An unlikely blockbuster
Understanding how the trade machine works is a critical part to mock trades but there are so many moving parts to this four-team deal that it makes my legitimate headache worse.
It’s evident that “gm of the league” had plenty of time to drum up this creativity. It does create a dream scenario that the Pistons acquire Bradley Beal and Clint Capela. However, a three-team deal is difficult to navigate, let alone four.
The dream lives on as a dream. It’s mind-boggling and unrealistic to see the Rockets acquire Drummond and Robert Covington, and underrated 3-and-D wing on an affordable contract, while only giving up Eric Gordon, Capela and some scraps. Sure, there are young players like Trevon Duval but they aren’t attractive assets to acquire an impact player.
Then there’s the issue of the Timberwolves acquiring John Wall, an injury-ridden point guard who will sit out this season and be owed $41.3 million in 2020-21 and has a player option for $47.4 million in 2022-23. Meanwhile, Minnesota has to part ways with Covington and Jeff Teague, a reliable starting point guard on an expiring contract.
On to the next.