Magic B
G/F Desmond Bane
Grizzlies B-
G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G Cole Anthony
16th pick (traded for SF Cedric Coward, Washington St.)
2026 1st round pick swap, 2028 1st round pick (traded), 2029 1st round pick
The Magic get a proven SG who can also play SF with a good passing touch and even better production as a 3 and D player than what the Magic expected from KCP. Grade could be higher because I like the fit with the current lineup, but they gave up extra picks to move KCP’s contract. Anthony filled in nicely when called upon for injuries, but wildly inconsistent otherwise.
I originally hated the move for the Grizzlies, but as a smaller market team they could not afford 3 big contracts. KCP gives them a veteran leader and 3 and D guy to help replace Bane, along with last year’s talented rookie Jaylen Wells. Anthony is expected to be moved again or bought out. They chose to package 2 of the picks received to move up for talented rookie SF Coward who should be motivated with a good back story.
Rockets B-
F Kevin Durant
Suns B+
G Jalen Green, G/F Dillon Brooks
10th pick C Khaman Maluach, Duke
59th pick (traded to Grizzlies), Two 2026 second-round picks, 2030 second-round pick (Boston), 2032 second-round pick
The Rockets were able to get KD for a good deal to most, slight overpay for me, but the demand was high. KD gives them the offensive boost they hoped for and a NBA legend to draw in defenses, however his health is the question. I didn’t like adding Green in the deal, as he was 1B on offense sometimes 1A, so he needed help; I would have added Jabari Smith Jr. instead.
The Suns were able to get good return on KD, getting a 20+ppg scorer to take pressure off Booker in Green, although they both probably fit best at SG. Brooks gives them a lockdown perimeter defender with an improving 3pt shot and the ability to play 2-4 (SG, SF, PF). The Suns were adamant about adding a Center this offseason so Maluach falling to them at 10 was perfect.
Celtics B-
G Anfernee Simons
Two future second-round picks
Blazers C+
G Jrue Holiday
The Celtics were expected revamp the roster to save against the luxury, but it was unexpected that they would be able to pull off a move for a still developing combo guard in Simons on an expiring deal giving them options. Simons has proven to be a 3-level scorer around the 20ppg range and a nice piece to possibly keep long-term, but injuries can be a concern. Holiday brought good to great defense and leadership in his tenure, but it was smart to move his contract based on his age and the team situation.
The Blazers surprisingly acquired Holiday giving them a strong veteran presence on a very young team basically another coach on the court in my opinion. Holiday can still bring solid defense and leadership mentioned above, but at this stage of his career especially leaving a championship team situation, he is not happy. Simons was a solid scoring combo guard developed by the Blazers, but with a logjam of young players and Simons’ deal expiring, it was best to move him for something.
