RealGM

Charlotte Out: Davis Bertans, Vasilije Micic, Nick Richards
Charlotte In: C.J. McCollum

Milwaukee Out: Brook Lopez, #33
Milwaukee In: Vasilije Micic, Larry Nancy Jr, #21

New Orleans Out: C.J. McCollum, Larry Nance Jr, #21
New Orleans In: Brook Lopez, Davis Bertans, Nick Richards, #33

Charlotte adds a back-court mate to LaMelo in C.J. who provides a veteran presence, secondary scoring and playmaking, and can fill-in PG duties in 2nd-unit line-ups and when LaMelo misses time.

Milwaukee gets depth with two veterans and moves up for a 2nd 1st round pick. They can pick at one of #21/#23 and or trade them. This provides Milwaukee with flexibility for a follow-up move now or near the deadline and lowers their cap situation [enough under the 1st Apron? Unsure].

New Orleans clears out space for 2025-2026 to resign Brandon Ingram and/or other contracts they wish to retain while getting back a big-time defensive piece at Center who fits well with their group of large wings and--most importantly--Zion Williamson.

I don't see this doing anything for Milwaukee but pushing them away from the goal of winning another ring ... and that's coming from one of the bigger believers in Micic.

I don't hate it for Charlotte, but another score first SG wouldn't be my move.

Nance is a fine enough small-ball 5 option to slot next to Giannis, but I don't see the point of this trade unless they're flipping that pick plus Micic for a player that addresses an actual need. Another ball-handler who's a defensive and spacing liability is the last thing they'd want. Also don't really think this is a move Charlotte should be making, despite them not giving up a whole lot here.

Love this for the Pels. McCullom has history with new Hornets coach Lee, so that seems like a realistic destination for him to be a vet leader who is still productive.

Lopez would finally give Zion a "unicorn" 3 and rim protecting Center to see just how well it can work and invest in a younger version for the future.

One thing-- with Bertans' partial guarantee of 5mil. waive and Hornets' cap space-- does it make more sense to leave him out of the deal?

YayBasketball wrote:Love this for the Pels. McCullom has history with new Hornets coach Lee, so that seems like a realistic destination for him to be a vet leader who is still productive.

Lopez would finally give Zion a "unicorn" 3 and rim protecting Center to see just how well it can work and invest in a younger version for the future.

One thing-- with Bertans' partial guarantee of 5mil. waive and Hornets' cap space-- does it make more sense to leave him out of the deal?

Does it make more sense? I think this is New Orleans owing value.

I’d do this from the Hornets

Ron Swanson wrote:Nance is a fine enough small-ball 5 option to slot next to Giannis, but I don't see the point of this trade unless they're flipping that pick plus Micic for a player that addresses an actual need. Another ball-handler who's a defensive and spacing liability is the last thing they'd want. Also don't really think this is a move Charlotte should be making, despite them not giving up a whole lot here.

Agree.

Milwaukee's glaring issue is perimeter D, and if they don't address that, they will not be serious contenders. Unless Pat Bev comes back on a vet min for his age 36 season, the Bucks best perimeter defender is ... Pat C? Or one of their min-salary rookies? Can any of these guys stay on the court beyond the first round of the playoffs?

Deal.

Fair value for NO's -

However.

Not interested in Bertans, rather cap space over Brook, like Richards.