There is a lot to unpack here so I’ll keep it simple…
Timberwolves RFS: The Wolves are officially moving on from KAT in this deal, and fully investing in Anthony Edwards. They get some added 3 & D wings in Anunoby and Crowder, as well as some veteran presence with a lot of playoff experience between the 2. As well as Dyson Daniels and a Suns future 1st rounder. The veteran wings are there to both compliment Edwards and Gobert on both ends of the floor and are there to be much needed locker room voices, particularly with Crowder. As for Daniels, he’s a nice defensive rookie PG who serves as insurance for DLo if he’s dealt at the deadline or leaves in the offseason. Lastly, the pick ever-so-slightly makes up for the losses in the Gobert trade.
Suns RFS: The Suns’ relationship with both Crowder and Ayton seem unfixable at this point. Crowder isn’t even playing. So this is in fact a Lemons to Lemonade scenario for them. KAT is still one of the best Centers in the game and a surer bet than Ayton moving forward. This deal could mean closing the window on this season however that’s a small price to pay given they have the next few years to think about when it comes to keeping Booker happy, and the team competitive. Not to mention, having to endure so many injuries this season is simply unfortunate.
Looking ahead into the offseason, they might just be able to sign DLo completeing Booker’s long awaited friendship team up with him and KAT as well as finding CP3’s Suns successor at point. This will hopefully keep the Suns relevant atop the West for years to come, while they maximize Booker, Bridges and Cam Johnson’s years there.
Raptors RFS: The Raptors need for a Center has been exposed this season with Precious Achuwa missing more than half the season so far. This is a team that is both juggling maximizing Vanvleet and Siakam who are at the peak of their powers, as well as developing and investing in Scottie Barnes’ talents. Can they pull off both? That remains to be seen but this is a move that actually caters to both needs.
Anunoby has become a redundant piece ever since they drafted Barnes, while Gary Trent is more of a money dump deal. ESPN’s Bobby Marks explains that the Raptors will likely not want to pay his salary next season or Vanvleet’s for that matter.
Ayton will have a change of scenery, as well as a less demanding and more focused role. He’ll just need to be a solid Center who rebounds and protects the paint. He won’t be the secondary or even 3rd scoring option on this squad. As for Graham, he adds shooting and fills the backup PG slot. Lastly, the Pels include a lottery protected 1st rounder next year.
Pelicans RFS: The Pels might be a piece away from truly taking on the best of the west. Gary Trent is another shot maker next to McCollum. Offensively he makes them a lot more dangerous and a guy who’ll make you regret collapsing on Zion or BI when they drive down the lane. As for Juancho Hernangomez a.k.a. Bo Cruz, it would be nice to see him reunited with his brother even though he’s just a throwin.
Daniels was a nice piece that they might be hesitant to part with but redundant given that Alvarado is already their backup PG who is also a defensive specialist.