Dallas - Gets a long-term star to pair with Cooper Flagg in LaMelo. Feels like LaMelo playing with Kyrie and under Jason Kidd would also be good for his development. He still has superstar talent but hasn't fully realized it. Kennard is for salary mainly but also gives Dallas some needed shooting.

Atlanta - Goes all in with potentially the most consequential player to be traded this season in AD and adds Naji Marshall who is a great wing for a contender. Trae, NAW, Johnson, AD, Okongwu with Daniels and Naji off the bench is legit. Are they willing to bail on Risacher this early?

Charlotte - Gets a talented young player in Risacher and two first round picks as they continue to build. They'd have 4 firsts in the 2027 draft and could easily package picks for the next star to be traded (Ja?). Porzingis included for salary purposes but could probably be flipped for more assets.

*All of this, like really any significant AD trade is predicated on him coming back, being healthy for a stretch, and playing at the high level he normally does.

*LaMelo's value is so hard to gauge. On the surface he's a unicorn in terms of talent. But he's also missed more games than AD since Ball was drafted so is a team going to give up a treasure trove of picks and young players for him?

*The 1sts going from Atlanta to Charlotte currently project to be the Cavs (2026) and Bucks (2027). Would, right now, likely not be top 20 picks.