Why would the Rockets do this: They're doing very good in their rebuild by drafting Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and snagging Kevin Porter Jr. for only a 2nd round pick. Having their own pick plus the Thunder's pick in 2023 would almost guarantee them Emoni Bates as both picks would be near #1 and if not they can trade both picks for a higher pick. Their also getting only a little bit more cap space in Al Horford but he can be a good veteran mentor for Alperen Sengun and Christian Wood.

Why would the Celtics do this: Al Horford is taking up tons of their cap space and he's not that kind of guy to make that much money. Sure they have to send out Pritchard and a frp, but this opens huge cap space to sign free agents next summer.

Why would the Thunder do this: They have the largest stockpile of frps in the league. They can afford to lose one (even if it is valuable) because they're getting back a good young guard who can be the 2nd option point guard. They're also getting a Celtics srp this year. Adding eric gordon could bump up their wins (their pick will likely be less valuable so a win for the thunder) or they could flip him (mainly for another pick they're payroll is really low).