Trade

4 Team Trade

New York receive: Malcolm Brogdon & 2^nd round pick (Charlotte)

San Antonio receive: Jimmy Butler, Mychal Mulder & 2^nd round pick (Spurs)

Phoenix receive: Reggie Bullock, Zach Collins, Jerome Robinson, Troy Brown Jr, Matisse Thybulle & 3 x first round picks (Phoenix, Golden State, Chicago)

Philadelphia: Terrance Mann & 3x second round picks (Portland, Chicago & Sac)

GM Statements

GM Nelson: “When we heard Jimmy Buckets had hit the market, we were quick to pick up the phone and get in touch with GM Laddas. We knew we would have to say goodbye to one of our starters but were desperate to hold onto Beal and Towns in our pursuit for a big 3. Brogdon was the guy who had to go, and the next question was how can we make this worthwhile for the suns? We looked through our assets and discussed the rebuild with Laddas. He expressed interest in receiving his pick and others back so his organisation could be in control of their own fate when it came to drafting. After weeks of back and forth, we brought in multiple parties and worked out a package that worked for all teams. It was a marathon, but we found something that worked for all parties.”

Analysis

The Spurs received the best piece in the deal and gave up multiple future assets. The Suns received multiple first round picks and some versatile young wings in Brown Jr and Matisse Thybulle. Defensive-minded wings are hard to come by in this league and Laddas found two with plenty of upside, as well as 3 firsts and Zach Collins. We know Laddas loves to move pieces so the league will be awaiting his next move. No doubt his rebuild will be swifter than most.

The party that many rival gms were talking about in this deal was the Knicks. GM Smokey started an epic offseason with this trade. He landed a terrific point guard in Brogdon who still has many years of high level basketball on a relatively cap friendly contract. Brandon Ingram is rumoured to be excited about the Knicks finally putting it together behind the moves of his savvy GM. A little luck doesn’t hurt either as the Knicks landed pick 1 in the NBA draft later in the week. There’s no doubt the Knicks have plenty of exciting moves to come. Stay tuned.

Trade

San Antonio receive: D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle & Denzel Valentine

Chicago receive: Bradley Beal & Cody Zeller

GM Statements

GM Merencio (Chicago): “The trade concept is one that has to be viewed as a way for the GMs to accomplish what they seek out to do. In that sense, I believe this is a great deal for both teams. I don't think anybody would like to see the Spurs starting 5 four times in the playoffs, they have no holes. As for the Bulls, we become more dynamic, capable of heating up in a hurry, and add a third amigo to play around with AD, however we lose depth and are more exposed to injuries. Both GMs got where they wanted to, so it's a good trade all around.”

“When we talk about getting a player of Bradley's caliber to play with Anthony, we view it as a great opportunity. While AD is in him prime, it is my duty to pair him up with players that give us the best chance to win every single year. I love that Beal was open to playing with the real MVP, and this monumental for what Chicago wants to be, which is at the top once more. We feel this gives us a chance to fight again. Welcome to the Bullish Bulls, Brad.”

Analysis

The league erupted with this trade and most GMs were excited for the Bulls. GM Merencio had landed another star to form a dynamic big 3 of Wall-Beal and Davis. The Bulls are looking like they will once again take the East and if Wall can stay on the floor, they are a genuine threat to go one step further and take out the title.

The Spurs landed additional depth and two younger pieces. They recognised that in order to optimise KAT, the franchise was in desperate need of a point guard with playmaking badges. Russell’s timeline also matches that of franchise star KAT which gives the Spurs hope they can compete at a high level both now and in the distant future.

Trade

Portland receive: Dejounte Murray

Cleveland receive: 2x 1^st round picks (Bkn & GS) & 2^nd round pick (Pho)

GM Statements

GM JMAC (Portland): “Dejounte is an exciting young talent who is already an elite defender and fits perfectly. We feel he has the potential to be a star, but all we need from him is to be exactly who he already is and we can't imagine a better fit next to James and Kawhi. He is the 'Ron Harper' we had been looking for.”

Analysis

The reigning champs entered the trade conversation, so it appeared the championship festivities had slowed down and the Panadol had started doing its job. After handing Jamal Murray his championship ring, it was time for the champs to part ways. His upcoming $30 million extension was seen as ‘too big an investment’ for a guy that has strengths in many areas covered by the team’s stars. In a clever move, GM JMAC moved one Murray and brought in another- Dejounte Murray.

After Brooklyn put together a package of multiple first rounders, GM JMAC decided to move two of the picks for a cheaper, young point guard with more defensive upside. Portland welcomed Dejounte Murray, whose role will be to compliment the stars (Harden and Leonard) of the franchise by playing D and giving them the ball. If Murray develops into an even better player than what he already is, then that’s gravy for the champs.

The league liked this move for Portland who seemed to get better with this deal then what they were last year. Never underestimate a savvy GM though. GM Dylan seems to always have moves in the pipeline and has a clear endgame in mind. This might be one of those ‘judge me at the ‘end destination’ type trades. 

Trade

Toronto receive: Paul George & Kevin Huerter

Cleveland receive: Damian Lillard & Semi Ojeleye

GM Statements

GM Dunne: “After spending hours in my garage simming with my previous line-up, I couldn’t find a way to turn my team into a genuine title threat. I mean, we lost to the Wizards lol. Something was missing. The glaring weakness we had was consistent wing defenders. We have Holiday who can play both guard positions but outside of him, it was hard to find consistent stoppers. I put on my big boy pants and realised that I’d have to trade my boi and MVP candidate, Dame. Dylan reached out with an offer and we looked at the pieces. Dame’s contract was a factor in the trade but I feel he was the better player and wanted a fair return. If I had to give up a boi, Dylan would have to give up a boi. So I took Huerter. We are more versatile and better at each end with the trade.”

Analysis

A genuine boieee-4-boieeee trade. Huerter for Dame. Toronto received the better second piece in the transaction, while the Cavs picked up the best first piece (depending on need). The question mark on George will be in regards to resting and the longterm health of his shoulders. But George is a proven competitor and is on a contending team. He will be more driven than ever to get that elusive title. If George does miss games, Toronto were savvy in receiving a handy fill-in with Huerter to play a vital role off the bench for the East contender.

Cleveland received a genuine star in this deal. The question will be, can they find enough talent to put around Dame? They will no doubt win games with their current roster but when it gets to the business end of the season, even Dame might not be enough to get past some of the big guns in the East.