ORL sends: Franz Wagner (38.7m est. + 4 more up to 51), DEN 25 frp #24
MEM sends: Ja Morant (36.7m + 3 more up to 45m), Jaylen Wells (1.9m + 2 more)
*MEM does not have a frp this summer. Honestly, I don't know if this would fly for either side's fans, but I think it's fair.
The case for MEM...Franz is no drama, absolutely sound in every aspect of the game, including underrated defense (it's not just good, it's very good). He's a legit 6'10 and so fundamentally sound...I've never seen anyone finish with such consistent full extension - he makes full use of his length. He's up and down as a 3pt shooter, but absolutely a threat. He may not show up on the Top 10 plays often, but he'll quietly put up just as many points, more efficiently as well as a bunch of assists and rebounds every night. I think, in a vacuum, Franz is a better overall younger player and drops right into a vacant spot as an oversized SF who can handle a fair amount of playmaking. He'll never be in the headlines for anything but excellent basketball.
For ORL...Ja is one of the most exciting, high-profile PGs in the NBA. He plays an "in your face/fear noone" style of super athletic but not always efficient hoops. Slide him into a backcourt with high-intensity 3&D Suggs and you have one of the most athletic, wild backcourts in the league - who also complement each other's games very well. Wells balances the salaries and the value, with ORL sending a late frp (which some will argue is too much and some will argue isn't enough). KCP slides to the 3 (along with Wells) for more ferocious 3&D. Paolo shares the bulk of the offensive load with the same kind of fire within. ORL bets on Ja, in a stable environment, once again joining Paolo as a true young face of the NBA...and ORL bets he stays out of trouble and keeps his gun in his pants. Every game's a sellout and every fastbreak is a highlight.
