Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Ben Simmons, G/F Joe Harris
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Donovan Mitchell, G D’Angelo Russell, 2023 First-Round Pick (PHO), 2025 First-Round Pick (PHO)
Utah Jazz Receive: C Deandre Ayton, F Mikal Bridges
Phoenix Suns Receive: F Kevin Durant, F Kyle Anderson
We figured we’d open with something particularly explosive. This four-team blockbuster would leave a permanent mark on the entire 2022-23 season. It would also need to take place midseason as well when considering restrictions for recently signed players.
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz already made a sizeable splash this summer, as the Jazz sent Rudy Gobert to the Wolves in exchange for a massive package. That doesn’t preclude them from making another.
Some will question the fit between Ben Simmons and Gobert. They will raise valid questions. On the other hand, the Wolves would now be equipped with two of the very best defensive players in the NBA. On nights where the spacing is an issue, they’d be able to slot Towns back to his previous 5 position, where he’ll fit snuggly with Simmons.
Meanwhile, the Jazz lean entirely into their rebuild here. Some would prefer they receive a pick-heavy package in return for Donovan Mitchell.
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With that said, they already received four first-round picks n exchange for Gobert. They could justify favoring quality players in a Mitchell return. The 23-year-old Ayton would be on this team’s timeline, while the 26-year-old Bridges could help them accelerate it.
Finally, the Nets concede that Donovan Mitchell is the best return they’ll get for Durant. The Phoenix Suns, of course, get Durant. Nothing more needs to be said about their return here.
