Trail Blazers: Lillard can score whenever, wherever he wants. Why not pair him with one of the best defenders in the game?
Norman Powell is already an elite scorer. Why not make a rotation with Malik Beasley, ANOTHER elite scorer?
To summarize, this backcourt gets really good with the Blazer’s additions. Jrue Holiday gives a balance to the high-octane machine of Lillard & Co. Plus, Richaun Holmes is a 15-PPG young scorer who can pair really well with Larry Nance Jr. This team is definitely good enough to go to the Finals, it doesn’t matter that picks are gone.
Oh, I forgot to mention, the Blazers also get a backup point guard in this deal (George Hill), comfortably filling a need.
Starting Lineup:
Lillard
Holiday
Powell/Beasley
Larry Nance Jr.
Richaun Holmes
Bucks: The Bucks just won the title, why would they give away some of their core? Well, as we all know, Middleton and Holiday were very inconsistent in the playoffs, and it almost cost them, big time. Middleton was better, though, so Holiday goes after the Blazer’s showed interest. They also trade away Donte Divencenzo, who they wanted gone.
The benefit of the doubt here is that now a true star-studded backcourt is formed. Malcom Brogdon is a fringe All-Star who would be a great fit with Giannis, and McCollum is a consistent 20-PPG scorer who just needs a new team to show his worth on. Sure, giving Lopez as well hurts, but Nurkic is another really good veteran presence in the frontcourt with better stats. They also have Bobby Portis locked for two years if they want him to start, and they gain 2 FRPs. Good win for the Bucks.
Starting Lineup:
Brogdon
McCollum
Middleton
GIANNIS
Nurkic
Kings: Things get interesting with the Kings. They get rid of Buddy Hield, who they wanted to trade, and free up their backcourt by trading new draft pick Davion Mitchell.
They value they get here is overlooked.
Edmond Sumner is a great young role player. Nassir Little has a lot of potential and could replace Marvin Bagley if necessary. TJ Warren was really valuable for the Pacers before his injury, and he could have a great veteran presence swapping in a rotation with Harrison Barnes. Brook Lopez is just DOMINANT, especially in big moments. With Fox and Halliburton as the main focus, a favorable FRP swap, and an extra FRP to add on, the Kings get good value and have enough talent to push themselves over the playoff line.
Also, for more explanation, they are taking the Atlanta Hawks route by adding solid veterans to their young core.
Starting Lineup:
Fox
Halliburton
Warren/Barnes
Bagley
Lopez
Pacers: They finally get themselves out of mediocrity. I am just salivating over the offensive power between KAT and Sabonis, the Pacers would be ridiculous. They give away a lot of picks in the process, but at least one is a swap.
Buddy Hield is a really high-scoring success that can take over games with his 3-point shooting, and with LaVert going into the PG role, you have a solid backcourt to make up for the loss of Brogdon and Warren. And Anfernee Simmons is a really good young prospect (I honestly don’t know much about his play style). Win for the Pacers.
Starting Lineup:
Caris LaVert
Chris Duarte
Buddy Hield
Domantis Sabonis
Karl Anthony-Towns
Timberwolves: The Wolves have had a huge hit with Anthony Edwards, and DLO has showed his worth, but the KAT era has just not worked out. So the same with Malik Beasley, a great scorer but with a lot of moral issues. Enter the beat package the Wolves could receive.
A young backcourt option in Mitchell (lottery pick). Solid depth in Divencenzo and Oshae Brissett. Another young asset in Isaiah Jackson to develop alongside Jaden McDaniels. An incredible frontcourt pairing in...
Myles Turner: One of the best defensive players in the league. Uses height and power to his advantage.
Robert Covington: Solid PF with outside shooting, good mentor for Turner and young backups with playoff experience.
The cherry on top is the FIVE FRPS!!!! Five! This is like a Harden deal, big yes from the resetting Timberwolves.
Starting Lineup:
Mitchell
DLO
Edwards
RoCo
Turner