Jamal Shead - Garett Temple - Jakobe Walter - Bobi Klintman - Bruno Fernando
Please comment your thoughts & feedback!