There have been a lot of trade talks heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, and generally, we have seen teams active on the trade market around this time. Given that a lot of teams are trying to win next season, it is quite likely that we’ll see a number of trades, both expected and unexpected.
Though multi-team trades are often hard to execute, there are times when a trade scenario with more than two teams makes sense. In our hypothetical trade scenario, Draymond Green goes to the Los Angeles Lakers via sign-and-trade, Chris Paul ends up on the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards get solid assets.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Draymond Green (Sign-And-Trade), Robert Covington
Golden State Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura (Sign-And-Trade), Malik Beasley, No. 17 Pick (via LAL)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Chris Paul, Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Washington Wizards Receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Mo Bamba, No. 30 Pick (via LAC)
This deal could potentially benefit all parties involved, and based on recent rumors, this is a somewhat realistic multi-team trade. Here is why this deal could work for all four franchises.
The Lakers Sign A Top 5 Defender In The League
This season, Draymond Green averaged 8.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 6.8 APG for the Golden State Warriors. Though his box score stats show that he isn’t necessarily an elite offensive player, his impact goes beyond the box score. His primary value is on the defensive end: Green is one of the players in the league that can comfortably guard all five positions and has been the defensive anchor for all four of the Warriors’ championships.
If the Los Angeles Lakers were to acquire Draymond Green, they would have one of the best defensive frontcourt in the league with him and Anthony Davis. The team had a lot of trouble guarding Nikola Jokic in the Western Conference Finals, and perhaps Draymond Green is the player that can help them do so.
In this trade, the Lakers would also land Robert Covington, who is a quality defender that can also space the floor. This season, Covington shot 39.7% from the 3PT range, which is a career-high. His size and length would also be useful for the team, and though he didn’t have a huge role on the Clippers, Covington would be very useful for the Lakers.
In this trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers would have to send out Rui Hachimura, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and the No. 17 pick. Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba are both on expiring contracts and did not play a prominent role on the Lakers in the playoffs, so losing them wouldn’t necessarily be a problem. Rui Hachimura’s departure would hurt on multiple levels, but one has to give up good players to get good players in return. Overall, this is a solid price to pay to get two quality veterans.
The Warriors Get Younger, Add Defense And Shooting
The Golden State Warriors are a team that needs to prioritize building around Stephen Curry, and if they can’t figure out a new deal with Draymond Green, it could be in their best interest to figure out a sign-and-trade deal for the defensive star. One solid destination for Green would be the Lakers, and the Warriors could potentially get a solid amount in return for the outgoing forward.
Rui Hachimura would be the biggest draw in this scenario: he is a restricted free agent, and would likely sign a long-term deal to join the Warriors. Hachimura is an athletic forward with solid size and would help the team’s scoring woes, especially if the team lets him start at the PF position. In the playoffs, Hachimura averaged 12.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 0.6 APG while shooting 48.7% from the 3PT range.
Malik Beasley would easily slot in as a replacement for the potentially outgoing Donte DiVincenzo. Though he isn’t as good on defense as DiVincenzo, he is a 3PT shooting specialist and could be a solid depth option during the regular season. He and Jordan Poole would become one of the most dynamic bench-scoring duos in the league.
Overall, this deal for the Warriors is about getting a quality return for Draymond Green and adding more 3PT shooting to the roster. Though Green has been key to the Warriors’ success over their dynastic run, that doesn’t mean they can’t find championship success without him.
The Clippers Get Their Point Guard For Next Season
The Los Angeles Clippers have recently been linked with Chris Paul, and they definitely need a player who can be the point guard, given the fact that Russell Westbrook might leave in free agency. They would likely have to get him via trade, and this trade scenario would allow them to do just that.
The team would have to move the expiring contracts of Robert Covington and Marcus Morris in this scenario, while also sending out the No. 30 pick to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards would receive Marcus Morris’ expiring deal, which is good for them as they are trying to clear money off the books. The No. 30 pick would also allow them to draft a prospect that they can develop.
Chris Paul would be a solid fit for the Clippers, and he is still a productive player who averaged 13.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 8.9 APG for the Phoenix Suns last season while shooting 37.5% from the 3PT range. He seems like the perfect third option behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and it is a no-brainer for the team to try and acquire him.
The Wizards Add Expiring Contracts And Draft Compensation
For the Washington Wizards, this deal is about building for the future and clearing salary. It makes sense for them to move Chris Paul as they are not a team that is trying to win immediately, and if they can get a solid trade return for him, then they will likely let him go.
Getting two expiring contracts and a pick is a solid deal for a 39-year-old point guard. Mo Bamba could also potentially be retained, as he is still young and has some untapped upside. He is a 3PT shooting center that can also block shots, which is rare in the league. The pick’s use is self-explanatory. The 2023 NBA Draft has a good amount of talent, and perhaps the Wizards would be able to find a steal in the draft at No. 30.
Overall, this deal is one that allows the Wizards to find some value in exchange for a quality veteran. They are clearly in rebuild mode, and this trade package would give them some assets that can help in that department.
This Deal Could Be A Win For All Four Teams
There is no doubt that this could be a deal that is a win for all four franchises. The Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers would get quality difference-making pieces in Chris Paul and Draymond Green, while the Golden State Warriors and the Washington Wizards would get good value for their players.
Multi-team trades don’t often happen, but we have definitely seen an uptick in their number over the past few seasons. Time will tell if this trade comes to fruition, but it is a scenario that works financially and addresses each team’s goals.
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