All 30 teams are looking for something at the NBA Trade Deadline. So why not throw them all into one big mega-trade and see if we can’t make everyone happy?
Spoiler: We can’t
For a lot of NBA fans, this time of year is about constructing elaborate fantasy universes where their team’s unwanted assets are able to be exchanged for slightly better or cheaper versions, with a few draft picks on the side. When it comes to fantasy, I’ve always found world-building to be one of the most important aspects. To that end, I’ve gone deep, constructing an elaborate fantasy universe where all 30 teams can get involved in one giant trade.
Some win. Some break even. Some lose.
But if you’re reading this wondering why in the world “team x” would ever agree to this, just remember — they haven’t. It’s all in my head.
Atlanta Hawks
Sending out: Chandler Parsons (CLE), Brooklyn’s 2020 first-round pick (CHI), 2022 second-round pick (BKN), 2023 second-round pick (GSW)
Bringing in: Myles Turner (IND), Nene (HOU)
This would appear to be a no-brainer for the Hawks. The core of this team is already in place with Trae Young, Kevin Huerter and John Collins, a group with an extremely high offensive ceiling. Atlanta started addressing the defensive deficiencies this summer by drafting Cam Reddish and DeAndre Hunter, although both have been underwhelming in different ways.
Here, for the cost of an expiring salary, Brooklyn’s lottery-protected first-round pick this year and a pair of future seconds, they add a defensive cornerstone. Turner is one of the better rim-protectors in the league, they kind of big-man who can help cover up for Young’s inability to contain dribble penetration of any sort. Turner can work in the pick-and-roll but is probably best suited for a smaller, spot-up based role on offense, which helps spacing and leaves plenty of room in the middle of the floor for Young and Collins. Most of the packages in this massive trade have some lingering questions but this seems perfect for Atlanta.