Trade No. 4
ATL receive three-1st rounders via OKC, MEM & NOP plus players.
— Thunder Moneyball (@geola388) July 12, 2018
OKC, MEM, NOP all receive players and no picks. pic.twitter.com/NY4xiFjQT4
Four teams trades are rare because one team feels like they’re being undercut. However, this trade works out well for everyone involved.
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Kent Bazemore fills the gaping hole at small forward despite Memphis signing Kyle Anderson to play the three. The former San Antonio Spur masquerades as a small forward but is really a power forward. Bazemore offers more switch-ability on defense and is a far better shooter from distance.
Oklahoma City get to dump Melo’s contract while taking back a touch over eight million in salary. This trade saves OKC over $110-million dollars in luxury tax and adds depth at both forward positions. Chieck Diallo is a high energy big man whose game resembles Kyle O’Quinn. Dillon Brooks is a second year forward capable of hitting an outside shot (35.6). He offers depth to an OKC roster light on wings.
Atlanta acquire three first-round picks via OKC, Memphis and New Orleans. They also receive a young point guard in Frank Jackson who missed all of last season due to injury. He joins the gluttony of young talent on Atlanta’s roster and can be used interchangeably with Trae Young. Jamychal Green and E’twaun Moore offer veteran voices to a young locker room while Carmelo Anthony is simply a salary dump.
New Orleans receive their starting point guard in Dennis Schroder and add shooting with Ben McLemore. The former seventh overall pick is a career 35 percent shooter from distance and will light it up if left alone.
Next: Complete NBA Free Agency primer for all 30 teams
Final Word
While these trades are hypothetical and follow logical thinking, its difficult to know what front offices are thinking. We know one thing is for certain – Anthony won’t be a member of the Thunder when the season starts. Lets hope a deal gets done soon so OKC can prepare for the season.
In Presti, We Trust.