Trade Overview
Houston Rockets Acquire:
Kawhi Leonard (from the LA Clippers)
Amir Coffey (from the LA Clippers)
2031 Less Favorable 1st Round Pick Swap (from the LA Clippers)
2025 Less Favorable 1st Round Pick Swap (from the LA Clippers)
Los Angeles Clippers Acquire:
Anfernee Simons (From Portland)
Dillon Brooks (From Houston)
Cam Whitmore (From Houston)
2031 More Favorable 1st Round Pick Swap (from the Rockets)
2025 More Favorable 1st Round Pick Swap (from the Rockets)
Miami Heat Acquire:
Jalen Green (From Houston)
Delano Banton (From Portland)
Portland Trail Blazers Acquire:
Duncan Robinson (From Miami)
Jae’Sean Tate (From Houston)
2029 1st Round Pick (from Houston via Dallas or Phoenix)
2029 1st Round Pick (from Miami, Top 5 Protected)
2031 1st Round Pick (from Miami, Top 5 Protected)
2026 2nd Round Pick (from Miami via LA Lakers)
2031 2nd Round Pick (from Miami)
Houston Rockets: Adding a Superstar
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Amen Thompson
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
C: Alperen Şengün
Top Bench Players:
Aaron Holiday (PG)
Reed Sheppard (G)
Tari Eason (SF/PF)
Jeff Green (F/C)
Steven Adams (C)
Analysis:
The Houston Rockets acquire Kawhi Leonard, instantly elevating the team to playoff contention. Leonard’s leadership, defense, and scoring ability will be crucial for this young Rockets team. With Leonard at the helm, the Rockets can now focus on a win-now strategy, pairing him with Fred VanVleet in the backcourt and Jabari Smith Jr. in the frontcourt. Amen Thompson will likely step into a starting role at shooting guard, providing athleticism and playmaking alongside VanVleet. Though the Rockets give up Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, the addition of Leonard provides an immediate upgrade, positioning them as a serious contender in the Western Conference.
Los Angeles Clippers: Building for the Future
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: James Harden
SG: Anfernee Simons
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Derrick Jones Jr.
C: Ivica Zubac
Top Bench Players:
Kris Dunn (PG)
Kevin Porter Jr. (G)
Norman Powell (G)
Cam Whitmore (F)
Nicolas Batum (F)
Analysis:
The Clippers part ways with Kawhi Leonard but acquire a mix of young talent and established players to reshape their roster. Anfernee Simons brings a scoring punch and youth, fitting well alongside James Harden in the backcourt. Dillon Brooks adds defensive toughness and versatility at the forward spot, while Cam Whitmore provides exciting potential as a developing talent. This trade allows the Clippers to stay competitive while also positioning themselves for a future rebuild with additional draft flexibility. The combination of Simons, Brooks, and Whitmore ensures that the Clippers maintain a strong, balanced lineup capable of competing in the West.
Miami Heat: Adding Explosive Scoring
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Terry Rozier
SG: Jalen Green
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Kevin Love
C: Bam Adebayo
Top Bench Players:
Tyler Herro (G)
Josh Richardson (SG/SF)
Nikola Jovic (F)
Jaime Jaquez Jr. (F)
Kel’el Ware (C)
Analysis:
The Miami Heat acquire a dynamic young scorer in Jalen Green, who adds explosive athleticism and scoring ability to their lineup. Green's presence alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo creates a formidable trio capable of challenging the best teams in the East. Delano Banton provides depth at the guard position, adding size and versatility to the rotation. With Green’s potential to develop into an All-Star, the Heat bolster their roster for both the present and future. The departure of Duncan Robinson and some draft assets is a reasonable price for the Heat to pay in exchange for a talent like Green, who could become a franchise cornerstone.
Portland Trail Blazers: Stockpiling Assets for Rebuild
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Scoot Henderson
SG: Shaedon Sharpe
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Jerami Grant
C: DeAndre Ayton
Top Bench Players:
Duncan Robinson (SG)
Matisse Thybulle (SG/SF)
Toumani Camara (PF)
Donovan Clingan (C)
Robert Williams III (C)
Analysis:
The Trail Blazers fully embrace a rebuild by acquiring a haul of draft picks and young assets. Duncan Robinson and Jae’Sean Tate provide veteran presence and depth, while the multiple first-round picks give the Blazers significant flexibility for the future. Portland's roster continues to be centered around Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and DeAndre Ayton, with Jerami Grant providing leadership and experience. The draft capital acquired in this trade sets the Blazers up for long-term success, allowing them to rebuild through the draft or leverage the picks in future trades. This move solidifies Portland’s strategy to develop its young core while keeping an eye on the future.
Final Thoughts
This multi-team trade shakes up the landscape of the NBA by redistributing talent across four teams. The Rockets acquire a superstar in Kawhi Leonard, making them immediate contenders. The Clippers gain valuable assets for both now and the future. The Heat add a potential future star in Jalen Green, while the Trail Blazers stockpile assets for a rebuild. Each team achieves its strategic objectives, whether it's contending, retooling, or rebuilding.