This trade is somewhat fantastical, both presuming Paul George won't resign and assuming Paul George signs less than his full max value over 4 years--which might be a pretty ridiculous assumption--but the idea is that he basically gets the full max for the first two years (until Chet and J Dub need extensions) and then has a 2-year player option for the last two that he can opt into if his production or health declines... or he can opt out and sign another deal for the full max if he's still playing well, giving both him and OKC some needed flexibility.

So OKC offload Giddey, the odd man out in the playoffs, and also free Ousmane Dieng's roster spot while giving him a chance to grow elsewhere on a rebuilding team. I debated including A. Wiggins or I. Joe too because both of them are going to need to get paid: either this or next summer. It seems very unlike Presti to lock himself into expensive role players when they have so many assets and J Dub and Chet will have to get paid soon, so maybe he frontloads their extensions so it's not so bad but consider me skeptical they stick around longterm. Anyway with so many draft picks coming, it's time for a consolidation trade and roster spots to open up.

Meanwhile, the Wizards get their potential point guard of the future in Giddey, while letting Kuzma join a winning situation. I debated which other wizards players might be included but given that Shamet played for the Clippers b4 and doesn't super fit the Wiz' timeline, I chose him to send alongside Kuzma. However maybe Holmes would be sent to LAC to be a backup center or even Kispert/Avdija but then the Wiz would need a lot more back imo. Dieng is also a perfect long-term bet for them to replace the Kuzma role next to Avdija, Bilal, Giddey, etc

Lastly for the Clippers, if they're going to lose Paul George. this is kind of a dream scenario to salvage value. Kuzma has previously shown his value as a third banana and can capably pick up more responsibility when Harden and Kawhi inevitably miss games... and we all know that he loves LA. Shamet also gives them another piece and on top of that overall they save some money against the 2nd apron to make another move.