Pacers Explanation:

As the Pacers ownership has shown consistently off-season after off-season, they are unwilling to pay the luxury tax for this team. Earlier this summer, they let franchise legend Myles Turner leave for the division rival Milwaukee Bucks. This unwillingness to pay more for this team does not seem to be going away anytime soon. As a result of this, next summer when Benjamin Mathurin hits restricted free agency, things may get murky with him. In this trade they capitalize on Mathurin's current value to get a cheaper but similar player in Ayo Dosunmu. Ayo can score in bursts like Mathurin, but also be a gritty, very Pacers type role player for Rick Carlisle. A mentor like Aaron Nesmith could do wonders for Ayo’s development. They also pick up a protected first and a second round pick in this deal.

Projected Lineup:

McConnell - Nembhard - Nesmith - Topping - Siakam

Bulls Explanation:

This trade is simple for Chicago, upgrading from Dosunmu to a player with more upside. The Bulls are in need of more young talent to pair with guys like Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue. Mathurin has shown a lot of scoring potential in his time with the Pacers, exploding for over 25 points multiple times this last playoff run. The Bulls have been mediocre for too long, losing out on talent at the top of drafts while also losing out on the playoffs. Picking up a scorer like Mathurin would do wonders for this offense next to the up and coming Buzelis. Losing out on a bit of draft capital hurts, but they are two less valuable picks.

Projected Lineup:

Giddey - White - Mathurin - Buzelis - Vucevic