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WHY NEW ORLEANS DOES IT: NOLA, to be frank is rebuild mode this year. Whilst we never really saw much of the Big 4 playing together, it doesn’t deter away from the fact that they looked average. This trade helps them to start over around Herb, Trigger Trey, Yves Missi, Jordan Hawkins, BBJ and one or two other pieces, like whoever they draft. They also gain four valuable FRP’S.
Simmons’ salary will be off the books next year meaning they could have over 60 mil in cap because other expiring deals that could be used to sign a star. Simmons can regain his confidence in New Orleans and if he plays well enough they could resign him for the minimum.
Harris can be traded for another expiring deal but if he sticks around he’d provide valuable leadership to guys like Trey Murphy and Herb Jones.
Kevin Huerter is still only 26 and he could stick around for a bit as an older vet down the line for this young core. He also provides shooting which they’ll need.
THJ is an expiring deal so they could let it expire which would add to the cap space that they’d have
Cole Anthony has fallen out of Orlando’s rotation and would get another chance to prove himself in NOLA off the bench with BBJ in the backcourt.
Mo Wagner is now OFS and when he comes back next year he could be a valuable mentor to Yves Missi and provide backup centre minutes. Since he’s an expiring deal then they could decide whether they’d want to resign him after next year.
Lyles is another expiring deal NOLA would gain. He’d be able to have his deal expire and sign with a contender next season.
Colby Jones can be developed in NOLA and hopefully become part of their young core.
WHY BROOKLYN DOES IT: Brooklyn is tanking. But a trade like this could help them now and in the long term. The Nets can still tank if they do this trade and they would be set up for a speedy rebuild, like Orlando. They even gain a future FRP from Detroit. They would be able to build around Zion, Cam Thomas and whoever they draft (Flagg? 👀) whilst keeping DFS and Cam Johnson to become playoff dark horses.
Zion is the big fish that Brooklyn needs. When healthy he is amazing but he isn’t always healthy. Zion has always wanted to get to New York and since the Knicks are top heavy, Brooklyn is the next best thing. The Nets can prove to the NBA world that Zion can stay in shape and build around him. The plan this year would be for Zion and Cam Thomas to be shut down with injury so they can really tank for the first pick.
Isiah Stewart is the Claxton replacement. He may not be as good as Clax defensively but offensively he can stretch the floor which is perfect next to Zion. The bonus here is that he’s locked up long term.
Cory Joseph can be waived as they wouldn’t need him but if they keep him he’d be a great mentor.
Ellis is the steal of the deal. He’s not playing in Sacramento anymore and he has a lot to give. He’d be the perfect backcourt partner for Cam Thomas as he provides perimeter D which Thomas struggles with whilst not needing the ball in his hands to be effective on offence.
WHY DETROIT DOES IT: The Pistons have finally improved. This trade would put them over the hump for a play in or playoff push. They would still build around Cade, Ivey, Duren and Ausuar whilst adding BI & Claxton to make them a playoff contender.
BI may be injured and on an expiring deal and that may make Detroit reluctant at first, but if BI comes back later in the year it may be worth it. He adds scoring on the wing that they haven’t had since Blake Griffin in 2019. They would resign BI on (hopefully) a team friendly deal and with a full season with him in Detroit it may work out.
Claxton is the perfect centre for Detroit. A rim protecting 7 footer who can catch love from Cade? The perfect addition alongside BI and the others in the Starting 5. He would mentor Duren and they could work as a one two centre punch and he could even come off the bench eventually if Duren takes a leap.
Gary Harris would add perimeter defence which wouldn’t just be useful but also make the game easier for Malik Beasley off the bench.
JRE can provide extra frontcourt depth whilst also being able to stretch the floor.
Len is an expiring deal and will probably be waived.
McLaughlin is also an expiring deal and will probably be waived.
WHY SACRAMENTO DOES IT: The Kings are in panic mode. This trade may save their season. They get another offensive threat and go all in.
McCollum is the kind of player that Sacramento would trade for if they are in panic mode. And that’s exactly what they are in. Yes, they need defence but McCollum would provide some scoring relief that would take the pressure off Fox, Sabonis and the struggling DeRozan & Murray.
Watford is the perfect Lyles replacement. He can stretch the floor and play the 5 whilst being on a much cheaper and team friendlier deal than Lyles. If it works out, they can resign him.
Wendell Moore hasn’t really played much in his career but he’s worth a flyer for Sacramento.
Houston also hasn’t really played much in his career but he’s worth a flyer for Sacramento.
Javonte Green could be a swing man for the Kings that they can move around the positional spectrum whilst he proves that he still belongs in the NBA.
Klintman can be developed in Sacramento and hopefully become part of their young core.
WHY ORLANDO DOES IT: Orlando is decimated right now. Nearly everyone is injured. Getting healthy players and a scoring guard is key. With this package Orlando can stay as a contender.
Murray is the perfect fit. A guard who can score with some defensive capabilities. He’d be the number option in Orlando but they just beat the Celtics Big 4 without a number one option so that shouldn’t be a problem. When Paolo and Franz come back he’d be in the much more comfortable role of 3rd option whilst also being the perfect backcourt partner for Jalen Suggs. This would also enable KCP to move into a less demanding bench role.
Milton has a hefty contract and will probably get waived.
Fontecchio is worth a shot. His deal may seem a bit hefty for his production but he can knock down a three and play some D.
Theis provides extra big depth for Orlando who will need extra bigs.
Robinson provides extra big depth for Orlando who will need extra bigs. He also has the same name as the area the teams from.
Matković provides extra big depth for Orlando who will need extra bigs. He’s a draft n’ stash who’ll take time to develop.
Is this a win all around? Comment your thoughts!