Why would each team do this?

Boston Celtics:

The Boston Celtics squad that captured a championship a couple of seasons ago had very few weaknesses. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown formed one of the NBA’s top wing tandems, complemented by elite perimeter defense and a well-balanced lineup.

This season, however, looks very different, and intentionally so. With Tatum out for the year, Boston decided to shed expensive contracts to avoid being stuck in a secondary contender role. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis were traded, and Al Horford left in free agency.

These moves have left the Celtics thin at the center position. While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza can contribute in the short term, neither is a long-term solution.

Since this year is effectively a rebuilding gap, the focus is on acquiring talent that can help in the future rather than temporary stopgaps. Adding a young, cost-controlled center is an immediate priority.

Bringing in Yves Missi provides athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding on a rookie-scale deal, offering a potential long-term answer at center without limiting future flexibility.

Brooklyn Nets:

The Brooklyn Nets signaled a clear rebuild by selecting five first-round picks in the draft, fully committing to a youth movement.

While the approach makes sense, concerns remain due to the rookies’ lack of proven shooting. Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf are talented playmakers, but they will need proper spacing to reach their potential.

The Nets do have one of the league’s premier shooters in Michael Porter Jr., yet at 27, he does not perfectly fit the timeline of the young core and is considered a potential trade candidate.

Brooklyn needs additional young shooters who can develop alongside the rookie group while preserving trade value.

Acquiring Sam Hauser addresses this need immediately. Taking on veteran contracts and extra second-round picks also allows Brooklyn to continue stockpiling assets during the rebuild.

Philadelphia 76ers The Philadelphia 76ers have consistently avoided luxury tax penalties at multiple trade deadlines, with ownership emphasizing financial flexibility.

Repeating that strategy this season will be harder unless the team trades significant rotation pieces, something the front office is hesitant to do with Kelly Oubre Jr. playing a key role.

As a result, the most practical path is moving veteran bench contracts. Players like Andre Drummond, Kyle Lowry, and Eric Gordon bring experience but limited long-term upside.

Swapping these contracts for second-round picks helps the Sixers avoid the luxury tax while creating roster space for prorated minimum contracts. While this may not drastically upgrade the team, it aligns with the organization’s recent approach and preserves flexibility around Joel Embiid.

New Orleans Pelicans:

The New Orleans Pelicans are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference, but the outlook isn’t entirely negative. The team still features a young, promising offensive core.

Defense, however, has become a significant concern. This issue could worsen if Herb Jones were traded, though indications suggest the team plans to retain him.

With uncertainty surrounding Zion Williamson’s long-term future, the Pelicans need to prepare for alternative scenarios. Defensive talent will be critical in that plan.

The roster lacks rim protection, physicality, and dependable defenders both inside and on the perimeter. Adding a defensive-minded power forward or center to pair with Derik Queen makes strong basketball sense.

Acquiring a player like Noah Clowney, along with a future first-round pick, allows New Orleans to reset its defensive foundation while maintaining long-term flexibility.