Why would each team do this?
Orlando Magic: The Magic add a defensive center in Daniel Gafford who fits perfectly next to Paolo, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, giving them rim protection and vertical spacing without taking touches away from their stars. CJ McCollum provides much-needed shooting, shot creation, and late-game offense, something Orlando has consistently lacked in the half court. Lonzo Ball comes in as a high-IQ backup guard and perimeter defender, helping ball movement and defensive versatility when healthy. With improved spacing, rim protection, and veteran shot-making, Orlando legitimately positions itself to compete for an Eastern Conference Finals spot.
Washington Wizards: The Wizards add a young guard and wing pieces that align perfectly with their rebuild. Jalen Suggs gives Washington an elite point-of-attack defender and culture setter who fits well next to Alex Sarr, helping establish a defensive identity early in the rebuild. Jett Howard provides shooting upside on the wing, something the Wizards can afford to develop patiently. Along with added draft capital, Washington prioritizes youth, defense, and long-term upside, staying flexible while building a foundation around their young core.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavaliers add a cheap, reliable big man in Goga Bitadze to strengthen their frontcourt depth. He provides physical interior defense, rebounding, and screen-setting, allowing Cleveland to manage minutes for Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley across the regular season. With playoff durability and cap flexibility in mind, the Cavs address a clear backup center need without sacrificing rotation players or future assets.
Dallas Mavericks: This move works for Dallas because it balances an already talent-heavy roster around Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Wendell Carter Jr. gives the Mavericks a versatile, two-way center who can defend, rebound, and stretch the floor, allowing Jason Kidd to mix lineups with either traditional size or spacing next to AD. Cam Whitmore adds a young, explosive scoring wing, addressing the need for athleticism and downhill pressure behind Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington. With depth already at center (Lively, Gafford, Powell), Dallas can afford to consolidate talent, while Whitmore and WCJ fit both win-now lineups and long-term development alongside Cooper Flagg. Overall, the move improves lineup flexibility, athleticism, and roster fit without disrupting the core.