The latest on the trade market is that the Sixers have had talks with the Bulls on a potential Lavine deal, Harden is still being shopped around, and so is Siakam.

The Sixers are currently positioning themselves as if they’re fully prepared to run it back if no deal can be made. However a lot of analysts believe that it’s merely Daryl Morey posturing for something he has up his sleeve. This deal could be exactly that. Surrounding Embiid with the versatile scoring ability of LaVine and the length, athleticism and switchability of Siakam is exactly what Embiid has needed. All that without having to trade Maxey, is as ideal as it gets.

The Clippers land Harden and retain 2 more expiring contracts that helps them retain some lost depth. Harden is in a lot of ways the perfect fit for them. Not a lot of PGs can do what Harden does in terms of facilitating the offense. He’ll also have plenty of time to himself when George and Leonard are inevitibly out of the line up.

The Bulls are in an odd spot, they seem to be ready to move on from LaVine but not entirely throwing in the towel. They land length, size, defensive versatility, depth and shooting in place of ZL who they might have deemed as redundant next to DeRozan. Given that they’re all on expiring contracts, this may buy them a season to assess their future and clear cap space next season.

The Raptors have reportedly on multiple occasions shopped Siakam in trade deals. He’s on an expiring and this is a way to still land 1st round picks for him which is a rarity in today’s NBA climate due to the new CBA. By buying into tank mode this season that also opens up the door for them to be more likely to keep their first rounder which is top 6 protected to San Antonio. Taking on multiple expiring contracts also still gives them their cap flexibility for next season.