I know the trade says "failed" but it's only because of a Dec. 15 trade limitation which won't be an issue in February.
Ultimately,
There's no reason a 4 team deal would ever happen in real life, but maybe a series of trades could shake out looking a little like this. The Spurs are looking to be sellers to super tank this year, due to their cap availability they are one of the teams available in a potential Russ release from LA.
Why the Bulls: So many questions around this aging Bulls team. Injuries, offensive issues, defensive issues, have all been a problem. The finally unload DeRozen who is starting to show his age to a team in the Pacers that can't seem to figure out their identity. Rumors have been swirling they may ship off players and hit the button on a rebuild. This trade gives the Bulls both improved offense and defense, while not costing them much talent.
Why the Spurs: Three goals for the Spurs this year, crash like a spaceship in a dystopian sci-fi thriller, save salary cap so they have ultimate money flexibility as they rebuild, finally stockpile draft picks like a squirrel stuffing acorns in the fall. If the Lakers get desperate enough for wins those 2 draft picks will not cancel out their win RIGHT THE FREAK NOW! mindset as Lebron's career winds to an end and the Spurs may be in the perfect position to assist them in their own self destruction. This trade checks all 3 of their season goals. Russ gets waived, Dragic is added as an assistant coach.
Why the Pacers: I'm confused about where the Pacers are going, they can't seem to get Turner playing consistently well, they show flashes of playing well, but they seem to be a team without an identity. That means they will flounder around in the middles playing just good enough to get marginal draft picks and not bad enough for those picks to help them grow. Will they pull the plug and hit the reset around their young star guard? Time will tell, but this trade offers them an asset in DeRozen to flip to a playoff contender looking for a second or third scorer, lands them a couple of cheap role players, and brings them a pick for the trouble of taking on an aging veteran. Maybe it's not perfect, but it's something.
Why the Lakers: Well...EVERYONE knows they're no where near a championship team. Lebron keeps hinting at being unsettled, and at his age, if the Lakers want to keep him, they better start listening. While Micky D's isn't the most splashy pick, this dude has been solid for the Spurs, he's low maintenance, plus he can knock down the long ball...all major wins for the Lakers. They get one of their targets in Turner. Maybe they can flip him into a 6th man stretch big option around Davis. Finally, J Rich, again not splashy, but he's not a trouble maker, he's a good enough defender, and he can give you non-stupid basketball minutes. Plus can we all agree anything that gets Russ off the team is probably worth considering. They have been tight fisting these 2 picks all year, but there may be a point where their desperation can no longer be quelled as the Lebron saga could reach its melting point sooner than later if things don't turn around.
Final thoughts: The Spurs know who they are right now, they are the team in the driver's seat if something like this is going to get done. With that said the Lakers and the Bulls are kind of in win now situations, while the Pacers need to make up their mind and my bet is they are going to shift into tank mode before the trade deadline.