RealGM

Grizzlies send: Ja Morant
Grizzlies receive: Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, unprotected 2029 swap

Why for Memphis: Get out of Ja business with a couple of role players with more manageable contract that aren't much worse at all than Ja at this point. Also get a juicy swap.

Jazz send: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive: Zach LaVine, Devin Carter, unprotected 2028 pick, unprotected 2030 pick

Why for the Jazz: Move Lauri Markkanen for high upside picks and a prospect they were rumored to like in Devin Carter. Zach LaVine would ideally be moved to a 4th team for a worse player and a few seconds, but it's hard to find an interested party and he's not a deal breaker.

Kings send: Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Devin Carter, unprotected 2028 pick, unprotected 2029 swap, unprotected 2030 pick
Kings receive: Ja Morant, Lauri Markkanen

Why for the Kings: Get two guys who have been fantastic at points in their career and just go all in on upside, tossing away their army of SGs for a more balanced and high upside roster that has huge long-term downside.

Kings post trade

Ja Morant
Keon Ellis
Keegan Murray
Lauri Markkanen
Sabonis

With Westbrook, Schroder, and Nique Clifford off the bench.

Simply worse than keeping Ja so no interest from Memphis. I not suggesting other teams are going to offer a lot of value for Ja, but Memphis is just not looking to get anything than can to get out of the Ja business.

One of the unprotected 1sts should go to Memphis.

Got more upside than Kobe, Dwight and Steve Nash had lol

Trade wise think kings better without the Lauri part. Ja and Lavine can be a better version of Fox and Monk.

Lauri a nice player but occupies same space as Sabonnis

Do this, but start Westbrook.

It's probable that all three teams decline.

I feel like Clifford would need to go to Memphis (or send a pick there and have Clifford go to Utah).

This would be an interesting team at least?

I think Memphis is owed more, but I do think it is a fun team that can actually maximize Ja. My adjustment might be to get the 2026 SAC 1st to Utah, and firsts in 2028 and 2030 to MEM. I would love to bet on Sacramento messing literally anything up and this is the year to do it, and Memphis is owed a bit more.

Why is Sac trading the distant unprotected firsts and not the current ones of the Minn pick? Just to make it better for Utah?

I think Utah happily takes the 2026 and 2028 Sac firsts for Lauri. And finds a way to flip Zach.

And Memphis can have a 2027 swap and the Minn first? Think that’s more like what Memphis would take for Ja?

A lot less risk for Sac where in 2.5 years they can decide to blow up the core..

jayjaysee wrote:Why is Sac trading the distant unprotected firsts and not the current ones of the Minn pick? Just to make it better for Utah?

I think Utah happily takes the 2026 and 2028 Sac firsts for Lauri. And finds a way to flip Zach.

And Memphis can have a 2027 swap and the Minn first? Think that’s more like what Memphis would take for Ja?

A lot less risk for Sac where in 2.5 years they can decide to blow up the core..

If we can get Sac's first in 2026 and 2028 I will drive from Fresno to Salt Lake, pick up Lauri, and drive him back to Sacramento.

Better idea for Ja but still not convinced with his issues.

Not interested in Lauri at any price but free. Never have been. Not a winning player.

Oh and people need to stop offering or asking for the Sac ‘26 first in any form (protected or not). The draft is too good. We need superior young talent for after next year when our money frees up. And that pick at this point is lotto and far too valuable for any trade that doesn’t bring back a legit and non flawed star core piece.

Any time you can pay two unprotected firsts and an unprotected swap to assemble a capped out play-in team, you have to do it.

Seriously though, both DDR and LaVine will be on expiring contracts next summer (non-zero chance DDR approaches the Kings about a buyout). The Kings need to play out the season and burn a year off those contracts. Maybe trade Sabonis if they get a worthwhile offer.They've got no business trading future first round picks like this, and if they decide to trade this much drsft capital, it better be for a top-20 player who can actually change the fortunes of the organization.

babyjax13 wrote:

jayjaysee wrote:Why is Sac trading the distant unprotected firsts and not the current ones of the Minn pick? Just to make it better for Utah?

I think Utah happily takes the 2026 and 2028 Sac firsts for Lauri. And finds a way to flip Zach.

And Memphis can have a 2027 swap and the Minn first? Think that’s more like what Memphis would take for Ja?

A lot less risk for Sac where in 2.5 years they can decide to blow up the core..

If we can get Sac's first in 2026 and 2028 I will drive from Fresno to Salt Lake, pick up Lauri, and drive him back to Sacramento.

I do not think Sac should do these deals. But also think they might look at either target..

Just think it’s a bit more realistic if the picks are when Sabonis/Lauri/Murray/Ja are under team control.

These trades that make the Kings payroll even more top heavy than it already was before without addressing the fundamental issue with the teams' composition are just unpleasant to look at.

This team would be abysmal defensively. And have no picks while being in salary hell.