Nets- they don’t want to take back Russ because if they did they probably would have already signed onto the Russ- Irving deal by now. They need a 3rd team to facilitate the trade. They would have to re route one of the frps from the lakers but would get back a high srp from the spurs. It would also free up cap space.

Lakers- they get the best player the deal and would would be title favourites this year

Spurs- I thought that they would make a play for Ayton given they have a need at center and the cap room to make it happen. But I think they are rolling the dice to see if they can get the #1 pick next year and Wembanyama. In this situation they would get a first round pick by giving up nothing. They could choose to play Russ as a sort of box office attraction or they could bench him or even buy him out 50 cents on the dollar. They would also create a huge trade exception that they could use down the line if one or two of their young guys hit and they no longer need all those picks. They could then go after an available superstar with the frps they have acquired.

What do you guys think?

Would the spurs be brave enough to do this or would the negative media attention make it not worth the trouble?