Portland Cleans House (ORL / NO / CLE)

[BlazersBroncos]

TRADE 1

Portland Trades
Anfernee Simons G
Jabari Walker JR FC

Orlando Trades
Gary Harris GF
Cole Anthony G
2025 FRP (Lower of ORL / DEN - Protected Top 20 - if both picks fall within 1-19, PDX receives 2 future SRP)
2028 SRP WAS or LAL (More Favorable)

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They need to start Scoot and see if he sinks or swims - this bringing a #3 pick off the bench stuff on a losing team is nonsense. Simons appears to have finally checked out after 7 years in PDX and the team and player are absolutely in need of a divorce. Harris is a EC and Cole has 1 more year then a TO. The pick is highly protected but IMO the best PDX could ask for at this point.

WHY FOR ORLANDO
Despite his warts in regards to PDX and his poor fit in PDX due to team makeup - on paper Simons gives ORL exactly what they need - a pure bucket getter who can hit the 3 on high volume. They pay such a low cost here that even if they dont resign Simons summer 2026 the cost is worth it IMO. He can help keep points on the board while Paolo is out and slides in as a ideal if overpaid 6th man for a few seasons. I also like the idea of pairing him w/ Black in the 2nd unit - allowing Black to handle and initiate while Simons plays off ball and runs of screens. Its worth noting that while he is having a down year the Blazers run no semblance of a offensive system - so IMO there is a bit of upside to a change of scenery that allows him to move off ball more and get open shots. They take a swing on Walker as deep big depth - he is a nice 3rd string tweener big hustle type.

G - Jalen Suggs / Anfernee Simons / Anthony Black / Cory Joseph
G - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope / Anfernee Simons / Anthony Black / Caleb Houstan
F - Franz Wagner / Anthony Black / Tristan da Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Tristan da Silva / Jabari Walker JR
C - Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner / Goga Bitazde / Jabari Walker JR

TRADE 2

Portland Trades
DeAndre Ayton C

New Orleans Trades
CJ McCollum G
2027 SRP CHI (Protected 31-49)
2030 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)
2031 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They need to clear house to make space for Donovan and TL. I see little if any market for DA in this league but think NO would take the shot here with Zion our and their big man depth so poor. This isnt a fair trade taking age and IMO raw talent into equation but its addition by subtraction in opening the C rotation to bigs that can screen better for Scoot, and IMO both Clingan and TL are more of the hustle, low usage types that fit the PDX roster construction. CJ would be used as a 6th man and locker room professional who brings it every game despite his flaws. His deal is basically the same as Ayton so there is that as well. The SRP are all low variance / worth but its at least something.

WHY FOR NEW ORLENAS
The team is in big need of a competent big that can eat rebounds and score a bit. Ayton has warts but on paper he checks alot of boxes that NO is lacking in. His 3PT shot has seemingly begun to come around and if he can continue to build on that he is a excellent fit next to Zion. They move little here, and can elevate Hawkins into that shooter role that is left open by CJ.

G - Dejounte Murray / Jose Alvarado
G - Jordan Hawkins / Brandon Ingram / Javonte Green / Antonio Reeves
F - Brandon Ingram / Trey Murphy / Brandon Boston JR
F - Zion Williamson / Herb Jones / Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
C - DeAndre Ayton / Yves Missi / Zion Williamson / Daniel Theis

TRADE 3

Portland Trades
Matisse Thybulle GF

Cleveland Trades
Non-Taxpayer MLE
2027 SRP DEN

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They simply dont have room for MT at this point w/ rotation minutes at SG-SF going to youngsters. The CAVS have not used their NT-MLE and here absorb Thybulle while tossing PDX a SRP.

WHY FOR CLEVELAND
They are playing tremendous ball and here add a elite wing defender while giving up little. IMO its likely that MT opts out after this season so they really are paying a SRP to get a year of a elite wing defender that bolsters their depth and cost really nothing.

G - Darius Garland / Ty Jerome / Donovan Mitchell
G - Donovan Mitchell / Caris LeVert / Sam Merrill / Jaylen Tyson
F - Max Strus / Isaac Okoro / Matisse Thybulle / Dean Wade
F - Evan Mobley / Dean Wade / Georges Niang / Isaac Okoro
C - Jarret Allen / Evan Mobley / Dean Wade / Tristan Thompson

Ending PDX Roster
G - Scoot Henderson / CJ McCollum / Cole Anthony
G - Shadeon Sharpe / CJ McCollum / Dalano Banton
F - Jerami Grant / Rayan Rupert / Gary Harris
F - Deni Avdija / Toumari Camara / Kris Murray
C - Donovan Clingan / Robert Williams III / Duop Reath

[Skybox]

ORL been waiting for 2 years to get this done.

Not sure about Ayton's fit in NOLA...he's capable, but must be fed if you want him to even show up. Unless Zion's going out next, a lesser guy like Capela might even be a better fit...I really like ORL's Wendell Carter for NOLA...he's much more versatile than Ayton. He's not going to put up 20ppg, but he's very smart & versatile, is a better defender, and can spread the floor for Zion to do his thing.

[psman2]

Clev would have to stay under the 1st apron to do this, which they won't. They would have to send out salary like Niang. Don't think Thybulle is returning pure cap and a 2nd at this point in time regardless. Don't see MT opting out either.

[Myth]

Trade 1 I do. Trade 2 I do only if Trade 1 happens. Trade 3 I'm mostly indifferent to.

[Knightro]

Ultimately, I don't know the Magic would be willing to do the Simons for Anthony/Harris swap even though it makes sense on paper.

Simons is set to make $27.6M next year. The Magic have team option on Harris' 7M which they will likely decline. So they'd be adding $14.5M in salary to next year's payroll.

Adding $14.5M to next year's payroll would put the Magic at about $203M in salary for 25-26 on 13 players.

That would put them over the 1st apron, and only leave them only about $4.8M under the 2nd apron. And they'd still need to bring on 2 more players likely at the minimum

That would make things really tight financially, and I'm not sure they want to risk going over the 2nd apron on a team that *probably* wouldn't have legitimate title aspirations.

And then the following year Paolo's salary jumps from $15.3M to around $42.5M with only Moe Wagner's 11M off the books, so the Magic would be at $200M ($28M below the 2nd apron) on just 10 guys with Simons and Moe Wagner not under contract.

They'd go well beyond the 2nd apron to retain them both and fill out the bottom of the roster with minimums.

They could look to move some other pieces around, but I'm skeptical on this front office's ability to be proactive about much of anything.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I was going to come here screaming about how Anfernee isn’t starting on this Orlando team but read your proposal and it’s actually well thought out and works all around.

I would try to change the pick details a bit but it isn’t make or break.

Good job OP

[BlazersBroncos]

I was going to come here screaming about how Anfernee isn’t starting on this Orlando team but read your proposal and it’s actually well thought out and works all around.

I would try to change the pick details a bit but it isn’t make or break.

Good job OP

What would you change about the pick details? Figure Top-20 protecting both picks would be pretty nice for ORL.

That SRP is a bit of a hedge on the FRP being super low variance (IE 0% chance to be a premium FRP).

The Thybulle deal was me trying to make something fit that likely doesnt fit. IDK who would want him at this point.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I was going to come here screaming about how Anfernee isn’t starting on this Orlando team but read your proposal and it’s actually well thought out and works all around.

I would try to change the pick details a bit but it isn’t make or break.

Good job OP

What would you change about the pick details? Figure Top-20 protecting both picks would be pretty nice for ORL.

That SRP is a bit of a hedge on the FRP being super low variance (IE 0% chance to be a premium FRP).

The Thybulle deal was me trying to make something fit that likely doesnt fit. IDK who would want him at this point.

Disregard my comment, I skimmed over the top-20 part which makes this even better.

I would even say it’s a tad bit light for them.

[orlando_joe]

I was going to come here screaming about how Anfernee isn’t starting on this Orlando team but read your proposal and it’s actually well thought out and works all around.

I would try to change the pick details a bit but it isn’t make or break.

Good job OP

What would you change about the pick details? Figure Top-20 protecting both picks would be pretty nice for ORL.

That SRP is a bit of a hedge on the FRP being super low variance (IE 0% chance to be a premium FRP).

The Thybulle deal was me trying to make something fit that likely doesnt fit. IDK who would want him at this point.

were do the 2-2nd rd picks in the new orleans trade in 30 and 31? from orlando?

[BlazersBroncos]

I was going to come here screaming about how Anfernee isn’t starting on this Orlando team but read your proposal and it’s actually well thought out and works all around.

I would try to change the pick details a bit but it isn’t make or break.

Good job OP

What would you change about the pick details? Figure Top-20 protecting both picks would be pretty nice for ORL.

That SRP is a bit of a hedge on the FRP being super low variance (IE 0% chance to be a premium FRP).

The Thybulle deal was me trying to make something fit that likely doesnt fit. IDK who would want him at this point.

were do the 2-2nd rd picks in the new orleans trade in 30 and 31? from orlando?

No - ORL has right to swap those picks w/ NO - PDX gets whichever picks from NO that ORL declines (IE the picks that NO would own regardless).

[wemby]

Trade 1: So far Simons looks really bad even at what he used to be good at. I don't think the Magic pay a first to increase their salary commitment.
Trade 2: Do the Hornets really covet Ayton? I'd play Missi and find a cheaper big for insurance.
Trade 3 is doable, don't know if Cavs want to take on that money though.

[toooskies]

The Cavs don't need to add perimeter defenders. Strus, LeVert, Okoro, Wade all fill that role fine.

What the Cavs might want is another 4 or 5 who could play if Mobley or Allen get hurt. Duop Reath or Larry Nance Jr types.

[orlando_joe]

i think kcp would have to go out 3rd team with assets coming back to orlando not assets going out..magic can not afford next season to have both simons and kcp to get them interested...and do not see them trading him to team he wont want due to just signing him ..so i see this as pass no interest ..feel like portland cutting 14 mill of next yr money should cost them getting less then op

[louc1970]

Don’t like it for Portland. Taking their 2 biggest trade chips and get McCollum?
Has to be a bigger return.

[Jon1798]

Pels have no interest in Ayton. People forget Willie was in Phoenix with Ayton and wants nothing to do with him. Besides, Missi provides more of what we need.

[Pattycakes]

TRADE 1

Portland Trades
Anfernee Simons G
Jabari Walker JR FC

Orlando Trades
Gary Harris GF
Cole Anthony G
2025 FRP (Lower of ORL / DEN - Protected Top 20 - if both picks fall within 1-19, PDX receives 2 future SRP)
2028 SRP WAS or LAL (More Favorable)

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They need to start Scoot and see if he sinks or swims - this bringing a #3 pick off the bench stuff on a losing team is nonsense. Simons appears to have finally checked out after 7 years in PDX and the team and player are absolutely in need of a divorce. Harris is a EC and Cole has 1 more year then a TO. The pick is highly protected but IMO the best PDX could ask for at this point.

WHY FOR ORLANDO
Despite his warts in regards to PDX and his poor fit in PDX due to team makeup - on paper Simons gives ORL exactly what they need - a pure bucket getter who can hit the 3 on high volume. They pay such a low cost here that even if they dont resign Simons summer 2026 the cost is worth it IMO. He can help keep points on the board while Paolo is out and slides in as a ideal if overpaid 6th man for a few seasons. I also like the idea of pairing him w/ Black in the 2nd unit - allowing Black to handle and initiate while Simons plays off ball and runs of screens. Its worth noting that while he is having a down year the Blazers run no semblance of a offensive system - so IMO there is a bit of upside to a change of scenery that allows him to move off ball more and get open shots. They take a swing on Walker as deep big depth - he is a nice 3rd string tweener big hustle type.

G - Jalen Suggs / Anfernee Simons / Anthony Black / Cory Joseph
G - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope / Anfernee Simons / Anthony Black / Caleb Houstan
F - Franz Wagner / Anthony Black / Tristan da Silva / Jett Howard
F - Paolo Banchero / Jonathan Isaac / Tristan da Silva / Jabari Walker JR
C - Wendell Carter JR / Mo Wagner / Goga Bitazde / Jabari Walker JR

TRADE 2

Portland Trades
DeAndre Ayton C

New Orleans Trades
CJ McCollum G
2027 SRP CHI (Protected 31-49)
2030 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)
2031 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They need to clear house to make space for Donovan and TL. I see little if any market for DA in this league but think NO would take the shot here with Zion our and their big man depth so poor. This isnt a fair trade taking age and IMO raw talent into equation but its addition by subtraction in opening the C rotation to bigs that can screen better for Scoot, and IMO both Clingan and TL are more of the hustle, low usage types that fit the PDX roster construction. CJ would be used as a 6th man and locker room professional who brings it every game despite his flaws. His deal is basically the same as Ayton so there is that as well. The SRP are all low variance / worth but its at least something.

WHY FOR NEW ORLENAS
The team is in big need of a competent big that can eat rebounds and score a bit. Ayton has warts but on paper he checks alot of boxes that NO is lacking in. His 3PT shot has seemingly begun to come around and if he can continue to build on that he is a excellent fit next to Zion. They move little here, and can elevate Hawkins into that shooter role that is left open by CJ.

G - Dejounte Murray / Jose Alvarado
G - Jordan Hawkins / Brandon Ingram / Javonte Green / Antonio Reeves
F - Brandon Ingram / Trey Murphy / Brandon Boston JR
F - Zion Williamson / Herb Jones / Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
C - DeAndre Ayton / Yves Missi / Zion Williamson / Daniel Theis

TRADE 3

Portland Trades
Matisse Thybulle GF

Cleveland Trades
Non-Taxpayer MLE
2027 SRP DEN

WHY FOR PORTLAND
They simply dont have room for MT at this point w/ rotation minutes at SG-SF going to youngsters. The CAVS have not used their NT-MLE and here absorb Thybulle while tossing PDX a SRP.

WHY FOR CLEVELAND
They are playing tremendous ball and here add a elite wing defender while giving up little. IMO its likely that MT opts out after this season so they really are paying a SRP to get a year of a elite wing defender that bolsters their depth and cost really nothing.

G - Darius Garland / Ty Jerome / Donovan Mitchell
G - Donovan Mitchell / Caris LeVert / Sam Merrill / Jaylen Tyson
F - Max Strus / Isaac Okoro / Matisse Thybulle / Dean Wade
F - Evan Mobley / Dean Wade / Georges Niang / Isaac Okoro
C - Jarret Allen / Evan Mobley / Dean Wade / Tristan Thompson

Ending PDX Roster
G - Scoot Henderson / CJ McCollum / Cole Anthony
G - Shadeon Sharpe / CJ McCollum / Dalano Banton
F - Jerami Grant / Rayan Rupert / Gary Harris
F - Deni Avdija / Toumari Camara / Kris Murray
C - Donovan Clingan / Robert Williams III / Duop Reath

Ayton trade is garbage. He’s easily worth a first.

We’re not offloading him anytime soon, DC isn’t even worth starting yet.

Replace with Grant and maybe you have something.

[BlazersBroncos]

There is no chance a team gives a FRP for Ayton. Full stop. Maybe if he was making 15-20M. But at his contract he isnt worth a FRP.

There are not even many teams that have the matching salary for Ayton.

[Scoot McGroot]

TRADE 2

Portland Trades
DeAndre Ayton C

New Orleans Trades
CJ McCollum G
2027 SRP CHI (Protected 31-49)
2030 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)
2031 SRP ORL / NO (Lower)

Ayton trade is garbage. He’s easily worth a first.

I'm sorry, but I don't think you can get a more impactful player right now in CJ McCollum, save money, improve the vet leadership in the locker room, and get picks. I actually think Portland might have to pay 2nds to swap Ayton for McCollum right now, if NO had interest to begin with. Statistically, Ayton is having the worst season of his career thus far and CJ is playing hot. They're both signed this year and next, but CJ has a descending salary and Ayton climbs, while CJ makes less this year.

Y'all didn't exactly pay value to get him to begin with. I doubt his value has climbed since then.

[jbk1234]

I like Thybulle, but Portland would have to take back some salary here (as another poster noted the trade is not even legal) and I don't know if I like Thybulle enough to commit that much salary to him after re-signing Okoro.

Might be worth exploring something around Reath and Thybulle for an expiring LeVert at the deadline.

[QMemphis]

On paper I understand why you think these deals make sense. But Orl, Cle and NO probably all say no.
-Cavs ain’t adding more money and I’m sure they value flexibility more than a Okoro duplicate.
-Magic believe in Black and value Gary more than they would like adding an overpaid 6th man in Ant Simons.
-CJ is a valued leader for NO but Ayton could make sense but I think NO prefers to develop Missi especially considering price.