Let’s have some fun today.
Today I want to outline some possible trade scenarios that are most likely unrealistic but for the sake of discussion should be mentioned. It hurts to let Jaylen Brown go, especially following the incredible season he had, but he is by far the most interesting player to move. His enormous contract invites combinations of superstars headed to Boston. It hurts to imagine JB not in Kelly green, and we are unlikely to hear he is being shopped (It’s not Brad’s style), so being prepared for any scenario is smart.
JB: A Pelican???
An interesting report came out that New Orleans had interest in Cal’s finest. Joe Dumars has made it clear that he believes in the Pels squad, but yet I feel like I have heard rumors of almost every non-rookie Pelican on the trade block. As I have posted on my X account in prediction, I believe JB will be a Pelican and send Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and a NO and BOS 1st to Milwaukee to send Giannis to Boston. For the sake of not rehashing what I touched on last article, I’m going to try to avoid Giannis 3 team deals even though they are quite simple to pull off. It doesn’t make all too much sense to send Zion and Murphy to Boston (even if I love Murphy’s game).
Even more confusing: Brown in Sacramento?
A tweet crossed my feed earlier this afternoon with a confusing trade that would spark debate. The Celtics would receive Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk and the 7th overall pick. To be honest, this trade is baffling to me. Sabonis is almost a Bizarro Celtics center: he lacks defense and is a limited 3-point shooter (keep this archetype in mind). Monk’s a great downhill guard I’d like next to White but that’s about all he offers. The 7th overall pick is fun; it falls into a range where multiple elite guards will be available or the best big man, Aday Mara from Michigan. The Celtics don’t need a rookie when they should be pursuing winning during Tatum’s prime, not creating another timeline with a Mikel Brown Jr or a Kingston Flemings from the draft.
These trades only make sense when you consider Jaylen’s past statements of enjoying having his own team. He immediately steps into a locker room where he would be the alpha and increase their win floors yet do not elevate them to contenders.
Sending JB North
The Raptors would have beaten the ECF runner up Cavaliers if they had another offensive option and now, they receive that in my theoretical trade, sending Gradey Dick, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and 1-2 first round picks. Quickley should be rerouted in this scenario in my opinion, or you can sub him out for Jakob Poeltl, however then the Raptors need to send closer to 3-4 firsts as that is a horribly aging deal. Dick is a young 3 and D menace who has fallen out of the young rotation in Toronto that seemingly could benefit from his shooting. As for Barrett, he could fit easily as the 2-guard next to Derrick White and strengthen the Duke connection with Tatum. If we are going to send out JB for many players rather than one stud, I hope the C’s receive plenty of draft compensation.
Bonus – Send White home
Hear me out.
Aaron Gordon for Derrick White swap.
I love White just as much as the next guy, but maybe it’s time to sell high considering the lackluster shooting season he just had. Despite being 1st Team All-Defensive Team, he just lost all juice on the other side of the court. Gordon gives you all that and then some as well as maintains the hustle from White. I really like this for Denver; he’s the perfect shooting guard next to Jamal Murray, who is nothing special on D. Does this shakeup not add to either team? Maybe. Does it feel beneficial for both sides? I’d say so.
