Lakers - finally get their backup big in Vucevic. his shooting is crucial as it allows him to space the floor in lineups featuring Vanderbilt, and can play next to AD in big lineups. Torrey Craig comes in via the minimum exception to help replace some of that wing depth left by Rui. Lakers have shown little to no interest in moving 1st round picks, and here they don’t even give up any picks.

Bulls - this trade only goes through if they value Rui at all. he’s not super young, but fits their timeline much better than Vucevic. 6’8 wings that can shoot and do other things decently well are always valuable. Hood-Schfino is here to match salaries, but a fresh start on a rebuilding team could be a nice change of scenery for him.. Chicago does have a guard logjam though so i doubt he’d play….

note: 2030 Cavs/Nets pick swap favors the Nets and is fully unprotected, 2031 Cavs first round pick is also fully unprotected

Cavs - ducking the tax this season could be huge for Cleveland as they’d avoid future repeater tax penalties in the future as well as receive a large sum of cash this summer for ducking it.. doing that while upgrading in a MASSIVE way is a crazy win for the Cavs. obviously Cam Johnson is the prize of the trade deadline this year, and Cleveland gets him to slot in as their starting SF, he’d also get plenty of minutes at PF too. also get Larry Nance who is a perfect backup big for them, can play alongside Mobley or Allen, and can even serve as the lone big in small ball lineups.

Nets - obviously Cam Johnson needs to go to further continue the tank, they get a decent haul here. one unprotected 1st round pick that’s very distant, one unprotected 1st round pick swap that’s also distant, 2 second round picks, clean expiring salary in Caris LeVert, and the multi year…

i know this is incredibly unlikely, but there is a lot of things that makes sense within this trade, stay tuned

Wizards - it sounds crazy to take on the leagues worst contract while potentially somewhat spoiling the tank, but there are some aspects here that make sense. #1: the Wizards are unlikely to get good value for Kuzma or Brogdon, so mind as well take on bad money for a super intriguing fully unprotected 2031 Suns first round pick. #2: obviously Beal is a franchise staple in Washington, he could come back to mentor the young guys, while potentially even staying long term in a reduced role into the new era once the young guys are ready to lead the team. #3: this trade clears a roster spot to promote Jared Butler to a standard contract, and assuming they’d just buy out Richardson, can also promote Justin Champaigne to a standard contract as well. yes there are easier ways for Washington to do that, but it’s still a positive. if Washington still isn’t intrigued enough, they could …

trade note: 2028 first round pick is lottery protected, but i could also see Utah accepting this trade with multiple 2nd round picks instead of the first

Kings - John Collins could potentially be a great fit next to Sabonis. he’s been a much improved defender, especially around the rim, and is shooting almost 44% from 3 this year! he’d add great size to their forward rotation as well as being a capable small ball 5. i do think Collins would come off the bench though, likely as the 6th or 7th man.

Jazz - this one is obvious for Utah.. they’re tanking and need to prioritize trading veterans for draft capital. Collins’s value is never gonna be higher than it is right now, if there’s any chance they can get a 1st, even one that’s lottery protected, they have to do it. even if it’s just multiple 2nd round picks, they should do it. unfortunately have to take on Huerter’s 2 year deal, but offball shooters are always helpful for rebuilding teams, and they could even flip Huerter for more val…

Thunder - they clearly have a need for more shooting and more size at the forward spots. Cam Johnson is the absolute perfect fit at PF for OKC. they have the assets, the cap flexibility, and the need to swing a Cam Johnson deal. they also get Trendon Watford who while just a throw in, fits the Thunder’s shoot/dribble/pass mold while adding size at PF.. can also play small ball 5 in OKC’s patented small ball lineups. keeps a roster spot open for the eventual Ajay Mitchell roster spot as well as keeping a 15th spot open for a free agent.

Nets - Cam Johnson is a hot commodity on the trade market, and they absolutely get a good haul with this trade. expiring (team option) salary in Gary Harris, a shot in the dark at Ousmane Dieng, and a rookie lottery pick under contract for 3 more years after this season.. in addition to 2 first round picks AND 2 second round picks!! meets all of Brooklyn’s needs. this trade also ducks Brooklyn way under the tax, which will be key for completing any othe…

trade notes - 2028 Nuggets/Raptors pick swap is top 1 protected and is in the Raptors favor, 2030 Nuggets/Bulls pick swap is unprotected and is in the Bulls favor.

Nuggets - with Jamal Murray’s regression, Denver needs another creator. Denver has shown interest in LaVine. LaVine is a great fit who increases Denver’s shot creation, while also maintaining a great off-ball fit. also finally address the backup center problem in Chris Boucher, a guy Denver has shown interest in, his defensive skillset along with his shooting would also allow Denver to play him next to Jokic in certain lineups. have to give up 2 distant pick swaps and sacrifice a bit of size in the starting lineup to get it done. Denver is also under the 2nd apron enough to where they can sign 2 more players and remain under that apron.

Bulls - LaVine has been playing great this year, but it’s clear he doesn’t fit their timeline. MPJ’s contract is a bit better than LaVine’s and he is younger. Chicago doesn’t have to take …

Timberwolves - finally get rid of Randle while possibly adding a better fit at PF. not sold on Collins’s fit next to Gobert, but he’s shot the 3 well this season. Svi could potentially be a decent bench shooter which Minnesota desperately needs.

Jazz - in recent reports Utah’s asking price for John Collins is a first round pick. here they get exactly that with the Pistons 1-13 protected first round pick which should convey as a mid to late teen’s pick either this year or next year. they also get their 2nd round pick back this year which should be in the high 30’s. have to take on Randle which isn’t ideal for tanking purposes but ideally he just opts out after the season and clears cap for Utah. Svi is just a throw in here, but if Utah actually values him then they can take him out of the trade no problem….

Timberwolves - it’s clear Randle is a horrible fit in Minnesota and has to go.. his value is pretty low and since Minnesota is a 2nd apron team that don’t have much flexibility in getting rid of him. Bridges fits much better and is on a decently manageable salary. Seth Curry can provide some much needed shooting off the bench.

Hornets - i personally don’t like this trade for the Hornets, but they could possibly be interested due to a few things. 1 - Randle adds an additional creator next to LaMelo which is something Charlotte definitely needs.. 2 - if they don’t view Bridges as a part of their long term plans and want to dump his multi-year salary (Randle could opt out via Player Option resulting in nice cap savings). they also pickup additional draft assets in a protected Pistons first that could convey as early as this season!! as well as a 2nd round pick via Utah that should be in the very high 30’s.. overall not a great package for them but it’s not horrible….

Clippers - backup center that’s clearly an upgrade over Bamba. gets the Clippers under the luxury tax too!

Wizards - get 2 second round picks for a guy who’s not apart of the future plans as well as an expiring contract….

Hawks - continue to load up on defensive versatility to surround Trae Young. potentially fix the backup PG problem.

Cavs - upgrade the backup big spot with a guy that can play next to Allen/Mobley or be the lone big in small ball lineups.

Nets - continue to collect draft assets and continue tanking. get nice salary relief with Capela’s expiring but have to eat an additional year with Niang….

Spurs - continue to surround Wemby with veterans to improve a winning culture. Capela can be a great backup and could play with Wemby in supersized lineups. also opens up cap space next offseason going from Zach Collins 2 year deal to Capela’s expiring. Zeller is here for salary purposes but has a non-guaranteed contract for the next 2 years. could use that salary to match in a trade or just cut for extra room.

Hawks - finally commit to Okongwu as the starting center. Zach Collins gives them a different look at backup center as a big that can shoot. Tre Jones helps solve the backup PG problem too. an extra 2nd round pick in a loaded 2025 draft never hurts either….

trade note #1: 2030 first round pick swap between Denver/Detroit is in Detroit’s favor and is top 1 protected

trade note #2: reports have surfaced that the Bulls do not want Zeke Nnaji and his contract, that’s why the Pistons are getting involved

Nuggets - add another perimeter shot creator while maintaining an excellence off ball player. also acquire a backup 3 and D wing.

Bulls - move off LaVine’s bloated contract for a younger better fitter player in MPJ while also receiving a flyer on a young PG.

Pistons - use cap space to acquire a 2030 pick swap via Denver (top 1 protected)….

Timberwolves - get off of Randle without giving up draft picks.

Heat - buy low on Randle and get off of long term money.

Kings - upgrade bench with a good role player.

Raptors - acquire draft capital and needed shooters….

trade notes: 2025 Warriors first round pick is lottery protected

Warriors -

after the Dennis Schroder trade, it’s clear the Warriors are serious about improving this roster. until they finally decide to give up on Kuminga, their upgrades are going to be limited. Vucevic is having a great season and should be relatively cheap. Warriors give up 3 bench players in Looney, Payton II, and Kyle Anderson (who’s currently out of the rotation!) as well as a lottery protected 2025 first round pick. Vucevic would be a phenomal fit alongside subpar shooters such as Kuminga and Draymond Green due to his ability to stretch the floor. the Warriors also pickup Torrey Craig who could be genuinely useful as a 3 and D forward, replacing the minutes left by Payton II and Kyle Anderson. Horton-Tucker is just a throw in here, maybe the Warriors can find use for him. Warriors essentially move back in the draft as they’re acquiring a 2025 second round pick via Sacramento.

Bulls -

it’s clear the Vucevic er…

trade notes: 2031 Denver 1st round pick is Top 5 protected, 2028 Denver/Charlotte 1st round pick swap is unprotected (with the swap in Charlotte’s favor)

Nuggets

it’s clear that after the departure of KCP, this team is no longer a true contender. with such limited assets, Denver is likely looking at trading MPJ as the only real way to improve. they swap MPJ and a Top 5 protected 2031 first round pick for both Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Jalen Pickett is in the trade for salary reasons. while MPJ individually is better than the 2 incoming players, gaining depth and defense is the real win here. Cam Johnson would slide into MPJ’s starting SF spot and provide similar shooting to MPJ, but is a much better defender. his rebounding and self creation will be a drop off from MPJ. Finney-Smith will be Denver’s top bench option as another 3 and D forward. Denver has some potential to create some fun small ball defensive lineups featuring a front court of Finney-Smith and Aaron Gordon….

this trade is not particularly realistic, but it potentially would help all the teams involved

Bucks

the Bucks have started slow this year, and it’s clear they are missing a 3rd guy. Middleton in theory is great, but he is always injured. Ingram would give the Bucks a more available and a more younger third option. financially, this move does wonders for the Bucks as they move below the 2nd apron(!!!).. in terms of the on court fit, Ingram doesn’t fit as clean as Middleton. Ingram, aside from this season, has never been a volume 3pt shooter and thrives mainly in the mid range. the Bucks could use a mid range creator though, and in theory Ingram and his length could be an upgrade defensively. a big 3 of Giannis, Lillard, and Ingram with Brook Lopez at center could be a fun team. note - the 2031 first rounder they’re giving up is top 5 protected.

Mavs

the Mavs come in as a 3rd team in this deal to snag Middleton, who in theory could fit in nicely as the 3rd offensive option behind Lu…

note #1 - due to 76ers being a 1st apron team, they’ll have to include a 3rd player (likely Reggie Jackson) to satisfy CBA rules, specifically to a 3rd team since Minnesota is a 2nd apron team

note #2 - trade can’t happen until after December 15th when Martin and Gordon become trade eligible

Philly - reports say the 76ers don’t play on bottoming out this season and are willing to trade future 1st round picks to upgrade their rotation. KJ Martin is not essential to this team, and Jared McCain’s emergence has made Eric Gordon expendable. if DiVencenzo can find the rhythm he had on the Knicks, this trade is a steal. he would immediately slot in as the teams starting SG, or potentially as the 6th man. a guard rotation of Maxey, DiVencenzo, McCain, and Lowry is very good.

Minnesota - it’s clear DiVencenzo has had a rough start to the season, so its decision time for the Timberwolves. either continue to invest in DiVencenzo, or trade him for additional assets. KJ Martin and Eric Gordon ar…

Dallas:

..Pro’s adds another big 3 and D wing to throw at opposing superstars familiarity with superstar Luka, always a good thing adds good optionality defensively acquire two 2nd round picks to potentially use in future trades 1st round pick given up is protected top 8, incase the season falls apart

..Con’s lose best Small Ball 5 in Kleber unfortunately have to give up on O-Max only 1 1/2 seasons into his career no first round picks in 2025 draft

Brooklyn:

..Pro’s finally get asking price for DFS in the form of a 2025 first round pick (top 8 protected) get a nice flyer on former first round pick O-Max Prosper who still has over 2 years left on his rookie contract opens up DFS’s rotation spot for younger players developmental minutes Kleber is potentially flip-able for additional assets

..Con’s have to give up two 2nd round picks Kleber’s contract is 2 years long, not expiring will have to waive someone to open up a roster spot, likely Shake Milton…

this is a no brainer for OKC. they get added shooting and added size at the forward spot without messing up their defensive identity. Cam Johnson is a literal perfect fit. ideally he’d start at PF pushing Jdub to his natural SF spot, but he could also come off the bench as the teams 6th man. Cam’s salary is also pretty solid for a player of his caliber, with the last year of his contract being the only year of overlap after the eventual Chet and Jdub max extensions.

note: if OKC is uncomfortable giving up Topic, they can substitute in Dillon Jones and Jaylin Williams instead

this trade is also perfect for Brooklyn. reports came out today that the Nets would want multiple first round picks or young prospects in addition to picks. Nikola Topic is only mere months removed from being a lottery pick, and while he won’t play this season due to his ACL injury, he’s easily worth a chance at developing in Brooklyn, especially as a team that doesn’t have a long term PG option. Ousmane Dieng is…

since the Bucks are a 2nd apron team, this is two seperate trades, not a 3 team trade

Bucks continue to struggle defensively on the perimeter, and with limited assets and 2nd apron restrictions it’s hard to upgrade. Oubre seems like a good middle ground. he’s an inconsistent shooter, but he’s a pretty solid defender when he’s locked in. Eric Gordon is getting old, but he can still stretch the floor to the hash with his shooting, and still provides solid rim pressure. the Bucks also flip Marjon Beauchamp for Duop Reath to replace the backup “stretch 5” role. Reath can shoot well for a center, but isn’t capable of much else.

76ers have been horrible to start the year. Oubre has been a bit disappointing so far, and the signing of Caleb Martin makes him a bit more expendable. Portis can provide good shooting and scoring and gives the 76ers a different look at backup center besides Andre Drummond. losing Eric Gordon doesn’t hurt at all as Jared McCain’s emergence makes him completely expe…