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Why Rockets do this:
The Rockets were the just the 2nd seed this following season and lost in 7 in the first round which wasn't really an upset but experience seemed to be a factor in these playoffs. Kevin Durant has 2 Final's MVPs under his belt and has made the playoffs 15 times bring that experience. Sengun's ability to score, rebound, and his playmaking ability would really compliment Durant's scoring ability. The next player they get in this deal is Nick Richards they get an upgrade at backup center and he is on an expiring deal replacing free agent Steven Adams and Jock Landale who was dealt in this deal. Nick Richards averaged 9 points and 8 rebounds bringing solid numbers to this Houston squad improving that depth at center. Next is Kris Murray who is a young player who could have potential in Houston but in Portland we couldn't see that potential as he only averaged 4 points per game this last season. Murray isn't meant to get 20 minutes a game but to bring more depth to that 3rd unit. Another reason Houston would do this deal is Jalen Green's future with the team. I'd feel it's best to move on as he sucked in the playoffs and doesn't seem to be a good 1st or 2nd option in Houston. Sure he did average 21 points but he isn't consistent, ball handling, and his relationship with star Alpren Sengun. The Rockets also get 2 first round pick swaps and a top 1o protected 1st from Portland in this deal as well.
Why Phoenix does this:
Phoenix first of all missed the playoffs and play-in all together this last season, fire there coach, and they would have 3 players making 50+ million next year. Bradley Beal had his struggles and Durant doesn't seem happy in Phoenix anymore. In this deal they get depth and picks for a future deal. They get Jalen Green who would play good alongside Devin Booker who would have offensive firepower, good spacing, and playmaking. Jalen Green has been solid in Houston don't get me wrong but he would get a better role on this thin Suns roster. Next player the Suns receive is Robert Williams who is solid when healthy who would bring good depth to that center position. Phoenix also gets a pick swap in this draft so they can draft a guy like Broome or Kalkbrenner or any other centers available at there pick. Next player the Suns receive is Cam Whitmore who didn't get maximized to his full potential in Houston. He would get more minutes in Phoenix as there forward room is thin with just Dunn, O'Neale, and Allen. Cam Whitmore got a minute decrease last year and just seemed to fall out of the rotation making this good move for both sides. Next is Cory Joseph who isn't anything special but he can bring depth to the guard spot. Finally Phoenix gets a load of picks moving forward in a new direction.
Why Portland does this:
Portland has struggled since they traded away Damian Lillard and haven't made the playoffs or play-in sense. However I feel they have a nice vision for there future as they have Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe at the guard position already not really needing Simons anymore as he on an expiring deal next year anyway. Well you can make the argument "then they won't have depth..." but in this deal that problem is addressed as they get Cole Anthony who has shown flashes and they get KCP who is a defensive minded player who is a rental for the time being. The Trail Blazers also have Avdija, Grant, and Ayton in the front court. They add to that as they get Jabari Smith who has also shown flashes but doesn't seem to reach his full potential in Houston. Smith has averaged 12-13 points every year of his career and that bench scoring for Portland would be a great addition. Next they get Micic who would be a cut candidate but if he stays on the roster then he brings solid 3rd unit depth. Finally they get picks to replace guys like Simons and Robert Williams.
Why Orlando does this:
One paragraph left lets go! Orlando had Cory Joseph starting in the playoffs and that is an issue but Suggs was injured sure but that's the point they need DEPTH! Simons brings that depth and its a deal destined to happen. Anfernee averaged 1 point shy of 20 points which is desperately what Orlando needs at that guard position. Simons is a scoring machine, and is a high level and 3 level shooter making a nice fit next to Franz and Paolo. It has a balanced backcourt as Suggs is a solid defensive player and Simons is solid offensive player. Next player Orlando gets is Jock Landale who is a decent backup which can open up a Wendell Carter trade who struggled this past season. Landale is a good rebounder and has great hustle bringing life to the court for Orlando. He can also be a good veteran presence and a locker room player. Jock is a decent passer for his size as well.
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