Why would each team do this?

Dallas Mavericks do this because it balances their roster for both the present and the future. They bring in a reliable starting center who can rebound, defend the paint, and take pressure off their forwards. The young wings give Dallas long-term upside, athleticism, and defensive versatility, while the added shooting helps maintain a spaced offense around Flagg. Moving off unwanted contracts gives them more roster flexibility, financial breathing room, and the ability to reshape their bench without sacrificing competitiveness. This trade lets Dallas stay in competitive mindset while quietly upgrading their future core at the same time.

Sacramento Kings do this because they finally secure a true offensive identity. They land a proper playmaking point guard who can control tempo, generate elite offense, and instantly become the franchise centerpiece. The scoring wings make their attack more dynamic, giving them creators who can score without relying only on Sabonis actions. Trae Young becomes their new long-term face, bringing star power and consistency, while Porzingis gives them a stretch-big who can shoot, block shots, and make their spacing almost impossible to guard. The Kings do this because they want dominance now, relevance in the West, and a star they can confidently build around for years.

Atlanta Hawks do this because it transitions them into a tougher, more structured team built around defense and leadership. They gain one of the league’s best shot blockers and rim attackers in Anthony Davis, instantly giving them a defensive anchor they’ve never had. D'Lo joins as a high-IQ veteran point guard who can organize the locker room, guide young stars, and stabilize late-game possessions. With Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels emerging, Atlanta shifts its franchise core toward athletic defenders and versatile forwards, letting AD protect the paint while mentoring them through playoff expectations. The Hawks do this because they want a real defensive identity, veteran leadership, and a future built on structure, toughness, and development.

Golden State Warriors do this because it maximizes the final years of their championship window while restoring what made them legendary. Reuniting Steph and Klay brings back the most feared shooting duo in NBA history, reigniting the Splash Bros energy and brand. Nic Claxton gives them a mobile center who can defend the rim, switch onto guards, and run the floor in transition. Keon Ellis boosts perimeter defense, taking on tough assignments and bringing defensive grit to complement the offense. With Jimmy Butler already driving their scoring punch, this trade gives the Warriors shot creation, rim protection, perimeter defense, and nostalgia, all built around winning while Steph is still elite.

Brooklyn Nets do this because it aligns perfectly with their youth movement and future timeline. They gain a young guard who can score and grow into a bigger role, plus a shooter who adds floor spacing for their rebuild offense. Trayce Jackson-Davis gives Brooklyn a high-upside, energetic big who can develop into a core piece if given minutes. Instead of chasing short-term wins, Brooklyn takes on talent with potential, adding players who can grow together without clogging their cap or forcing them into early contention. The Nets do this because they want development, upside swings, and a young foundation they can shape into their own system.