The most unrealistic part of this trade is that Bulls FO accepting their mistakes and blowing it up. Given that they do, this is what I think happens. This is a 5-way trade that gives the Pistons another scoring option to pair with Cade, the Clippers an alternative to the never-ending Harden saga, the Grizzlies a short-term solution to their rebounding issues and the Hawks a true backup PG that happens to be the best perimeter defender in the league.
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Reasoning for the Los Angeles Clippers
Clippers recieve: Demar DeRozan, Bojan Bogdanovic, sign Wenyen Gabriel in FA
Clippers give up: Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Mason Plumlee, Marcus Morris Sr, Amir Coffee, 2 FRPs
Why they do this: Giving up the assets that would otherwise be used to sign Harden on two almost equally as valuable pieces seem like a no brainer for the Clippers. To have one of DeRozan and Bogdanovic coming off the bench, as well as being able to keep Mann would be the most ideal scenario for Ballmer, provided DeRozan is willing to sign a more reasonable extension at around 100m/4y. While the trade doesn't make them championship favourites, it definitely increases their odds a lot and assuming everyone stays healthy gives them their best shot since they traded for PG at a chance for the Larry O'Brien.
The Clippers Depth Chart
PG: Russell Westbrook │ Bones Hyland
SG: Paul George │ DeMar DeRozan
SF: Kawhi Leonard │ Terence Mann
PF: Bojan Bogdanovic │ Kenyon Martin Jr.
C: Ivica Zubac │ Wenyen Gabriel
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Reasoning for the Detroit Pistons
Detroit recieve: Zach LaVine
Detroit give up: Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman, Bojan Bogdanovic
Why they do this: The Pistons have had an excellent start to the season, and their frontcourt looks incredible, especially defensively. They benched Ivey to let Cade continue his offensive excellence, but he clearly needs help in relieving that offensive burden, and LaVine's averaged 25+ PPG over the last 4 seasons. While his contract may not be the most ideal, his fit with Cade is and this, alongside their frontcourt development will make the Pistons contenders in a couple of seasons while keeping all of their pick equity for future trades.
The Pistons Depth Chart
PG: Cade Cunningham │ Monte Morris
SG: Zach LaVine │ Killian Hayes
SF: Ausar Thompson │ Alec Burks
PF: Isaiah Stewart │ Joe Harris
C: Jalen Duren │ Marvin Bagley III
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Reasoning for the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis recieve: Nikola Vucevic
Memphis give up: Steven Adams, Kenneth Lofton Jr, 1 FRP
Why they do this: After Steven Adams was ruled out for the season, the Grizzlies desperately needed a center that could rebound. Rumours of trades for Robert Williams has been circulating, but why not trade for a more offensive-minded center who can grab boards and keep most of their pick equity for a future wing trade? Vucevic averaged 17.6 PPG as the 3rd option for two seasons straight and is showing signs of being able to space the floor, even though he's already 33.
The Grizzlies Depth Chart (after Ja's back)
PG: Ja Morant │ Derrick Rose
SG: Marcus Smart │ Luke Kennard
SF: Desmond Bane │ Ziaire Williams
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr. │ Santi Aldama
C: Nikola Vucevic │ Xavier Tillman
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Reasoning for the Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta recieve: Alex Caruso
Atlanta give up: Patty Mills, 1 FRP
Why they do this: It's a very straightforward deal for Atlanta - Give up the pick they recieved for Huerter for the backup PG they've been lacking. They've already been in the bottom 7 for PPG conceded per game, and even though it's the first 3 games, it is easy to tell that they're going to have defensive issues for the rest of the season. Why not add the best perimeter defender in the league for cheap to shore up the leaks in the frontcourt? Depending on matchups, he could start and Atlanta keep most of their pick equity for a future trade in case the opportunity for one for a player like Siakam opens up.
The Hawks Depth Chart
PG: Trae Young │ Alex Caruso
SG: Dejounte Murray │ Bogdan Bogdanovic
SF: De'Andre Hunter │ AJ Griffin
PF: Jalen Johnson │ Saddiq Bey
C: Clint Capela │ Onyeka Okongwu
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Reasoning for the Chicago Bulls
Chicago recieve: Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, Mason Plumlee, Marcus Morris Sr, Amir Coffee, Jaden Ivey, James Wiseman, Steven Adams, Kenneth Lofton Jr, Patty Mills, 4 FRPs
Chicago give up: Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso
Why they do this: While everybody knows this is their last ride as a franchise for contention till they accept the inevitable and tank, I personally think they should cut ties with their best players a season early and begin the tanking as soon as possible. It's as clear as day the current team doesn't have the potential to win it all, so why waste time pretending like they could? Their pick is only top-10 protected next year, and instead of risking losing that pick to the Spurs, why not utilise the fact that they have full control over their pick now and draft someone to truly build your franchise around? Assuming Lonzo returns, they would already have a very exciting young backcourt of Lonzo and Ivey who compliment each other perfectly, as well as a young core of Patrick Williams, Ayo Dosunmu, James Wiseman and Coby White.
The Bulls Depth Chart
PG: Coby White │ Jevon Carter
SG: Jaden Ivey │ Dalen Terry
SF: Ayo Dosunmu │ Nicolas Batum
PF: Patrick Williams │ Robert Covington
C: James Wiseman │ Andre Drummond
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Anything that I could have done better? Let me know in the comments. Credits to AG_Atto for some of the ideas.