Trade

Atlanta receive- Cody Zeller, Marvin Bagley III, DeAndre Hunter & 1^st round pick (Indiana)

Indiana receive- Joel Embiid, Derrick Rose & Kendrick Nunn

GM Statements

GM Spud (Indy): “Ben reached out saying he was shopping Embiid for youth. I looked at my roster and had a good combo of youth/picks, so we just had to figure out how to make it work. We went through a couple of different iterations, it was hard with the large salaries involved.”

GM Banders (Atlanta): “My core was old and built to win now and we didn't. I figured I'd accelerate things and rebuild sooner rather than later. Also was worried about Embiid's health.”

Analysis

The feel within the league on this blockbuster was that Indiana were the winners in this fair but franchise changing trade. Superstars are hard to come by and two-way superstars who play the C position are even fewer in number. The big question to come out of this was, is the price fair? The answer to that question will take a few years, but early on it looks good for both teams. Hunter has a floor of being a two-way career starter,  I’m not 100% sure what his ceiling is but someone with strength, outside range and an ability to impact winning never fails to impact the NBA. The other big piece Atlanta received was Marvin Bagley III. Bagley hasn’t played enough to be labelled yet but he passes the eye test with supreme athleticism and finishing ability. If you dig a little deeper there’s some questions on his ability to defend at a high level and be a part of a high level defensive scheme. Injury has impacted his ability to ‘arrive’ in the NBA and if he can get a healthy run, Bagley could become a told tier power forward in the league.

The verdict- good for both, good for the league.

Trade

Charlotte receive: Ed Davis, Jusuf Nurkic & Duncan Robinson

Phoenix receive: Justise Winslow, Frank Ntilikina, Nicolas Claxton & 2^nd round pick (Charlotte)

GM Statements

GM Craig (Charlotte): “The Hornets are super excited to about their recent moves. The acquisition of Josef Nurkic and Eric Bledsoe have allowed them to upgrade both the front court and the back court. Bledsoe and Nurkic will bring offensive versatility as well as toughness on defense. The Hornets were ranked 20th in points per game as well as 20th in defensive efficiency with a -4 net rating as a team. With Bledsoe taking over some of the primary ball handling duties Luka will have less of a load to carry as well as a willing #2 scorer that can thrive in big moments. With plenty of time left in the offseason and a projected to have a fair amount of caps pace there is still room for additional roster improvement. There is also the draft to look forward to. Hornets merchandise from Hornets.com has already seen a 200% increase in sales. There is more to come in Charlotte and fans have a long successful future to look forward to.”

Analysis

Charlotte saw a window to add young win-now types to put around their franchise star, Luka Doncic. Nurk is a paint beast who’s a nightmare on the boards and around the rim. He lacks a little in the athleticism department but makes up for it with brute strength. He is a starter and should see continued opportunity for growth if he can stay on the court. Duncan Robinson, a former favourite of GM JMAC, is another asset from the trade. He is a lights out shooter who can come off the bench and anchor scoring for short spurts of the game. Both players are young and have yet to reach their peak in the NBA.

Winslow was the key piece received for Laddas in this deal, though Frankie Smokes and Claxton are both underrated long term prospects. Winslow is a 2k prototype, can play the oversized point or lock down a wing and he has some of those prized playmaker badges which makes him a desirable piece. The problem with Winslow is also tied into his ability to stay on the court. Another question mark is how he will fit in at Memphis but all reports say he’s a perfect fit. Frankie Smokes and Claxton may take a year or three to turn into what recruiters imagined, but they both have the ability to defend multiple positions at a high level. Next season could be the year for Frankie to breakout, Claxton may take a couple to fully arrive on the scene but should be a role player on a good team.

The verdict- what do you like, the best player or the best assets? Charlotte get the best player in Nurk, Phoenix get the best package of two-way talent. Nice deal.

Trade

Charlotte receive: Eric Bledsoe, Patick McCaw & TJ Leaf

Sacramento receive: Jaylen Nowell, Wendell Carter Jr, 2x 1^st round picks (Charlotte) & 2^nd round pick (Charlotte)

GM Statements

GM Klemmo (Sacramento): “I saw what I was able to do when it mattered being in the play offs. I was impressed and proud of what we did but am well aware of the closing window I have with Lebron. The deal came about where I could flip bled; a top 50 guy giving you 20/5/5 every night for a young and upcoming big in WCJ along with some pick upgrades. Had to do it. I assume and hope the 20/21 2k engines are more big friendly and look to focus on Lebron with an elite front court and a bunch of role playing wings. I feel I have way more options now to improve through trade and this move gives me salary flexibility if I need it so In my eyes a win all round.”

Analysis

Another big trade from incoming GM Craig of the Hornets who wasted no time in landing another starter, 2k stud Eric “Bled bath” Bledsoe. GM Klemm loved Bledsoe last season and squeezed every ounce of basketball ability out of the athletic point as part of the Glitch-Squad. GM Craig knows the game and paid the price for Bledsoe, knowing exactly what he can do for the Charlotte franchise.

GM Klemmy was wise to part ways with Bled for this package. Sometimes when you’re wowed, you just have to shut it down because you can’t part with your boieee. But Klemm understood that the offer was generous for his boieee. The league loved the 2 x 1sts that Sac pocketed (taking them out of Stepien woes) but the best part of the deal was landing promising young big man Wendell Carter Jr. WCJ hasn’t made immediate impact on the league but he’s shown plenty as a rim protecting finisher. He could be an All Star at some point in his career and is a high IQ big who doesn’t need the ball to impact the game.

The verdict- Charlotte get their starters, Sac get a booty of assets and a potential future star.

Trade

3 Team Trade

Atlanta receive: Andre Igoudala, Khem Birch, Aaron Holiday & 2 x second round picks (Mem & SA)

Golden State receive: Terrence Ross, Monte Morris, 1^st round pick (Cleveland) with pick swap clause

San Antonio receive: Robert Covington, Cody Zeller & 1^st round pick (Sacramento) via pick swap clause

GM Statements

GM Clay: “Don’t sleep on Terrence Ross and my man Monte. Also, I’ll take any shot I can get at landing *name removed for strategy purposes*  in the 21 draft.”

GM Nels: “We were finally able to bring Covington to SA. We’ve wanted him for the best part of all season, he’s a strong wing, great defender and reliable shooter on a delicious contract. We had to pay in assets but in Cov, we believe we’ve found a strong starter to help us contend in 21.”

Analysis

Atlanta continued the rebuild with an extra piece to move at the flip. Not to mention landing valuable picks for the 21 draft. San Antonio get the most valuable asset in the trade in Cov but give up youth, picks and every point guard they own. Golden State have low-key done very well out of this. They take a little step back to take a big step forward in 21. Expect to see the Warriors playing a high tempo offensive brand of basketball next season.

The verdict- youth and assets for the best player and one GM going under the radar. Let’s see how this plays out.