Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C/F Kevin Love, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – CLE), 2027 First-Round Pick (CLE), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – CLE)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
There’s a reason we only included three-team deals in this piece.
It’s hard to envision a deal that sends Gilgeous-Alexander to the Nets that doesn’t include Ben Simmons. Meanwhile, it’s hard to imagine the Oklahoma City Thunder would have any interest in Simmons. Ergo, to make this arrangement work, we needed a third team who would.
The Cavaliers were another squad who were frequently linked to Simmons last year. Acquiring him would allow them to further commit to their “big ball” strategy. In all likelihood, we’d be looking at a starting lineup where only Darius Garland was under 6’10 following this deal.
Meanwhile, the Thunder get virtually the same package here: an aging veteran with a big contract and a boatload of draft capital.
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Love is a more productive player than Gallinari at this stage in their careers. The Thunder would likely showcase him until they were able to find a separate deal for him. If they have their way, it’ll net them another first-round pick.
