🟣 Sacramento Kings’ Perspective

Why they do it:

Depth & flexibility: They turn LaVine/Monk/Carter into a massive package of starters (Quickley, Barrett, Bridges), valuable role players (Green, Williams), and prospects (Nick Smith Jr.) plus a haul of picks.

Balanced roster construction: Instead of being locked into LaVine + DeRozan as aging scorers, they spread out their assets into multiple 20–27 year-old contributors who fit with Keegan Murray and Sabonis (if kept long-term).

Draft capital: They essentially re-stock their war chest with multiple 1sts (2027 DAL, 2028 TOR, 2030 CHA, 2030 TOR), giving flexibility for future trades.

Short- and long-term upside: Barrett + Bridges + Quickley can keep them competitive while also making them younger and more versatile defensively.

📈 They trade star power for depth, future picks

🟢 Charlotte Hornets’ Perspective

Why they do it:

Star big man acquisition: Domantas Sabonis immediately becomes the Hornets’ franchise center and frontcourt cornerstone next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. This gives them one of the most dynamic young duos in the East.

Accelerates timeline: Instead of waiting for Nick Smith Jr., Sion James, or rookies to fully develop, they get an All-NBA caliber big entering his prime.

Playmaking fit: Sabonis’ passing works perfectly with LaMelo’s playstyle and Miles Bridges’ slashing. The Hornets also get Terence Davis as a bench scorer and Jamison Battle as a young forward with upside.

Picks going out: They give up a lot of draft capital, but most value is actually transferred from TOR to SAC. Hornets mostly part with their 2030 1st + swap rights in 2028, which is a reasonable price for a franchise big man.

📈 Hornets move into win-now mode with LaMelo + Bridges + Miller + Sabonis as their new core.

🔴 Toronto Raptors’ Perspective

Why they do it:

Offensive firepower: They get Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, two proven scorers and shooters who give them the spacing and perimeter creation they’ve lacked.

Backcourt fit: Pairing LaVine/Monk with Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram balances the offense — LaVine provides star-level scoring while Monk is a microwave bench option.

Rookie Devin Carter: Adds defense and energy at the guard spot, offsetting LaVine’s defensive issues.

Why give up Quickley/Barrett/picks?: They consolidate a crowded guard/wing rotation (Barnes, Ingram, Barrett, Quickley, Gradey Dick, Ja’Kobe Walter) into two proven scorers and a defensive guard, fitting better around Barnes/Ingram as the long-term foundation.

📈 Raptors push into playoff contention faster by surrounding Barnes + Ingram with more shooting and scoring punch.

⚖️ Trade Balance

Kings → Rebuild/retool with depth and picks.

Hornets → Go all-in on a LaMelo + Sabonis + Miller core.

Raptors → Consolidate young depth into proven scorers to accelerate contention.