Pelicans C
G Jordan Poole, F Saddiq Bey
40th pick F Micah Peavy, Georgetown
Wizards C+
G C.J. McCollum, PF/C Kelly Olynyk
Future second round pick
The Pelicans got younger but added more money to the books. They basically get similar production from Poole that they got from C.J. as combo guards who can be inconsistent and streaky from 3. Bey was viewed as a talented young Forward who could play either spot before the injuries causing him to miss last season. He’s still young enough to put it together but I think his best value would come if he had to step up due to injuries. Peavy is a developing experienced college player with NBA size viewed as a possible athletic perimeter defender.
The Wizards get the same production from C.J. that they get from Poole, but a lot more maturity and leadership on and off court. Olynyk proved last year that he still has a lot left in the tank as a floor spacer who can fill up the stat sheet. The veteran mix adds with Marcus Smart and Kris Middleton which could help speed up the youth development. The key is keeping them for 44mil off the books or finding a long-term piece.
Celtics C+
F George Niang
Future 2nd round pick
Hawks B-
C Kristaps Porzingis
Future 2nd round pick
Nets C+
G Terance Mann
22nd pick G/F Drake Powell, UNC
The Celtics were able to move off Porzingis’ 30mil+ contract without giving up anything, while receiving a useful role player on a reasonable expiring contract in return with a 2nd round pick. Niang is a combo forward who has proven 3pt range and should be part of rotation.
The Hawks made a move for Porzingis which gives them the versatility to try him as the Center and lob threat for Trae Young they’ve been looking for. He could play PF or be the spark off the bench like he was for the Celtics; all health-pending of course. They were also able to move off Mann’s contract while adding their 1st round pick.
The Nets were able to receive a 1st round pick for taking on Mann’s contract, but for a team with limited veterans he’s a young proven veteran perimeter defender added to the mix. Powell is a young versatile wing with 3 and D potential, but he’s still raw. The pick gave the Nets a record five 1st round selections.
Suns C+
C Mark Williams
Hornets C-
PG Vasilije Micic (traded to Bucks)
29th pick F Liam McNeeley, UConn
2029 1st round pick
The Suns main objective after trading KD was acquiring a Center and despite drafting one, they traded for Willliams. Williams is a young talented pure Center as a double-double machine with offensive touch, but the injuries mostly his back is a main concern, see the Lakers trade.
The Hornets seemed to be focused on getting something for Williams’ expiring contract, although he seemed like a fit with the young talent. The Hornets know more about Williams’ injury history so maybe something is there. Micic was on the team before, so I thought he was a good pickup as a mostly backup pass first PG, but he was later moved again. McNeeley was considered a sleeper and stretch 4 so he could be a good pickup. The future pick is believed to be late, but anything can happen.
Cavs C+
G Lonzo Ball
Bulls C
F Isaac Okoro
The Cavs basically exchanged injury-prone defensive stoppers as Lonzo comes in to provide depth at the Guard spot while adding extra perimeter defense. Lonzo arguably has more upside, but the injuries are a major concern at this point. Lonzo is slightly cheaper and comes with a team option for next year if things do go bad.
Okoro is another former top 5 draft pick who offers good value as a perimeter defender at the wing (SG/SF), but offensive game could still use a lot of work. He was once viewed as a long-term piece for the Cavs and could use a change of scenery. The Bulls could resurrect his career with plenty of shots to go around.
