RealGM

HornetJail wrote:Memphis trades: Marcus Smart, Brandon Clarke, Luke Kennard, 2025 better of HOU/OKC 2nd
Memphis receives: Michael Porter Jr, Duop Reath, 2028 1st swap
The Grizz take a swing on a big time offensive upgrade, cashing in some of their spare parts, turning minutes over to their younger prospects who seem like they have a shot, and they also add some center insurance in the process. There's also a low/medium value 1st swap in there for a possibility of extra value. Ja/Bane/MPJ/JJJ/Edey

Denver trades: Michael Porter Jr, Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saric, 2028 2nd 34-60 rights, 2028 1st swap
Denver receives: Marcus Smart, Vasa Micic, Luke Kennard, Brandon Clarke
Nuggets part out Porter for some bench depth and flexibility in future trades. Clarke could be useful as a backup playing the minutes Gordon doesn't, Smart obviously a nice defensive option to replace KCP, a shooter in Kennard, and a backup playmaker in Micic who is familiar with Jokic.

Charlotte trades: Vasa Micic, 2025 worse of DEN/PHI 2nds
Charlotte receives: Robert Williams III
Micic has already lost his spot in Charlotte with vague rumors that he doesn't want to be here. The Hornets gamble on the health of Time Lord, eating the extra year on his contract, providing an immediate upgrade over Nick Richards, and a more useful backup to the also oft injured Mark Williams.

Portland trades: Robert Williams III, Duop Reath
Portland receives: Dario Saric, Zeke Nnaji, 3 2nds (probably 2025 HOU, 2025 DEN, 2028 DEN)
The Blazers get a fistful of 2nds, and open up minutes for Clingan at C behind Ayton. Portland takes on minimal money this year and next, and $7.5M in 2026-27, which is where the excess 2nds come in.

No thanks for POR.

We need to hold out for a better deal.

I dont touch that Nnaji contract w/o a protected FRP coming back.

Memphis has GG Jackson on a minimal contract who can (or will be able soon) provide most of what Porter can deliver. There is no need for us to onboard Porter’s contract and give up on the DPOY POA defender.

Though the idea of MPJ is great not sure if he is better than Cam Johnson.
All things being even we can get Cam and keep Smart or target Cam and DFS with the package above.

BlazersBroncos wrote:I dont touch that Nnaji contract w/o a protected FRP coming back.

Big time this. It was a questionable swap before I realized he had a 4 year contract.

I just want to point to wrong concept of - Nuggets must trade MPJ, often used here. And here is why it is wrong.

1. People tought Nuggets didn't resign KCP because they are cheap. Fact is they didn't resign KCP because they tought Braun can replace him, and they were right. They didn't resign him because if they did they would enter 2nd apron and that is what they didn't want to do. In the mean time they resign Murray and AG. It was all about cap construction. MPJ is making max, but Nuggets are under 2nd apron so no need to trade him for cap pourposes.

2. Another missconception is idea they should trade his contract to improve their bench. Well bench needs some improvements but not by downgrading starting lineup. MPJ is one of the best 3pt and mid range shooters in the era of shooting, perfect compliment to other Nuggets starters and starting SF on championship winning team.

So if anyone has some idea of Nuggets trade to improve bench without downgrading starting lineup, great, let's hear it. Keep in mind they are high on G Strawther and F Watson, so open spots are backup PG and C