The NBA trade market is in full swing and with Dec. 15 coming this weekend, the majority of players around the league will be eligible to be traded. With the trade deadline coming in Feb., teams are starting to position themselves.
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Especially in the Western Conference, the battle to get trades done could be electric. Teams want to put themselves into the best possible chance for success and there are plenty of suitors for the NBA title this season.
In a new multi-team trade proposal, two possible West containers upgrade their rosters while a lowly East squad nets future assets. The deal is between the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies, and Washington Wizards.
Here is what the deal could look like:
Timberwolves receive: Guard Marcus Smart and guard Luke Kennard
Grizzlies receive: Center Jonas Valančiūnas, guard Malcolm Brogdon, and a 2025 first-round draft pick from the Timberwolves
Wizards receive: Forward Julius Randle, a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Timberwolves, a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Grizzlies, a 2030 second-round draft pick from the Grizzlies, and a 2031 second-round draft pick from the Timberwolves
Why Minnesota does this
The Timberwolves are in the win-now mode and they don’t have time to mess around. Randle has played well with the Wolves but he hasn’t fit in as nicely as the team would have liked. In this deal, they get a strong point-of-attack defender in Smart who can also knock down the 3-point shot.
Additionally, they land Kennard who is a 3-point specialist. Minnesota has their eyes set on competing and this deal could push them forward in the Western Conference.
Why Memphis does this
While the Grizzlies love Smart, they land a true center in Valančiūnas. Memphis is focused on the postseason and they need size if they want to win. Valančiūnas has played well this season and could fit in well around the core that the Grizzlies have put together.
Additionally, they land Brogdon to replace Smart in the lineup. But with only one year left on his deal, they get off an extra year. Memphis also lands a protected first-round pick in the process as well.
Why Washington does this
The Wizards land Randle to help pair alongside guard Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma. Randle has two years left on his current contract so Washington could see how he fits around them in the time being. If things don’t work out well, Washington could always flip him in another deal down the line.
The Wizards also land four second-round draft picks that they can put into potential deals in the future. Valančiūnas was signed to be traded and the same goes with Brogdon, who is a free agent at the end of the season.
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