Why Los Angeles Does This:
The Clippers don't have as bad of a roster as they've been made out to. However they need another solid piece. They get one of the best 3 and D forwards in Jerami Grant, who averaged 20 PPG last season
I'm aware this trade doesn't make them contenders or anything, but they dont have their FRP so they may as well try. Plus it brings in an asset they could flip further down the line
They additionally sign Omer Yurtseven to help out with the lack of center depth on the team.
Why NOLA Does This:
The Pel's have a really solid team. I'm quite high on them and I believe they could be a playoff team in an incredibly contested western conference.
This trade also kills two birds with one stone. Brandon Ingram isn't necessary on this team and doesn't really work, as we've seen (especially with the Dejounte addition) They also get a protected first and Amir Coffey, who i'm high on, to replace Naji Marshall.
If i'm NOLA I want Herb Jones, one of the best defenders in the league, to start.
They are lacking a center, and they get a really solid one in Deandre Ayton, a guy that when he tries, can be the best player on the court. Maybe vets like CJ and arguably Dejounte can help ignite something under him, like CP did at times.
Why Portland Does This:
Portland are moving into a rebuilidng phase, obviously. They prospect to be one of the worst teams in the league next season, and for good reason. I think they should be. However they are paying a ton of money on their cap, and have some older guys that can still contribute
They just drafted Clingan, they got Rob Will (whos on IR for first couple months) in order to maximise development, they need to move Ayton.
Additionally they got some solid young forwards, and for a team that maybe looks to draft Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey, they dont need J Grant. The package they get back for them isn't fantastic, but they do get a good clippers pick, and a good vet for a rebuilding team in Wiggins
Waive PJ
Why Golden State Does This:
They need to make some kind of move, just sitting and hoping this core will get it done, when the pieces they've made this season have been nowhere near good enough.
The main reason for this piece in my opinion is for Steph, they don't want to make him upset, or disgruntled. He is a winning player, one of the most winningest players ever. He wants to compete always
From Stephs POV trading for Ingram means that GS hasn't given up on him yet.
Also they really don't give up much in this trade, and the great thing is, if this trade is a huge mistake, he's on a one year deal, and they would just lose their protected pick this year, which they could tank in the tail-end of the season to potentially get back.
Clippers Rotation:
Kris Dunn - James Harden - Kawhi Leonard - Jerami Grant - Ivica Zubac
Bench:
Kevin Porter - Terrence Mann - Derrick Jones - Nic Batum - Mo Bamba
Reserves:
Bones Hyland - Gary Payton - Cam Christie - Kobe Brown - Omer Yurtseven
Pelicans Rotation:
Dejounte Murray - CJ McCollum - Herb Jones - Zion Williamson - Deandre Ayton
Bench:
Jose Alvarado - Jordan Hawkins - Amir Coffey - Trey Murphy - Daniel Theis
Reserves:
Antonio Reeves - Javonte Green - Malcom Hill - Jeramiah Robison-Earl - Yves Missi
Trailblazers Rotation:
Scoot Henderson - Shaedon Sharpe - Andrew Wiggins - Deni Avdija - Donnovan Clingan
Bench:
Anfernee Simons - Norman Powell - Jabari Walker - Toumani Camara - Duop Reath
Reserves:
Dalano Banton - Rayan Rupert - Matisse Tybulle - Kris Murray - Robert Williams (IR)
Warriors Rotation:
Steph Curry - De'Anthony Melton - Brandon Ingram - Jonathan Kuminga - Draymond Green
Bench:
Brandin Podziemski - Moses Moody - Buddy Hield - Kyle Anderson - Trayce Jackson-Davis
Reserves:
Reece Beekman - Lindy Waters - Gui Santos - Kevon Looney - Quinton Post
Please comment your thoughts & feedback!