The 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad
By Ian Levy
Like crazy NBA trade ideas? Well, boy, do we have a treat for you!
The problem with NBA trades is that they never seem to work out well for both sides. Someone always ends up getting less than a fair return and often both teams wind up worse for the wear. I thought it might be fun to try and spread that disappointment out a little this season and frame a trade that would involve all 30-teams. I am actually not sure if this is legal under the CBA but my proposal at least works for every team from a salary-in and salary-out perspective.
As with any NBA trade, there are winners and losers here. I did my best to solve at least some problem for each team but I the degree to which I succeeded varied (and, to be fair, it’s arguable whether I succeeded at all). If you’re looking at your team and wondering why they would agree to what I’ve proposed, the answer is: I needed to involve every team because that’s the silly framework I set for myself. Relax, I’m not your team’s actual GM.
Also, take note of the publish time because this is sure to be rendered moot in about five minutes once another actual deal is finalized. In the meantime, enjoy my 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad!
Atlanta Hawks
Sending out: Paul Millsap (IND)
Bringing in: Deyonta Davis (MEM), Kevan Looney (GSW), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA), Festus Ezeli (POR), 2019 first round pick (NOP)
The Atlanta Hawks looked ready to clean house, sending Kyle Korver to the Cleveland Cavaliers and sifting through the market on Paul Millsap. But a sudden hot streak slowed their roll and the Hawks have since told teams that they plan to hold onto Millsap. That’s all well and good but Millsap is still 32 years old and an unrestricted free agent this summer. As good as he is, he doesn’t fit the Hawks timeline for contention and there’s still a chance he could walk for nothing at the end of the season.
This deal nets the Hawks a modestly healthy return. They don’t get a player of Millsap’s quality but Kidd-Gilchrist is a tenacious defensive wing who still has some room to grow on offense (albeit towards a limited ceiling). Ezeli hasn’t played all season but if he ever gets healthy he’s a nice rim protector. David And Looney are talented athletic bigs, neither of whom has seen many NBA minutes. Projects for sure, but at one time both were discussed as potential lottery picks. If even one of them turns into a useful contributor the Hawks have themselves a nice core, especially with the future first coming from the New Orleans Pelicans.