Why the Kings do this: It’s been a long damn time since the Kings made the playoffs, and the organization wants to get there. While there are problems that may keep them from getting there (coach, front office cheapness/incompetence, limited talent), last year, particularly Fox and Halliburton, provided a glimmer a hope for the future. However, the Kings need three things for the payoffs to happen: 1) A Defensive upgrade; 2) A second star after Fox; and 3) Continued improvement from Halliburton. Jerami Grant is two-way player who averaged 22 ppg last year— he could be that second star. Also, this trade clears enough cap to re-sign Richard Holmes to a fair 66 million dollar contract. Lastly, Mason Plumlee comes along to strengthen the Kings’ bench. The Kings get a shot with this lineup, and maintain a good trade piece in Grant if things don’t work out.
Line-up: Fox Halliburton Grant Barnes Holmes Wright Davis Woodard Metu Plumlee Ramsay #52 FA Jones
Why the Pistons do this: The Pistons have a chance to develop a young super team lead by Cunningham, Hayes, Stewart, and Bey. Jerami Grant could fit in, but he’s older and on a different timeline than the rest of the team. Plus, his star-turn last year may or may not have staying power. This trade lets them pick up another top-10 pick to round out their line up , another first rounder, a potential high second next year, and three players who could be traded for later assets or develop into keepers.
Line-up: Cunningham Hayes Bey Kuzma/Bagley Stewart
9 #22 Jackson Kuzma/Bagley Harrell
Sryvidis Doumboya 2Rd 2Rd
Why the Lakers do it: LA needs shooting. Hield is one of the best shooters in the league, and has shown development in other facets of the game. Kuzma, despite his talent, hasn’t shown enough and wants to be traded. Simple as that. Okafor provides a potential replacement for Harrell’s output, and James could develop into a bench player.
Line-up: Shroeder? Hield James Davis Drummond? Caruso? Horton-Tucker? Caldwell-Pope #39 Gasol J.James K.Antetoukumpo McKinnie Okafor