This is a 4-way trade that helps the Cavs get another All-Star to offload Mitchell's scoring burden, the Knicks a star that's more reliable in the playoffs for cheap, the Grizzlies a center and the Raptors picks to begin their rebuilding process.
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Reasoning for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland recieve: Julius Randle
Cleveland give up: Jarrett Allen, Ricky Rubio, 3 SRPs
Why they do this: This is an incredibly cheap way to obtain an All-Star for the Cavs, who are struggling shooting-wise this season, and need a player to take some attacking load off of Donovan Mitchell. Garland may be that person, but we know what Randle can do, especially in the regular season. He may not be as defensively sound as Allen, and he does not block nearly as many shots, but he's a much better shooter and a more dynamic offensive threat. It would also clear up the paint to let Mobley develop his offensive game, and get more touches in the post without running into his own teammates. They also keep Okoro despite making an upgrade.
The Cavs Depth Chart
PG: Darius Garland │ Ty Jerome
SG: Donovan Mitchell │ Caris LeVert
SF: Max Strus │ Isaac Okoro
PF: Julius Randle │ Georges Niang
C: Evan Mobley │ Damian Jones
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Reasoning for the New York Knicks
New York recieve: Pascal Siakam, Otto Porter Jr.
New York give up: Julius Randle, Evan Fournier, 1 FRP
Why they do this: Randle may have been an All-Star, but so was Siakam, who's also a better player and performs in the playoffs. He would be a much better running partner beside Brunson, and his fit with Robinson isn't as bad as it would seem, considering his corner shooting has slowly been added to his game. Many teams have been hesitant to trade for Siakam, but New York have as good a chance as any team possibly could of retaining him, considering they are the biggest market in the NBA. They also upgrade Fournier to OPJ, a backup wing that they needed, as well as keeping RJ and most of their pick stash for another potential superstar trade.
The Knicks Depth Chart
PG: Jalen Brunson │ Immanuel Quickley
SG: Donte DiVincenzo │ Quentin Grimes
SF: RJ Barrett │ Otto Porter Jr.
PF: Pascal Siakam │ Josh Hart
C: Mitchell Robinson │ Isaiah Hartenstein
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Reasoning for the Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis recieve: Jarrett Allen
Memphis give up: 1 FRP, 1 swap, Steven Adams, David Roddy, Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Why they do this: After Steven Adams was ruled out for the season, the Grizzlies desperately needed a center that could rebound. Allen averaged 9.8 rebounds for the Cavs last year and most importantly recorded 3.3 offensive rebounds per game, which is a top 5 mark in the league. He's also a great shot-blocker that would make driving into the paint hell with JJJ alongside him, and is on an excellent contract for 3 more years, which means the Grizzlies would only have to commit 116m to their 4 core pieces after Bane's extension kicks in, giving them financial flexibility to build around them. They get to keep most of their pick equity as well as young talents such as Ziaire for a potential trade for a 3&D wing as well.
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: Jarrett Allen │ Xavier Tillman
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Reasoning for the Toronto Raptors
Toronto recieve: Evan Fournier, Steven Adams, Ricky Rubio, David Roddy, Kenneth Lofton Jr, 2 FRPs, 1 swap, 3 SRPs
Memphis give up: Pascal Siakam, Otto Porter Jr.
Why they do this: They get a haul for Siakam who's a bad fit with Scottie. It's the beginning of tanking. They get a good return for a player who used to be on an expiring contract and will soon be on the wrong end of 30. They've already lost FVV to free agency and will soon lose OG too if they don't trade or extend him. The franchise has been directionless for a while and this is a step towards building around their ROTY. Getting basically 3 unprotected FRPs is a good way to start.
The Raptors Depth Chart
PG: Dennis Schroder │ Malachi Flynn
SG: Gary Trent Jr. │ Gradey Dick
SF: OG Anunoby │ Jalen McDaniels
PF: Scottie Barnes │ Chris Boucher
C: Jakob Poeltl │ Precious Achiuwa
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