MEM

Memphis has swung and missed on a few guys, Jimmy Butler is saying no to them and I really liked that fit for them. It does feel like Memphis really needs another guy, someone more consistent. They have a reliance on the deep roster they have but their ability to recreate this constantly tells me moving some guys wouldnt be the end of the world. having Cam Johnson means you have a consistent scorer for the playoffs, someone who's a much better floor space then Smart, defensively Smart is better but I don't think its that large of a gap, Smart has been quite overrated for me. The annoying part is they are only 800k under the tax so you do have to move one extra guy, I do like the upside of Vince Williams, I think he has potential but he hasn't been healthy and you have a deep team, does he really get playing time come playoffs? probably not. Them moving Vince Williams is needed if you are going to try outbid a team like OKC and I think they are the biggest competitor, so I have them still moving an extra lottery protected 2026 pick which is a worst pick from a few teams I don't see it being too great but you get a protection just in case since you have no control over this pick. I do think it's a heavy price but again he's a highly valued guy, you have other competitors to go against and potentially one of them has the most assets in the NBA. I think for this to happen you do have to hope OKC doesn't want to pay a premium for him, and I think this is a great deal for them.

Where does this leave them?

Contenders, I think they are kind of already there but I still don't have full confidence in their playoff ability, I wouldnt be against them saving to try get a potential star in the offseason since quite a few teams could be selling, their are some very nice players who could be available (Phoenix), but I think your window is open why delay anything push for it now and try get that 2nd seed and a consistent scorer and you could definitely battle with the top seeds and be a finalist. Right now im not all too confident for them

BKN

A good young guy and 2 1sts, im sure they are interested in that. Nothing too really go over. The smart contract is 2 years and he doesn't have much value currently in terms of picks so you might just have to hold it down for the other value you get in this trade.