Before I start the team by team, I have to make a quick note as there is a lot that's dependent on what happens with the Jalen Duren and the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies will have to make a decision soon on which 4 of their players they have to cut so they don't have more than the maximum amount of players. In this case, I'm hoping they waive both Kris Murray and Micah Peavy (more on that below). To the team by team!

Clippers: The Clippers just got hit with the biggest punishment in NBA history for the Kawhi/Aspiration (plus like 3 other companies) salary cap evasion. They are in desperate need of draft picks and while they will get some first round picks back if they can complete the Kawhi and Raptors trade, they're still going to want more. In this case, they have an open roster spot (and wouldn't go over the max of 15 players even if both Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick end up there). We already know the price of dropping a negative asset player as the Clippers have already made one trade like that this summer - Johni Broome for two second round picks. So they pick up two more in exchange for Dadiet. Sadly, Dadiet has shown nothing over his Knicks tenure but the Clippers can hope they can give him enough playing time to develop. And if not, they can decline his team option and cut him loose at the end of the season, still ending up two second rounders richer.

Kings: The Kings really like Cardwell, and that makes a ton of sense. He's on a cheap contract, has a great motor, is a good defender and rebounder. The only problem is they've decided to load up with centers for some reason. They have Raynaud, a stretch 5 who had a good rookie season. They also have Achiuwa and Mogbo (who's only on a two-way but still), both undersized bigs who can't shoot. And then they currently have Sabonis but have their eyes on Jalen Duren. While there's a tiny tiny chance this happens if they don't get Duren (he's yet another center, seriously, there's 4 centers on this team) since there's literally only so much minutes to go around. But Cardwell would be duplicative for many of Duren's strengths. If they get Duren, I think they keep Raynaud who's shooting gives him the chance to share the floor with Duren. Duren isn't the liability on defense that Sabonis is, which is why a Raynaud/Duren pairing is far more likely than a Raynaud/Sabonis pairing. In return, the Kings get 2 second round picks and Deuce. Deuce is a great POA defender and 3 point shooter. While he is going to get a good sized pay raise, it's not going to be an outlandish conract. He's also still young, and doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective.

Knicks: Finally to my team, the defending champions, the Knicks! Side note, it will never get old saying that, and watching clips from the postseason. Back to the mock trade. First off, losing Deuce really hurts. He's now the longest tenured Knick since Mitch left (that also hurts) and is deservedly a fan favorite for his hustle and defense. Unfortunately, Dolan's mandate to not go above the second apron, and saying that aloud for everyone to hear, means that it's unlikely he gets a new contract. And that also makes him the most valuable trade asset in the Knicks search for a center. They get Cardwell, who's looked great, is young, and on a 3 year contract for very cheap. I don't really have to say much about him since there's been so much coverage about him, but suffice it to say, Knicks fans would go nuts if we could get him. The Knicks also dump Dadiets salary to open up a roster spot. This allows them to sign two wings that are likely to be cut from a Grizzlies team that has to cut at least 4 players: Micah Peavy and Kris Murray. Peavy was a great defender for the Pelicans last year and while he still needs to improve in many ways, the Knicks would be excited to get a young wing with potential. They also get Kris Murray, whose also solid at defense, although he doesn't add much on offense. I'd be hoping that the Knicks shooting coaches work their magic on both of them. The other bonus is the Knicks get less guard heavy and add some size to the wings and frontcourt. Depth chart below.

PG: Brunson, Alvarado, Kolek

SG: Bridges, Clarkson

SF: Hart, Shamet, Peavy

PF: Anunoby, Diawara, Murray

C: KAT, Cardwell, Drummond