Why the Wolves do it:

With the Wolves being a second-apron team, they have low roster flexibility for any moves or extensions. NAW is an FA next season and the Wolves will run into the issue of losing him just like the Nuggets did with KCP. Thybulle is a worse playmaker and shooter, but he'll bring in the same high-level defense in the second unit.

A Murphy / Reid swap gives them more flexibility on the wing spot and adds additional perimeter defense. Murphy is in a contract year but the Wolves won't care about paying him cause they're already deep into the 2nd apron.

The defense will get worse, but they'd still be a top 5 defense and get much better offensively.

Lineup after Trade:

M. Conley / R. Dillingham

A. Edwards / M. Thybulle

J. McDaniels / T. Murphy

K. Anthony-Towns / J. Ingles

R. Gobert / L. Garza*

Why the Pelicans do it:

This is the best offensive system the Pelicans have put around Zion, expect him in MVP Conversations. Naz is not a great defender, but the Pelicans have thrived being a perimeter-centric defense. Valančiūnas played every game last year as a negative defender and they still ended up as a 7th-rated defense. Now imagine the addition of Dejounte, and reduced minutes from CJ to easily make them a top 5 Defense.

Lineup after Trade:

D. Murray / J. Alverado

B. Ingram / C. McCollum

H. Jones / J. Green

Z. Williamson / J. Robinson-Earl*

N. Reid / Y. Missi

Why the Cavileers do it:

Grant is the perfect fit for this team. A solid 3&D Wing that can put the ball on the floor and score efficiently. Trading your 2031 pick is the risk in this trade, but Cavs fans won't be too sad about Caris and Niang leaving for a better player and fit.

Also, Duop is an underrated Center that can give some better spacing next to the other Bigs.

Now that this trade is done, I'm assuming they sign Okorro back. Yet another top 5 defense.

Lineup after Trade:

D. Garland / C. Porter Jr.*

D. Mitchell / M. Struss

J. Grant / I. Okorro

E. Mobley / D. Wade

J. Allen / D. Reath

Why the Blazers do it:

Blazers get Nickeil who is younger and better than Thybulle, an unprotected first (Likely in the Cav's Rebuild stage) for Grant, and a sophomore sharpshooter.

Carris is a 30-year-old, inefficient, volume shooter on an expiring contract...Blazers waive him after the trade goes through.

Duop's trade value is a question mark and you could say the Blazers could've gotten more but let me know in the comments.

Despite Niang being the most athletic person on the planet, I think his 3-point shooting will be huge for this team's spacing. Jabari and Toumari were awful shooters last year so giving Scoot legitimate shooting will help his drives and finishing development.

Lineup after trade:

A. Simmons / S. Henderson

N. Alexander-Walker / J. Hawkins

S. Sharpe / K. Murray*

D. Advija / G. Niang

D. Ayton / R. Williams

• Garza, Porter Jr., Robinson-Earl, and Murray are the odd men out in a 9-man rotation.