Why the Pelicans do it. They get KD to pair with Zion who, when healthy is an all NBA player and he has become healthier and lighter in the offseason which will help prevent injuries because his main cause of injuries was his landings with his 300 pound body. They become legit title contenders with two superstars and an actual rim protector.
Why the Rockets do this. They have so many young players and Jalen green is due for an extension so losing him wouldn’t be the worst thing, though he is a very good player. They just drafted Reed Sheppard and they want to free up minutes for him as the third overall pick. They traded for suns picks for a reason and Devin Booker is a top 9-15 player in the league and they have showed signs they want to win now.
Why the Suns do it. They get lots of their picks back so they have the ability to start a rebuild after they realize they have no chance at a championship. They also get some of other teams picks and young, promising players like Jalen Green, Trey Murphy and Jordan Hawkins.
Pelicans Lineup PG: Dejounte Murray / Jose Alvarado / Antonio Reeves SG: Herb Jones / Grayson Allen / Dejounte Murray / Matt Ryan SF: Kevin Durant / Herb Jones / Grayson Allen / Matt Ryan PF: Zion Williamson / Kevin Durant / Karlo Matkovic / Herb Jones / Jeremiah Robinson Earl C: Jusuf Nurkic / Daniel Theis / Jeremiah Robinson Earl / Trey Jemison
Rockets lineup PG: Fred VanVleet / Reed Sheppard / Amen Thompson / Aaron Holiday / Devin Booker SG: Devin Booker / Reed Sheppard / Amen Thompson / Cam Whitmore SF: Amen Thompson / Cam Whitmore / Tari Eason / Jae’Sean Tate PF: Jabari Smith Jr. / Tari Eason / Jeff Green / Jae’Sean Tate C: Alperen Sengun / Jock Landale / Jabari Smith Jr. / Jeff Green
Suns lineup PG: CJ McCollum / Tyus Jones / Monte Morris / Jalen Green / Bradley Beal SG: Jalen Green / Bradley Beal / Cj McCollum / Jordan Hawkins / Damion Lee / Josh Okogie / Trey Murphy SF: Brandon Ingram / Dillon Brooks / Royce O’Neale / Ryan Dunn / Nassir Little / Trey Murphy PF: Trey Murphy / Royce O’Neale / Ryan Dunn / Bol Bol / Brandon Ingram / Nassir Little C: Steven Adams / Bol Bol / Oso Ighodaro / Mason Plumlee