u/Creative_Expert_4052

Firstly, I wouldn't trade JB if I'm Boston unless he really wants out. I see a lot of mock trades of JB + some firsts for Giannis however I don't like this for Boston (I don't like any team other than SA trading for Giannis tho). In this trade you get Kawhi instead of Giannis, yes he isn't as good but you're getting picks to draft with or use in future trades as well as a cheaper salary + you don't have to take on Giannis' brothers and waste roster spots. Kawhi was great this year and would still be an all-star level guy next to Tatum and would also fit easily into Boston as he is a very comfortable 3pt shooter (38.7% this season and 39.1% career, in comparison JB shot 34.7% from 3 and is a career 35.8% 3pt shooter). For Boston, they extend Kawhi by 2 years and have a clear window to still compete with the aging White+Kawhi alongside Tatum for the next 3 years and then have picks and cap space to get another core around Tatum. It's also worth noting this trade slightly saves Boston money.

For the Clippers, they get their new franchise star who fits nicely with Garland. They still have a few firsts left (albeit weak swaps) but also have the Pacer's pick which will either land them a top young prospect or become a future first to use in trades (or keep). For Jaylen he gets to move to LA and become the true face of a franchise. Maybe Clippers wouldn't want to give up this much draft capital, but I don't see where they are getting an All-NBA, top 10-15 guy in the near future. Free agents are harder to come buy. Also one of these picks isn't their own and then they are all multiple years away. With a core of Jaylen and Garland as well as a few nice role players, young prospects and a healthy cap sheet they will at least be able to compete. Jaylen is also a very easy star to put a competent roster around due to how well rounded his game is, he isn't a terrible shooter or defender that you need certain players around to make work. Maybe Clippers want to hold onto their picks, but if Jaylen is available I don't see them getting another player of his calibre anytime soon. Or if the Pacers pick does convey, maybe they'd rather send out Kawhi+5 for Jaylen, but I'd rather send out 3 firsts and a swap than do that.

It's also worth noting from Jaylen's perspective, LA might be his preferred destination over the Bucks or Portland. Jaylen is from Georgia so maybe he'd like to play in Atlanta, but I'm not sure Atlanta would send out a package they and Boston both like.

Clippers get pick 26 in 2026 and a future 2031 Unprotected first as well Cam Johnson. A good role player but overpaid. He could start for LA next season at the 4, meaning they wouldn't have to bring back Collins (if they don't want to) and is expiring.

Denver gets two expiring's for next year whilst also saving $6.9m in the short term (to help resign Watson). Dunn is a great POA defender and DJJ is also a capable role player and good defender who could also work well in transition with Jokic. DJJ could is also a great lob threat giving Jokic another player to feed lobs, for when AG is off the floor or hurt. Denver's starting 5 could still look something like Murray, Braun, Watson, Gordon, Jokic (when healthy) next season, but for specific matchups against top opposition guards they could start Dunn. They could also at times have DJJ/Gordon/Watson all on the floor who can are all good wing defenders and more than capable of switching multiple players.

The trade also works with Braun instead of Cam, but I don't think Denver has the assets to offer LAC to make them commit to Braun's long term deal.

Made possible Kawhi trades ranging in from more realistic to less realistic (obviously some depend on draft lottery, Warriors/Miami/Bucks). Also this is all presuming nothing comes off the Aspiration case. Last 3 are all pretty crazy I know

1. Kawhi for Jimmy + 11 and two post Curry+Kawhi firsts.

2. Miami gets their number 1 option and off the Jovic deal.

3. Detroit gets their second scorer.

4. Rockets go more in on KD (if he stays).

5. Ant gets his second star as a teammate (trade would work with Donte instead of Naz but I'm not sure Clippers would take Randle, injured Donte and a 2032 First). Maybe if you added a 3rd team sending picks for Randle but I'm not sure which team would do that.

6. Knicks get Kawhi for KAT, resign Robinson and he starts at the 5. Ideally you'd trade Bridges for Kawhi, but I don't think NYK have the picks to compensate his contract and also you'd have to add Josh Hart.

7. If Bucks are crazy enough to try to keep Giannis happy and compete, they get off the Turner contract and get Giannis help. Would be very stupid if you ask me, but maybe they don't get the offers they want for Giannis and decide they want to get him help.

8. Denver gives up on Gordon's health and builds a big 3 of Murray, Jokic and Kawhi.

9. Magic swaps Paolo for Kawhi. This made more sense before the playoffs when there were big concerns around Paolo and the contract he's on, but if the Magic do progress past the first round I think it's unlikely they give up on their young core already. Argument for it would be that Magic gets off his long term deal whilst still being able to compete now - and Franz would be their future, not Paolo.

Denver needs to get off of Braun+Naji's bad contracts and get better defence. They get defence here and a true 3rd scoring option alongside Jokic+Murray for when Gordon isn't healthy. Denver would have an improved starting lineup of Murray, Murphy, Watson, Gordon and Jokic as well as a healthier cap sheet going forward.

Toronto gets off Poeltl and Quickley deals and upgrades at PG. New lineup of Garland, Barrett, Ingram, Barnes, CMB.

Charlotte keeps their starting 5 but gets an experienced wing that fits in with their 3pt shooting ideology and then gets a great wing defender in Herb. They still have loads of picks after this trade.

Pelicans sell on Murphy and Herb for picks 18 and 19 in 2026 as well as two more firsts. They would also be essentially adding $46.7m in expiring deals (Mann and McNeeley both have team options for the 2027-28 season), the same year Jordon Poole's $34m expires.

Clippers take on bad salary for pick 26, a future swap and 3 firsts. Quickley, Braun and Poeltl could all start and maybe regain some value down the line in future trades. Clippers would also trade Kawhi in this scenario for more young players or draft assets to add to this.

Denver needs to get off of Braun+Naji's bad contracts and get better defence. They get defence here and a true 3rd scoring option alongside Jokic+Murray for when Gordon isn't healthy. Denver would have an improved starting lineup of Murray, Murphy, Watson, Gordon and Jokic as well as a healthier cap sheet going forward.

Toronto gets off Poeltl and Quickley deals and upgrades at PG. New lineup of Garland, Barrett, Ingram, Barnes, CMB.

Charlotte keeps their starting 5 but gets another young centre, an experienced wing that fits in with their 3pt shooting ideology and then gets a great wing defender in Herb. They still have loads of picks after this trade.

Pelicans sell on Murphy, Bey, Missi and Herb for picks 18 and 19 in 2026 as well as two firsts next year. They also get to take a chance on Dick and McNeeley (two former first round picks). They would also be essentially adding $46.7m in expiring deals (Mann and McNeeley both have team options for the 2027-28 season), the same year Jordon Poole's $34m expires.

Clippers take on bad salary for pick 26, a future swap and 3 unprotected firsts. Quickley, Braun and Poeltl could all start and maybe regain some value down the line in future trades. Clippers would also trade Kawhi in this scenario for more young players or draft assets to add to this.