Allows us to save a ton of $ over the next couple of years and we stack picks...
Trade #1
MEM trades Mike Conley and Ben McLemore to PHX for Greg Monroe, Jared Dudley, and the rights to MIA 2018 1st Rd. Pick (2018 Top 7 protected, 2019 unprotected)
Why it makes sense for MEM: Grizz get what should be a high 1st Rd. pick and create cap space for the rebuild. Monroe’s contract expires after the season and Dudley would only have 1 year remaining, but his salary decreases for the 2018-19 season.
Why it makes sense for PHX: Suns don’t have a true PG after dealing Bledsoe and there isn’t a sure thing in this year’s draft. Conley gives them a Top 10 NBA PG, still in his prime. They also have two more 2018 1st Rd. picks so letting go of one isn’t the end of the world. Losing Monroe isn’t a big deal either, because the Suns still have Tyson Chandler and 3 other young bigs than need developmental minutes. Dudley and McLemore is a wash.
Trade #2
MEM trades Marc Gasol and James Ennis to ATL for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, the rights to ATL’s 2018 1st Rd. Pick (2018 Top 3 protected, unprotected in 2019) and the rights to ATL 2019 2nd Rd. Pick
Why it makes sense for MEM: Grizz get what should be a high 1st Rd. pick and a future 2nd Rd. pick while creating cap space for the rebuild. Belinelli’s contract expires after the season and Plumlee is one of the worst contracts in the NBA, but it’s manageable and still allows for us to shed salary after the 2018-19 season.
Why it makes sense for ATL: Atlanta has some nice pieces in place with Schroder and John Collins, but they lack a true center. Marc would fit nicely into Budenholzer’s offense. Also, ATL has 2 other 2018 1st Rd. picks, so losing one isn’t the end of the world when you consider they are getting arguably the best center in the league. Ennis is a throw in to create a roster spot for Kobi Simmons.
Trade #3
MEM trades Tyreke Evans and JaMychal Green to NYK for Lance Thomas and the rights to CHI 2018 2nd Rd. Pick
Why it makes sense for MEM: Sell high on Tyreke and shed Green’s contract. Also you get a Top 35 pick out of the deal, which is what really matters. Lance Thomas is a throw in for salary purposes.
Why it makes sense for NYK: The Knicks are in a battle for a playoff spot in the East. They are also 25th in bench scoring. Adding Tyreke and Green could help them get over the hump. They are selling a 2nd round pick for a playoff spot essentially.