As the NBA continuously evolves, no player type evolves with it more than the big man. 

For a long time, the NBA’s centers were expected to patrol the paint, and seldom step outside of it. That was true on both ends of the floor. They were supposed to score inside, and they were supposed to stop others from doing the same. 

A lot has changed – and quickly. With that in mind, a question emerges: what does the prototypical big man look like in 2022? 

Is it a rim-running, rim-protecting big who prefers scoring as a pick-and-roll finisher rather than a low post scorer? Alternatively, is it a big who spaces the floor while defending the interior?

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings & Phoenix Suns Updates

It’s certainly not a low post playmaker, but can such a player still add value? 

We’ve just described, in order, Deandre Ayton, Domantas Sabonis, and Myles Turner. Here’s a trade that has them all finding new homes before the 2022-23 season gets underway.