ORL/PHX/NOLA

[Skybox]

NOLA sends: Herb Jones ($14m + another year), CJ McCollum ($31m expiring)
NOLA gets: Kevin Durant (54.7m expiring)
*Why: A KD/Missi/Zion frontcourt with DeJounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Olynyk, Hawkins, Alvarado, and a likely Top 4 frp coming in is a contender

PHX sends: Kevin Durant
PHX gets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (21.6m + one additional PO), Wendell Carter (11m + 2 more+ TO), Jett Howard (5.5m + one TO), ORL 25 frp (#16)
*Why: Split KD's large expiring into 2 complementary starters and a solid prospect to go with another mid frp this summer for quick retool/rebalance

ORL sends: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Wendell Carter, Jett Howard, ORL 25 frp (#16)
ORL gets: Herb Jones, CJ McCollum
Why: Sending out considerable guaranteed money attached to 2 quality 2-way starters that aren't ideal fits in ORL, a still undefined prospect and a mid frp for an older sharpshooting PG who brings leadership and offensive firepower and an underpaid super-versatile 3&D guy that can jump into 3 spots for considerable minutes off the bench. CJ is 33yo, on a $31m expiring deal and could possibly consider a more moderate extension if the fit and environment suits him. CJ is a more sensible fitting vet acquisition than KCP was ...probably equivalent overall impact, but CJ's offense is a MUCH better fit with Suggs and AB (and Herb Jones) defending at an elite level and spreading the floor. The frp is substantial, but so is the amount of guaranteed money going out as well as Herb Jones' individual positive value.

[ReggiesKnicks]

I can't tell if you are serious or trolling by mentioning Hawkins and Olynyk as two of a contender's top 8 players.

Moving on from this aspect, does Kevin Durant want to go to New Orleans?
What is the desire for New Orleans to give up a prominent 3+D plus a perimeter shot creation in CJ McCollum for Kevin Durant? Isn't Herb Hones the type of player you put next to Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson?

For Phoenix, this return is bad. KCP/Carter are both fringe starters at best at this point in time (And adding KCP to a back-court of Allen/Beal/Booker doesn't make sense since none can guard up).

I like it for Orlando. They upgrade their defense AND shot creation by trading non-core assets and a non-lottery 1st.

[Slim Charless]

There's a 0.00% chance of Durant wanting to go to NOP or of Phoenix trading him for KCP+WCJ

[Xman]

Seems like Orlando needs to add a future first.
NO needs to add the second or third pick (if they had it).

[Godaddycurse]

Orlando owes more value

[giberish]

Phoenix isn't trading KD for more SG's. They need help at every other position but get 2 sgs - one on a difficult to move large contract- as most of the return in a KD deal. The value is poor (though I'm not sure they'll get a great return) but the fit is terrible.

[jredsaz]

Don’t think KD is going to NOLA even though I personally love the food and culture.