LA Clippers
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris, G/F Brandon Boston Jr., 2029 First-Round Pick (LAC)
LA Clippers Receive: C Myles Turner
We’re trying to avoid using the exact same deal twice in a row, but this one just makes too much sense for both sides.
A starting lineup of Turner, Robert Covington, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and either John Wall or Reggie Jackson ought to be illegal. If the Clippers made this deal, the best Defensive Rating in NBA history wouldn’t be out of the question. Obviously, neither would the franchise’s first NBA championship.
Los Angeles Lakers
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G Terry Rozier
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving
Finally, our first three-team deal of this article.
The Nets aren’t likely to take on Russell Westbrook. His fit with Ben Simmons isn’t just concerning: it’s entirely untenable. Meanwhile, assuming the Nets don’t make a deal that has them getting their first-round picks through to 2027 back from the Houston Rockets, they won’t have any incentive to bottom out.
This deal has them landing two quality starters in return for their aloof point guard. Meanwhile, it has the Lakers landing something they badly need: a star player who can play with LeBron James.
Memphis Grizzlies
Sacramento Kings Receive: F/C Brandon Clarke
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C Alex Len, 2023 First-Round Pick (SAC)
The unfortunate news of Jaren Jackson Jr.’s potentially season-ending injury has to change the Grizzlies’ outlook ahead of 2022-23. On the other hand, this team is far too good to bottom out.
They might as well treat it like a gap year anyway. This team won’t be playing for the championship without Triple J. This deal has them stocking some draft capital and improving their flexibility ahead of 2023-24, as Clarke will be due for a raise after this season.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant Has Gone Radio Silent Amid NBA Trade Rumors
Miami Heat
Utah Jazz Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G Tyler Herro, 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
The Miami Heat are probably hoping to stay in the running for an even bigger star than Mitchell this summer.
Unfortunately for them, they don’t look to be likely players in the Durant sweepstakes. Due to a CBA rule, the Nets can’t take back Bam Adebayo unless they’re moving Ben Simmons. Meanwhile, they’re light on draft capital. Tyler Herro, two first-rounders and a swap is a substantial package, but it’s not enough to land Durant. With that said, it could be fair value for Donovan Mitchell.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Does Donovan Mitchell Want To Leave Utah Jazz?
Milwaukee Bucks
Houston Rockets Receive: F Jordan Nwora
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F David Nwaba
The Milwaukee Bucks could easily feel as if they’d have likely defended their NBA championship last year with a healthy Khris Middleton. This is not an organization that should be looking to make a blockbuster this season. Here, they flip the younger Jordan Nwora for the sturdier David Nwaba in a sign-and-trade. That’s N(w)ot bad.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Durant Has Gone Radio Silent Amid NBA Trade Rumors
Minnesota Timberwolves
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Naz Reid
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Malachi Flynn, 2023 Second-Round Pick (TOR)
In all likelihood, the Minnesota Timberwolves already made their blockbuster for the summer. They sent a massive package of players and draft capital to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Rudy Gobert.
That move might not leave a lot of room for Naz Reid. The Wolves will likely stagger their twin towers in Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns to an extent. This deal has them taking a flyer on a backup point guard in Flynn.
