Memphis/Atlanta Trade
Trade: Atlanta trades Corey Kispert + the 23rd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft for the 32nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Why Memphis does this: Memphis gets the opportunity to move up 9 spots in this draft to acquire another first round pick to add to their young core at the cost of taking on Corey Kispert and his remaining contract (2 guaranteed years left for $27 million, with a team option on the 3rd year worth $13.025 million).
Why Atlanta does this: Atlanta does this to gain more financial flexibility this offseason to address some of their bigger needs on the roster (Center, Point Guard, etc.). Not saying it's likely, but the Hawks could open up to ~$37 million in Cap Space if they were to make this move, renounce the rights to all of their free agents, and decline Jonathan Kuminga's and Buddy Hield's team options for next season. The 32nd pick can still be used to draft a high upside player to add to their young core.
Thoughts?