The NBA offseason is always a thrilling time for fans and analysts alike, with endless speculation and hypothetical trades fueling discussions about how teams can reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. One of the most intriguing mock trade ideas floating around involves a massive four-team deal between the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, and New Orleans Pelicans. This proposed trade features star players and key assets swapping teams in a move that could dramatically alter the NBA landscape.
With all these teams looking to address specific needs and improve their chances of making deep playoff runs, this hypothetical blockbuster trade involving star players and key assets presents a fascinating scenario. Let’s dive into the details of this proposed trade and grade its impact on each franchise.Â
Trade Details
Warriors Receive: Paul George, Clint Capela
Clippers Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Larry Nance, De’Andre Hunter, 2025 First-Round Pick (via Warriors)
Hawks Receive: Brandon Ingram, Bones Hyland, Chris Paul, Moses Moody
Pelicans Receive: Dejounte Murray, Jonathan Kuminga, Terance Mann
The Warriors Get Two Monumental Upgrades
The Golden State Warriors have always been a team that thrives on star power and elite talent. In this hypothetical trade, they part ways with Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga but bring in two significant upgrades in Paul George and Clint Capela.
Paul George, an eight-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s premier two-way players, would be a monumental addition to the Warriors. In the 2023-24 season, George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His ability to score efficiently from anywhere on the floor and his defensive prowess make him an ideal fit for the Warriors’ system, which emphasizes both offensive versatility and defensive intensity.
George has a player option for the 2024-25 season worth $48.8 million. Given his value, it’s likely he would opt out in favor of a more lucrative long-term deal. The Clippers, understanding this, could look to execute a sign-and-trade to avoid losing him for nothing. A realistic contract for George in this scenario could be a four-year deal worth around $180 million, averaging $45 million per season, which aligns with his current market value and contract structure.
Clint Capela addresses a glaring need for the Warriors – interior defense and rebounding. In the 2023-24 season, Capela averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His presence in the paint would provide the Warriors with a reliable rim protector, something they have lacked in recent years. Capela’s ability to finish around the rim and his pick-and-roll efficiency would complement the Warriors’ offense, especially with playmakers like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green setting him up.
The Warriors struggled in the 2023-2024 season, falling short of their championship aspirations. Despite a solid core, the team was plagued by injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of depth, particularly in the frontcourt. With the Western Conference getting tougher each year, the Warriors need to make bold moves to stay in contention.
Adding Paul George would give the Warriors another elite scorer and defender, reducing the offensive load on Curry and Klay Thompson and allowing them to focus more on their strengths. George’s versatility means he can guard multiple positions, making the Warriors’ defense even more formidable.
Clint Capela’s addition would solidify the Warriors’ interior defense, a critical weakness in recent seasons. His rebounding ability would give the Warriors more second-chance opportunities and help control the pace of the game, a key aspect of their fast-paced style.
The Warriors have been at the center of numerous trade rumors, with many speculating that they need to make significant changes to return to their championship form. The team’s front office has made it clear that they are willing to spend and make moves to maximize the remaining prime years of Stephen Curry’s career. Losing Wiggins, who has been a key contributor, and Kuminga, a promising young talent, is a significant cost. However, the immediate impact of adding established stars like George and Capela could be worth the price.
Overall, this trade would signal the Warriors’ commitment to winning now and maximizing their championship window. By addressing their key weaknesses and adding proven talent, the Warriors would position themselves as one of the top contenders in the NBA once again.
Grade: A-
The Clippers Secure Depth And Future Assets
The Los Angeles Clippers, a team perpetually on the cusp of greatness but often hampered by injuries and inconsistencies, make a significant move by trading Paul George and receiving Andrew Wiggins, Larry Nance Jr., De’Andre Hunter, and a 2025 first-round pick from the Warriors. This trade allows the Clippers to retool their roster with a mix of proven talent and future flexibility.
Coming off a challenging season, Andrew Wiggins still provides value as a reliable two-way player. In the 2023-24 season, Wiggins averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His defensive abilities, particularly in guarding multiple positions, make him a valuable asset for the Clippers. Wiggins’ offensive efficiency has seen better days, but his scoring touch remains crucial for a Clippers team in need of consistent offensive production.
Larry Nance Jr. is known for his versatility and defensive prowess. In the 2023-24 season, Nance averaged 5.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide energy off the bench makes him a perfect fit for the Clippers’ system. Nance’s athleticism and defensive instincts will bolster the Clippers’ frontcourt, providing them with much-needed depth and flexibility.
De’Andre Hunter, a young and promising wing, adds another layer of potential to the Clippers’ roster. In the 2023-24 season, Hunter averaged 15.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. His development has been steadily progressing, and he has shown flashes of becoming a solid two-way player. Hunter’s size and defensive capabilities allow him to guard multiple positions, fitting well into Tyronn Lue’s defensive schemes.
The Clippers have faced challenges with the health and availability of their star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. By trading George, they address the need for more depth and reliable contributors. Wiggins’ durability and defensive skills, combined with Nance’s versatility and Hunter’s potential, provide the Clippers with a well-rounded roster capable of competing in the Western Conference.
In the 2023-24 season, the Clippers finished with a record of 44-38, securing the 6th seed in the Western Conference but falling short in the playoffs due to injuries and inconsistent performances. This trade aims to provide them with a more balanced and resilient roster, capable of weathering the rigors of the regular season and making a deeper playoff run.
The Clippers have been involved in numerous trade rumors, with speculation about their need to retool around their star players. With Kawhi Leonard’s injury history and Paul George potentially seeking a new contract, the Clippers are under pressure to build a team that can stay competitive and contend for a championship. This trade reflects their strategy to balance immediate competitiveness with future planning.
Overall, this trade offers the Clippers a mix of proven talent, versatility, and future assets. While losing Paul George is a significant blow, the additions of Wiggins, Nance, Hunter, and a future first-round pick position the Clippers to remain competitive in the short term while also planning for the future.
Grade: B+
The Hawks Add Dynamic Scoring With Ingram And Hyland
The Atlanta Hawks make a significant move by acquiring Brandon Ingram and Bones Hyland, adding much-needed scoring and playmaking to their roster. Adding up, Moses Moody and Chris Paul would become great backup options. This trade provides the Hawks with immediate offensive firepower and depth, addressing key areas that have hindered their progress in recent seasons.
The Hawks give up Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, and Dejounte Murray in this deal, a substantial price but one that aims to shift the team’s dynamics for the better. Capela has been a defensive anchor and rebounding force, Hunter a versatile wing defender and emerging scorer, and Murray an all-around guard with excellent defensive abilities.
Brandon Ingram, in the 2023-24 season, averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. His ability to create his own shot and facilitate for others makes him an excellent complement to Trae Young. Ingram’s scoring versatility, combined with his improved playmaking, gives the Hawks another reliable offensive option, especially in crunch time. His presence on the wing allows the Hawks to spread the floor more effectively and opens up driving lanes for Young.
Bones Hyland adds youthful energy and scoring punch off the bench. In the 2023-24 season, Hyland averaged 6.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while playing 14.6 minutes per game. Hyland’s ability to score in bunches and his potential as a secondary playmaker provide valuable depth for the Hawks’ second unit. His development as a consistent contributor will be crucial for Atlanta’s aspirations in the Eastern Conference.
From the Warriors, the Hawks acquire Chris Paul, who averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in the season, as their backup point guard option, and a new shooting guard in Moses Moody, with numbers of 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during 2023-24.
The Hawks finished the 2023-24 season with a 36-46 record, landing them the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. They made it to the play-in tournament but were eliminated early, highlighting the need for additional scoring and playmaking.
Moreover, the Hawks hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, providing them with a unique opportunity to add a top-tier prospect to their revamped roster. This pick, combined with the new additions, positions Atlanta to be significantly more competitive.
The Hawks’ front office has been clear about their intention to build a team that can compete now and in the future. By acquiring a proven star in Ingram and a promising young player in Hyland, they balance immediate improvement with potential growth.
Grade: A-
The Pelicans Bolster Their Depth And Defense
The New Orleans Pelicans make a strategic move by trading Brandon Ingram to the Hawks and receiving Dejounte Murray from the Hawks, Jonathan Kuminga from the Warriors, and Terance Mann from the Clippers. This trade aims to address the Pelicans’ need for defensive tenacity and depth, complementing their existing roster led by Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum.
Dejounte Murray brings an all-around game with a strong defensive presence. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively will be crucial for the Pelicans.
From the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga is a young forward with significant potential. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. His athleticism and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset for the Pelicans’ rotation.
Terance Mann, coming from the Clippers, adds depth and reliability. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His energy and defensive skills will strengthen the Pelicans’ bench.
The Pelicans finished the 2023-24 season with a 49-33 record, securing the 7th seed in the Western Conference. However, they were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting their need for stronger defensive capabilities and more depth.
Rumors have been circulating about the Pelicans’ desire to build a more balanced and defensively oriented team around Zion Williamson. With the addition of Murray, Kuminga, and Mann, the Pelicans aim to create a more formidable defensive unit while maintaining sufficient offensive firepower.
Dejounte Murray’s all-around skills and defensive prowess will complement Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, potentially creating a dynamic trio that can compete with the best in the league. Kuminga’s development will be crucial, as his athleticism and defensive potential could make him a key contributor. Mann’s experience and energy off the bench will provide the Pelicans with the depth needed to endure the long NBA season and make a deeper playoff run.
Overall, this trade represents a balanced approach for the Pelicans, aiming to improve both their immediate and future prospects. By addressing their defensive needs and adding versatile players, the Pelicans position themselves to be more competitive in the tough Western Conference.
Grade: A
