Hello Everyone!

Here we see a bit of an outlandish trade idea, pulling together some ideas floating online about interested parties in trade candidates.

For the Knicks, this could be an ideal pivot from the KAT era. I am a massive KAT fan, but if they were looking for a stronger defensive anchor to pair alongside this core (namely Brunson), I believe JJJ is a more attainable target than Giannis. This trade instantly catapults them back into the top of the East with an incredibly dynamic rotation of Brunson-Hart-Bridges-OG-JJJ Jose-Deuce-Shamet-Aldama-Robinson. Is it difficult to part ways with the limited draft capital we have (2026 WAS First/2030 Swap), yes. Is it worth it, also yes!

For the Pelicans, this trade nets them their starting point guard of the near future to pair alongside fellow 2019 draftee Zion while Fears develops. With their pick out of their hands, they have every reason to try to turn this season around (moving in that direction). This trade should allow them to do so by replacing injured Murray with Morant, and benched Poole for KCP, as well as a couple of young players who fit the Fears/Queen timeline in exchange for Alvarado and giving up one protected swap.

For the Magic, this trade is their chance to open the floor for Anthony Black to truly take the reins at the 1 spot, give him a great backup in Pippen (Clarkson in the interim), and most importantly, gives them one of the top 5's in the league. Carter Jr has shown just how effective a floor spacing big fits with the Wagner-Banchero duo, and this trade sees them get the best floor spacing big arguably ever, and the deepest center rotation in the league that they could potentially sell high on in consequential moves or in the offseason. I think this pushes them directly into the top tier of the East. I had another version that was a bit more convoluted, which netted them Jerome instead, which could be revisited if they need more value to warrant the extra draft capital given up.

Lastly, this is the Grizzlies' version of blowing it. Ja's value is unfortunately not what you would wish it to be, but I do think for the culture of the team moving forward, it is time for a change. This trade sees them bring in a bunch of contracts that could potentially be rehabbed and sold off for more assets in the future, or at worst, held alongside their young core and help develop them. Most importantly, it adds some more incredible pieces in Suggs and Da Silva to its blossoming core who fit the culture, and several valuable swaps and some second-round picks. It is not an ideal haul, but a haul nonetheless.

Do I think this trade is incredibly realistic? No. Is it fun to think about and relatively balanced? I believe so. But I want to know what you think! Who says no? Who wins? What would you change? Let me know in the comments below, and as always, keep it respectful! Now more than ever, we need more kindness in the world :)