Jazz receive: Mikal Bridges

Nets receive: Walker Kessler THT Taylor Hendricks 2025 Utah 1st Rounder 2025 Cleveland 1st Rounder 2027 Cleveland 1st Rounder

Why the Jazz do this: The Jazz have been frustrated at their losing streak over the past few games; if they were planning on tanking this year, there wouldn't nearly be this much noise about frustration over losing. They have a solid player in the form of Lauri who maybe tops at a #2, but with Trader Danny at the helm, who knows what reinforcements come in?

Why they don't: Walker Kessler is probably the most valuable trade chip they have. The Minnesota picks that looked like they'd be gold are looking alot less of a sure thing with their title push, while Clevelands young stars are looking like they can power through a post-Mitchell era. And Kessler can, and does, help them win games right now. If I'm Danny, I might hold him a bit longer for a bigger trade.

Why the Nets do this: The Nets are in the muddled middle for this season. Good enough to win games and be in the middle of the pack, not good enough to contend. They're at 9th right now, and I don't see them jumping many teams ahead of them, but they're not going to benefit from tanking either. Still, with the situation as it is, why not try to add some guys with some high upside, and see if you have some foundations for a rebuild

Why they don't: I genuinely think Sean Marks actually loves his team right now. Scrappy, hungry, and drama free, but still winning games. And if the Nets do decide to try for a FA push at some point, or a trade, Mikal is the perfect #2 (or 3) to a star; Luka, SGA, Embiid, Mitchell could all be a great pairing with Bridges.

Who says no: The Nets say no and ask for 2 more picks; Ainge balks and stays pat.