Why the Rockets do this: Houston is very reminiscent of the Thunder from a few years ago. They have loads of young talent, but like the Thunder, they are a year away from that young talent maturing into elite champion players. Assuming this jump happens next year for at least a few of the many lottery picks on Houston’s roster, they may just be a carbon copy of OKC… but imagine if this year’s Thunder team had added one of the 15 best players in the league. That’s what Houston aims to do here in adding Kawhi Leonard. They also add Norman Powell, who can be an elite scorer off the bench. They part ways with Dillon Brooks, but there isn’t anything he can do that Kawhi can’t. They also lose Fred VanVleet, but I actually see this as a benefit, as it frees up minutes for their young back court talent. A potential lineup could be something like this: Sheppard, Green, Leonard, Smith Jr., Sengun.

Why the Clippers do this: Following Paul George’s departure, the Clippers are no longer contenders. Rather than embracing mediocrity, they get a massive return for Kawhi Leonard, receiving 4 FRPs. They do have to take the Lavine contract, but they weren’t going to be good the next few years anyway. They also get Clint Capela, who they can flip in addition to Harden for young talent and draft capital. A potential lineup could be something like this: Harden, Lavine, Batum, Tucker, Capela/Zubac.

Why the Lakers do this: D'Angelo Russell has been a weak point for the Lakers in the playoffs. His inability to play defense and tendency to have his worst games in April make him a bad fit in LA. This trade allows the Lakers to get rid of him and bring in a tertiary scorer in Coby White. They also get a few long shot prospects in Kobe Bufkin and Kobe Brown. A potential lineup could be something like this: White, Reaves, James, Hachimura, Davis.

Why the Hawks do this: They get an elite perimeter defender who will be a great fit next to Trae Young, while also opening up a starting spot for Onyeka Okongwu. That’s it. A potential lineup could be something like this: Young, Risacher, Brooks, Johnson, Okongwu.

Why the Bulls do this: They actually get a pick for offloading Lavine’s contract, as well as two tradeable players they can exchange for picks to aid their rebuild. I think opinions on their side of the trade greatly depends on your opinion of how good Coby White can be.

Leave your thoughts in the comments!