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WHY PHOENIX DOES IT: Things clearly haven’t worked out for the big 3 in Phoenix. Rumours have swirled about them trying to replace someone for another star but all they would do is make the situation worse in Phoenix. Phoenix would do this trade to try to start o ducking the second apron and a rebuild at the same time. This era hang worked for oPhoenix. It’s time to start a new one and those 7 FRP’S will certainly help.
Isaac is a great 3&D forward who can guard the 1-4 pretty well. He may not be great offensively but the other offensive weapons may gain would cover that. He’s also injury prone and with a hefty contract he may even get moved again but if he sticks around, he’ll be a valuable piece for them long term as a mentor and leader.
Caldwell- Pope is a veteran on acontact who could get moved to a third team by Phoenix. If he does stick around he’ll provide great shooting for Phoenix.
Johnson is a great young piece for Phoenix. He’s a two-way scorer who can open up the lane for shooters like KCP and Allen whilst also being a capable defender.
Collins is an expandable piece because of his massive contract. He could backup Nurkic or get traded so they can develop Oso Igdahoro.
Anthony hasn’t seen much opportunity in Orlando this season and whilst he’s getting more opportunities with the injuries he’d probably welcome a fresh start in Phoenix where he can get his rhythm back as a backup guard playing key minutes.
Tre Jones would reunite with his brother, Tyus in Phoenix. He’d play the backup behind Tyus or even start ahead of him for Phoenix. He barely turns the ball over like his brother and they would both help to clean up the Suns turnover issues that they sometimes have. Jones is an expiring deal and would likely be resigned by the Suns.
Branham is another young piece Phoenix gains. He can provide bench scoring which Phoenix would need. He would become a key part of the rebuild and Phoenix’s young core.
WHY ORLANDO DOES IT: Orlando is injury riddled right now. They’ve lost their two best players to injury and they need a clear no.1 option. KD is that guy. A number one option who can lead a team to the playoffs. This trade creates a big 3 of KD, Paolo & Franz and even though they are all forwards they can all play together. You can start Franz at SG.
Durant is the big fish that Orlando needs. As I detailed earlier, Orlando has heaps on injuries. Durant would give Orlando a clear cut number 1 option before and after Paolo and Franz return. This big 3 would give Orlando championship aspirations in an Eastern Conference that’s very weak.
O’Neale is a good role player who would replace John Isaac for Orlando. His defence is worse than Isaac but he’s better offensively. After a while they may trade O’Neale at the back end of his contact which at that time may be an overpay.
Bassey is an expiring contract and could be utilised by Orlando as a backup centre option with all the injuries.
Plumlee is an expiring contract and may be waived if they don’t view him as a backup centre option.
WHY SAN ANTONIO DOES IT: The Spurs can build a contender around Wemby right now. Wemby might already be in his prime as a sophomore so why waste one of the beater versions of him? The Spurs can gain experience and depth from this trade that also nets them a star.
Booker is a star. There is no doubt about that. Pairing him with Wemby and Castle creates a contender now and in the future. Whilst they do have to give up depth to get him they still do have some valuable young pieces to work with. Plus, Booker can score in all levels and doesn’t need to score inside to impact the game which will give Wemby the ability to get whatever he wants on the inside and outside.
Joseph has a hefty contract and will probably get waived.
Morris would replace Jones as the backup PG in San Antonio. He can handle the ball whilst also being able to score when his number is called upon.
Lee is a great shooter and had the ability to stretch the floor like his brother in law and Warriors legend Steph Curry. If SA pairs Lee with Wemby it’ll be a great combination of Wemby’s dominance inside and Lee’s shooting. He’d also be a great fit next to CP3.
Bol Bol is a worser Wemby but he can do everyone Wemby does on a lesser level. He’d backup Wemby at centre and hopefully they could both get in the court together. I mean seriously who doesn’t want to see Wemby and Bol Bol on the same team together?
Thoughts? Is this a win for all?