The NBA trade deadline is inching closer, and as a result we’re starting to hear a lot of chatter about who could be on the move. All 30 NBA teams will have a different goal they’re aspiring to reach in the second half of the season, with some eager to bolster their roster and improve their title chances, while others are just chasing picks to assist their future. Before we reach the 9th of Feb, there are bound to be copious rumours involving a large majority of the league, so let’s play matchmaker and find a deal for each individual franchise that they’d happily pull the trigger on.
If you like what you read, check out more SportsbyFry articles by hitting this link. Make sure you keep up to date with the latest NBA articles and follow my fan pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to never miss a minute of the action!
Click here to subscribe on iTunes
(Feel free to leave a rating and review to help me move up the charts 👍)
Atlanta Hawks
Can I please trade — John Collins & Jalen Johnson to the Suns; Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Torrey Craig, 2023 2nd (via PHX) & 2024 1st (via PHX) to the Hawks
Sitting precariously around .500 at the midway point of the season means that change could be coming in Atlanta. Head coach Nate McMillan seems like the scapegoat who will take the fall for their shortcomings, although if I was running the Hawks, I’d prefer to ditch John Collins and his lengthy contract. The backcourt is clearly set for the future with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray locked up long-term, and dealing Collins also gives Atlanta the option of playing De’Andre Hunter or Onyeka Okongwu at the 4. Recouping draft capital and also landing some capable wings in exchange for John Collins would be a savvy move.
Boston Celtics
Can I please trade — Justin Jackson, 2023 2nd (via POR) & 2025 1st (via BOS) to the Hornets; P.J. Washington to the Celtics
There isn’t much the Celtics need right now, and any form of trade would likely be a small-time transaction. If they’re willing to part with some picks, they could try and bolster their forward rotation by swiping P.J. Washington from Charlotte after an inconsistent start to his career. Washington has increased his scoring rate in year four, but the rest of his numbers across the board have dipped and there’s a world where the Hornets move him instead of negotiating a new contract in the summer. There’s no harm in at least asking Charlotte if they want to part ways with Washington, right?
Brooklyn Nets
Can I please trade — Joe Harris, Day’Ron Sharpe & 2026 2nd (via BKN) to the Magic; Mo Bamba & Terrence Ross to the Nets
Brooklyn has steadied the ship after a lacklustre start and they’ll be hesitant to make wholesale changes to their roster. Still, this deal would help them strengthen their frontcourt and adding another scorer while Kevin Durant is sidelined would make for convenient timing. A 21–4 stretch by the Nets captured the attention of everyone, leaving them well-positioned to absorb the hit without KD in the lineup. As long as he’s healthy by the end of the regular season that’s what matters, with Brooklyn hopefully focused on doing everything in their power to win it all. Adding Mo Bamba as a backup to Nic Claxton gives them a bit more depth, and swapping Terrence Ross for Joe Harris gives the Nets flexibility in the offseason to make more tweaks and changes when Ross comes off the books.
Image from sports.yahoo.com
Charlotte Hornets
Can I please trade — Gordon Hayward, Mike Muscala, 2024 2nd (via BOS) & 2026 1st top-10 protected (via CHA) to the Jazz; Mason Plumlee to the Thunder; Malik Beasley, Kelly Olynyk & Darius Bazley to the Hornets
Offloading Gordon Hayward and his 2yr/$60M+ contract should be priority number one for the Hornets. Their year hasn’t gone according to plan so far and the oft-injured Hayward could fetch something half decent on the trade table — if Charlotte is able to find a suitor. It would be somewhat of a fairytale to see Hayward return to Utah and in this proposed three-teamer, gaining Malik Beasley and Kelly Olynyk can definitely improve the Hornets’ outlook — both for the short and long term. Mason Plumlee has discovered the fountain of youth, enjoying career-best production at the age of 32 and could become a handy veteran for a Thunder team on the rise.
Chicago Bulls
Can I please trade — Nikola Vučević, Alex Caruso & Derrick Jones Jr to the Suns; Deandre Ayton & Jae Crowder to the Bulls
It seems like it’s only a matter of time before the Bulls ‘blow it up’ and opt to trade either Nikola Vučević, DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine. A lot of pundits are expecting them to offload one of their primary scorers, but with Vuč’s deal expiring in the offseason, it might be wise to cash him in. Enter Deandre Ayton, who has had his own issues with Phoenix and could benefit from a fresh start. In what appears like a win-win swap on paper for both sides, landing Ayton in the middle of the paint gives Chicago a handy pivot player; one that can contribute right away alongside their current All-Stars — or instead — become the anchor of a rebuild.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Can I please trade — Caris LeVert & 2025 2nd (via CLE) to the Suns; Jae Crowder & Torrey Craig to the Cavaliers
A lot has been made about the Cavaliers and their need for another 3-and-D contributor, so let’s give them two instead. Trading for Donovan Mitchell propelled the ceiling for this squad in the offseason, and Cleveland is doing their best to stay in touch with the top of the Eastern Conference. There’s not much debate around Caris LeVert being the best offensive player in this deal, but the Cavs are flush with offensive talent, especially at the guard positions thanks to Darius Garland and Mitchell. Adding stoppers like Jae Crowder and Torrey Craig addresses a hole in the roster and having those wings at their disposal may come in handy when the playoffs arrive.
Dallas Mavericks
Can I please trade — Tim Hardawy Jr, Davis Bertans, 2025 1st (via DAL) & 2026 1st swap best (via DAL) to the Pistons; Hamidou Diallo to the Wizards; Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks, Delon Wright & 2026 1st swap worst (via DET) to the Mavericks
Luka Doncic has hit every check mark possible to emerge as an MVP contender, now he just needs the 55-win finish. A recent run of good fortune helped Dallas win seven straight games, although it’s clear to me that this team needs to make a trade or two to complement their Slovenian superstar. A hypothetical deal that sees the Mavericks net Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks from the Pistons, and Delon Wright from Washington may solve the majority of their issues. It’s far from a perfect deal, however, if they only give up one 1st rounder and secure some capable scorers to support Luka, that’s a win in my eyes.
Denver Nuggets
Can I please trade — Ish Smith & 2028 1st (via DEN) to the Raptors; Precious Achiuwa to the Nuggets
Denver doesn’t need to make a trade. Like the aforementioned Celtics, I view the Nuggets as a genuine contender that only requires a clean bill of health to be one of the last teams standing. Still, this exercise wouldn’t be fun if I skipped the Mile High City, so let’s make a play for a capable backup big in the form of Precious Achiuwa. DeAndre Jordan is on his last legs days in the NBA and while the Raptors may up the asking price for Achiuwa, I’d still be tempted to pull the trigger. Zeke Nnaji and the other high-energy role players have ensured that Denver doesn’t get blown out of the water in the non-Jokic minutes, however, that doesn’t mean they should pass up on an opportunity to improve their roster.
Detroit Pistons
Can I please trade — Bojan Bogdanović to the Heat; Duncan Robinson, 2023 1st (via MIA) & 2028 1st top-7 protected (via MIA) to the Pistons
Future first-round draft picks are the most valuable thing the Pistons could recoup in any trade negotiations this season, with the ‘post rebuild roster’ starting to take shape. The guard positions seem to be set after drafting Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey the past two seasons while bigs like Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren are showing promise - should they miss out on the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. It’s fair to assume that Bojan Bogdanović won’t be their starting forward in future seasons as well, so cashing him in for a pair of 1st’s from Miami — while also netting sharpshooter Duncan Robinson — would almost be a best-case scenario.
Golden State Warriors
Can I please trade — James Wiseman & Moses Moody to the Magic; Wendell Carter Jr to the Warriors
Trying to find a way to get Jared Vanderbilt from Utah to Golden State was tempting, although adding Wendell Carter Jr is hardly a consolation prize. This trade would cost them James Wiseman and another lottery pick from 2021 in Moses Moody, both of which the Warriors seem content to hold onto now. It’s important for any ball club to keep one eye on developing their younger talent, but this isn’t any other ball club and making the most of their current core while Dub Nation is in the title-winning window is a must. Flipping two younger assets for a versatile center like Carter certainly enhances their legitimacy as a title threat, and if Draymond Green does choose to turn down his $27.6M player option at the end of the year, Golden State is hardly screwed.
Image from sportskeeda.com
Houston Rockets
Can I please trade — Eric Gordon & 2023 1st (via MIL) to the Mavericks; Kenyon Martin Jr & Boban Marjanović to the Bucks; Grayson Allen, Josh Green & Davis Bertans to the Rockets
There isn’t a lot to get excited about when it comes to Houston trade scenarios. As it stands right now, the Rockets are on track to have the worst record in the entire NBA, currently riding an eight-game losing streak with a projected 20–62 finish. Utilising five first-rounders in the last two drafts has left Houston with some budding prospects and while Jalen Green is capable of producing some cool highlights, it’s clear the Rockets aren’t in the phase where they want to be adding winning pieces to their team just yet. Shuffling an elder statesman like Eric Gordon for some competent role players is about the best they can hope for right now, with Houston still a few years away from being a few years away.
Indiana Pacers
Can I please trade — Buddy Hield to the Hawks; John Collins to the Pacers
The simplest one-for-one deal going around? Atlanta desperately needs a floor spacer to help their star guards and Buddy Hield is once again amongst the best deep snipers in the association. With more makes behind the arc this year than anyone else, the Pacers may not be so keen to actively shop Hield and their other veterans, despite rumours in the summer that he and Myles Turner were free to a good home. Pulling the trigger on a move like this definitely helps to round out the roster more, with Collins a massive upgrade for their forward stocks and an exciting piece to add alongside Indiana’s transcendent backcourt talents Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Their early success has altered what we believed this group might be capable of, making it important for the Pacers front office to add the right pieces to their roster.
L.A. Clippers
Can I please trade — Robert Convington to the Kings; Richaun Holmes & 2025 2nd (via SAC) to the Clippers
With their immediate draft picks tied to OKC and the majority of their salary committed to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, there aren’t too many moves at the Clippers’ disposal. Landing John Wall on the cheap during the offseason has proved to be a win for L.A. and the only glaring weakness is their poor big man stocks behind Ivica Zubac. So why not make a move for a player like Richaun Holmes, who is gathering splinters sitting on the bench in Sacto and could benefit from a trade to Los Angeles? To gain Holmes, the Clips would need to axe Robert Covington, who, while playing a solid role for the team, wouldn’t be a dramatic loss.
Los Angeles Lakers
Here is the blockbuster trade I was tempted to make for the Lakers:
Can I please trade — Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker & 2027 1st (via LAL) to the Hornets; Patrick Beverley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Kendrick Nunn, 2024 2nd (via BOS) & 2025 2nd (via LAL) to the Spurs; Gordon Hayward, Doug McDermot, Terry Rozier & Josh Richardson to the Lakers
However I’ve changed my stance on dealing Russell Westbrook, so instead, here’s the trade they should make:
Can I please trade — Lonnie Walker, Kendrick Nunn, Max Christie, 2025 2nd (via LAL) & 2027 1st (via LAL) to the Hornets; Patrick Beverley, Juan Toscano-Anderson & 2029 2nd (via LAL) to the Spurs; Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson, Gorgui Dieng & 2024 2nd (via LAL) to the Lakers
Flicking Westbrook won’t alleviate the Lakers’ issues, and as painful as it may be to admit, this season may already be lost. The front office has done a woeful job of putting the right pieces around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with a clear lack of reliable shooters and competent guards who can create their own offence. Terry Rozier fits the bill and could be someone on the move if Charlotte opts to get trade-happy, with Josh Richardson another guard who ticks those aforementioned boxes. Losing one of their first-rounders and a few additional contracts to add these pieces won’t put the Lakers over the top, but it does give them much more optimism to contend in 2024.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CnTJi5FyfV3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Memphis Grizzlies
Can I please trade — Dillon Brooks, 2025 1st (via MEM), 2025 2nd (via MEM) & 2026 2nd (via MIN) to the Wizards; Kyle Kuzma to the Grizzlies
There’s no reason for the Grizzlies to go all-in at the trade table this year, with a deep, formidable roster at their disposal. Still, there’s always room for improvement and while it will pain Memphis fans to see one of their favourites Dillon Brooks mentioned here, there’s no doubt that landing Kyle Kuzma would be an upgrade. A lot of trade machine chatter has the Grizz dangling Danny Green’s $10M expiring deal with picks to upgrade the roster, which is still a viable option. if they want to get something of value though, giving Brooks the flick to add a player currently putting up 21.6 PPG who can be a versatile frontcourt player is a gamble worth taking. This is the final season before Ja Morant’s rookie deal expires and they’ll have to pay him $35M annually, meaning it’s wise to make the most of the cap space they have.
Miami Heat
Can I please trade — Duncan Robinson, 2023 1st (via MIA) & 2026 1st best swap (via MIA) to the Hornets; Kelly Oubre Jr, P.J. Washington & 2026 1st worst swap (via CHA) to the Heat
For as long as I can remember, Miami has made a reputation for finding late draftees, G-Leaguers or discarded players in general to strengthen their roster. Duncan Robinson is no exception, and he’s still bound to provide some value to a team despite a recent finger injury ruling him out for roughly a month. To execute a deal like this and get their hands on two respectable rotation guys like Kelly Oubre Jr and P.J. Washington, the Heat may have to cough up more than I’ve bargained for; although, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good move. Switching out Robinson for a pair of Hornets improves their depth and gives them decent frontcourt scorers who can ease the burden on Jimmy Butler and Co. If Miami is serious about making the most of their championship window, this move is a must.
Milwaukee Bucks
Can I please trade — George Hill, Grayson Allen & 2029 1st top-4 protected (via MIL) to the Hornets; Kelly Oubre Jr to the Bucks
Sticking with the Kelly Oubre Jr theme, Milwaukee should also put their hat in the ring for his services. Khris Middleton may already be back on the court by the time you’re reading this and after years of keeping the same core together, the Bucks will be hesitant to trade. Grayson Allen has proved he can be a serviceable shooter during his Milwaukee tenure, but there’s no denying that swapping him, George Hill and a future first for Oubre would be an offensive upgrade. In reality, the only trade the Bucks may make will likely involve sacrificing future picks rather than players, with Phoenix’s Jae Crowder commonly linked to the ball club. Either way, if they can acquire another wing and boost their depth chart, that may go a long way in helping them capture another elusive chip.
Image from behindthebuckpass.com
Minnesota Timberwolves
Can I please trade — D’Angelo Russell, 2023 2nd (via NYK) & 2028 2nd (via MIN) to the Jazz; Mike Conley & Rudy Gay to the Timberwolves
Getting something in return for D’Angelo Russell before the deadline would be perfect for Minnesota. With his deal expiring in the offseason, it’s fair to assume Russell won’t be returning, and if they could package some draft picks to turn him into Mike Conley and Rudy Gay, the Timberwolves would be in a much better position. The twin towers in Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns coupled with Anthony Edwards make for a solid core - now imagine a steady, veteran floor general like Conley helping steer them towards success. No offence to Russell, but the last thing the T-Wolves need is a shoot-first PG. If they put Mike Conley in his shoes, this team undoubtedly gets better.
New Orleans Pelicans
Can I please trade — Devonte’ Graham to the Suns; Jae Crowder to the Pelicans
Another simple one-for-one that suits all parties. Jae Crowder’s name has been circulating in trade rumours all year long, and I can’t imagine the team who eventually lands him paying an inflated price. Therefore, the Pelicans should call and dangle Devonte’ Graham in a straight swap with Crowder to help provide them with additional depth behind Chris Paul in their guard rotation. While Crowder is hardly a must-have for New Orleans, his veteran presence and leadership would be an asset for this ascending squad. In the absence of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, we’ve seen their younger talents like Naji Marshall, Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy III all step up and have an impact. Getting Crowder to join that rotation only strengthens their chances of a deep postseason run.
New York Knicks
Can I please trade — Evan Fournier, Cam Reddish, 2023 1st (via WAS), 2025 1st (via NYK) & 2027 1st (via NYK) to the Raptors; O.G. Anunoby & Khem Birch to the Knicks
They missed out on Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant a few years ago, they struck out on the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes last summer, now it’s time for the Knicks to swing for the fences. The latest 3-and-D wing generating a lot of trade buzz is O.G. Anunoby, with teams expected to heavily pursue the talented Raptor before the deadline strikes. Masai Ujiri won’t be picking up the phone unless multiple first-rounders are included in the deal and New York is capable of matching those requirements while still keeping their roster intact. They may have to part with one of their younger talents like Obi Toppin or Quentin Grimes to push the deal over the line, however, landing Anunoby as their starting 3 gives Knicks fans a lot to be excited about.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Can I please trade — Darius Bazley & 2023 2nd (via OKC) to the Sixers; Matisse Thybulle to the Thunder
SGA’s rise to prominence has slightly shifted the Thunder’s focus this season, with he and sophomore guard Josh Giddey piecing it together and helping OKC win more than most expected. They still have holes in their roster that need to be fixed, but a minor move that could net them a defensive specialist like Matisse Thybulle is a roll of the dice that Sam Presti could approve. Some may argue that Darius Bazley still has upside with his shooting percentages all increasing this season, even as younger players around him continue to get more opportunities. This minor move to add a stopper off the bench would benefit the Thunder greatly, and I can see Thybulle having an impact on this team as they turn their fortunes around and continue to ascend the West standings.
Image from nba.com
Orlando Magic
Can I please trade — Cole Anthony, Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, 2025 1st best swap (via ORL) & 2027 1st (via ORL) to the Raptors; Fred VanVleet, Otto Porter Jr & 2025 1st worst swap (via TOR) to the Magic
For the last decade, Orlando has struggled to piece it together and rookie sensation Paolo Banchero has finally given fans a reason to be optimistic. 275 wins and 526 losses over that 10-year span means we’ve come to expect the worst from the Magic, although this trade could finally help them realise their potential with Fred VanVleet one of the best combo guards in the entire NBA. As the owners of an awful record this year, watching Orlando make a trade for VanVleet might seem somewhat counterproductive, however the health issues of Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs mean it’s crucial to find a consistent floor general. Toronto continues to flirt with hitting the self-destruct button and if they get serious about trading players away, Orlando should make a strong play for FVV.
Philadelphia 76ers
Can I please trade — Tobias Harris, Mattise Thybulle & 2028 1st (via PHI) to the Hawks; John Collins, Justin Holiday & Aaron Holiday to the Sixers
Another John Collins trade! This time the Sixers are throwing their hat into the ring, ridding themselves of Tobias Harris’ enlarged deal and gaining a bouncy forward as a replacement. Throwing a pick and Matisse Thybulle into the deal makes it much more likely that Atlanta will say yes, with the Holiday brothers involved to help salaries match. Harris has been a valiant servant during his days in Philly and there’s hardly an urgency to deal him. Still, if they can free up shots for Tyrese Maxey and gain a valuable contributor in Collins in return, that’s a deal I’d look long and hard at if I was in the Sixers front office.
Phoenix Suns
Can I please trade — Jae Crowder, Landry Shamet, 2023 1st (via PHX) & 2024 2nd (via PHX) to the Wizards; Kyle Kuzma & Delon Wright to the Suns
If Phoenix is willing to give up some draft picks, then this hypothetical move could be the key to unlocking their championship potential. Clearly, the window for the Suns to win it all is shrinking, and while injuries have played a part in derailing their season thus far, a Kyle Kuzma trade could change that. Should they get their entire squad back healthy, they could deploy a starting lineup of Chris Paul/Devin Booker/Cam Johnson/Kyle Kuzma/Deandre Ayton. I don’t know about you, but that group can cause a lot of problems for the other contending franchises. For the Wizards, as long as they are receiving future first-rounders they’ll happily let Kuzma depart, given his deal expires in the offseason and they’ll likely lose him for nothing. Get on the phone Phoenix!
Portland Trailblazers
Can I please trade — Josh Hart, Justise Winslow, Nassir Little, Keon Johnson, 2024 2nd (via ATL), 2026 1st (via POR) & 2028 1st (via POR) to the Bulls; DeMar DeRozan & Goran Dragic to the Trailblazers
Another blockbuster that takes a middling franchise and vaults them into true contention sees DeMar DeRozan land in Portland. Again, the Bulls would have to be willing to blow their current squad up, and if they’re smart they’ll ask for more draft compensation than I proposed. Putting ourselves in Portland’s shoes for a minute though, there’s no point fighting for a play-in spot for the rest of Damian Lillard’s career, regardless of the leaps and bounds Anfernee Simmons keeps making. Instead, they could flick some of their competent role players and picks to land DeRozan and heady backup PG Goran Dragic. There’s no guarantee that would propel them into contention, but it definitely makes the team better.
Image from pippenainteasy.com
Sacramento Kings
Can I please trade — Richaun Holmes, 2023 2nd (via SAC) & 2023 2nd (via IND) to the Hornets; Mason Plumlee to the Kings
Mason Plumlee could see himself becoming a valuable trade chip for teams in the mix for a championship run. Sacramento’s stellar start means for the first time in an eternity, they’re positioned to be buyers at the deadline instead of sellers. Losing a pair of second-rounders isn’t going to sting too much, with Plumlee’s presence certainly an upgrade over Richaun Holmes. Some Kings fans would rather see them package Harrison Barnes and perhaps a young asset like Davion Mitchell or Keegan Murray and make a run at a true star. As the saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ and right now I don’t see a need for Sacto to make a dramatic deal prior to the deadline.
San Antonio Spurs
Can I please trade — Doug McDermott & Zac Collins to the Mavericks; Davis Bertans, JaVale McGee, 2025 1st (via DAL) & 2025 2nd (via DAL) to the Spurs
Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson have been heavily utilised in trade machines across the internet since the start of the season. If they become available, deep shooters can aid a team eager to make a deep playoff run, much like the Dallas Mavericks, who have assets at their disposal to add to their current roster. Instead of making a play for both though, the Mavs would be better suited adding Dougie Buckets and another versatile big man like Zac Collins. Essentially an upgraded version of Dwight Powell, Collins can be a plus in the pick-and-roll game with Luka while McDermott provides them with another viable shooter to spot up and reap the rewards of playing with Doncic.
Toronto Raptors
Can I please trade — Gary Trent Jr, Khem Birch & 2024 top-4 protected (via TOR) to the Jazz; Jordan Clarkson & Kelly Olynyk to the Raptors
If you believe the rumours, Toronto is on the verge of making wholesale changes to its roster. Before they cash in and ditch the likes of O.G. Anunoby, Fred VanVleet or Pascal Siakam, it’s worth retooling around that trio and Scottie Barnes. Parting ways with Gary Trent and Khem Birch while gaining Jordan Clarkson and Kelly Olynyk certainly ticks those boxes. Utah continues to stockpile L’s after their hot start and if the Raptors could pry this pair away from the Jazz then it may help them flip their season around. Of all the players on their roster, Trent Jr seems the most likely to find a new home in the immediate future and including a first-rounder should see Toronto receive something of note in any possible negotiation.
Utah Jazz
Can I please trade — Davis Bertans, Leandro Bolmaro & 2025 1st (via (CLE) to the Heat; Duncan Robinson & Simone Fontecchio to the Mavericks; Josh Green, Nikola Jovic & 2023 1st (via MIA) to the Jazz
Any trade that includes first-round draft picks will tempt Utah, with their impressive start now well and truly in the rear vision mirror. Instead of focusing on the play-in spots, it makes sense for the Jazz to aim down and improve their chances of landing the №1 pick in the offseason. If that’s the route they want to go down, Utah has decent players that can fetch solid returns at the trade table and it would be wise to ask those same teams for their budding prospects in return. Josh Green and Nikola Jovic aren’t destined to be bonafide stars, however they’ve proven that they belong in the NBA and can be adequate role players for the next decade. Adding pieces like that to their current nucleus would be a smart tactic for Utah as they ‘embrace the tank’.
Washington Wizards
Can I please trade — Bradley Beal & Davis Bertans to the Lakers; Kyle Kuzma, Will Barton, Patrick Beverley and 2026 1st swap worst (via WAS) to the Mavericks; Russell Westbrook, Tim Hardaway Jr, 2023 2nd (via CHI), 2025 1st (via DAL), 2026 1st swap best (via DAL), 2027 1st (via LAL) & 2029 1st (via LAL) to the Wizards
Blow it up! I’m sick of seeing Washington tread water in the middle and fail to achieve anything of note, so it’s time for a change. This mammoth deal sees them part ways with Bradley Beal after 11 seasons, and their returns are quite noteworthy. They have to take on Russell Westbrook as a consequence, but four picks and a swap with Dallas leaves the Wizards with some noteworthy future selections. They could instead look to simply offload Kyle Kuzma and retool their roster, however, they could pounce on both of the Lakers’ first-rounders if they’re willing to deal their 3x All-Star. Washington isn’t winning anything of note the way that they’re currently constructed, so let’s pivot and accelerate a rebuild by netting a bounty of picks.