Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center.
The DeMarcus Cousins trade sent shockwaves through the NBA. Few saw it coming. It's been widely referred to as the worst trade in NBA history. It highlighted the complete ineptitude of the Kings as an organization. And it possibly set the stage for what could be an eventful trade deadline.
The out-of-left-field nature of the Cousins trade got us thinking about some of the other transactions we wouldn't mind seeing go down. Some, we acknowledge, are a little far-fetched. Others are absolutely rooted in sound logic and would make perfect sense for the clubs and players involved. Regardless, we just hope more craziness goes down and we're blessed with a bunch of Woj bombs leading up to the 3 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday.
Melo to the Cavs in a three-team deal.
Teams: Cavaliers, Knicks, Timberwolves
Players Involved: 10
Wins Lost by Knicks: 9
Wins Lost by Wolves: 5
Wins Gained by Cavs: 4
This is what we call a win-win for everyone. The Knicks are able to go into full tank mode by sending Rose and Melo out of town. They get a true PG to match with Porzingis and get to focus on improving their draft position. For the T-Wolves, they get Rubio off the books and get Rose's expiring contract. They also get Iman Shumpert, who is a wing they've been interested in for about a year now. It's also a no-brainer for the Cavs, who get Carmelo Anthony without giving up Kevin Love. Get it done. —Zach Frydenlund
Rim protection for the Warriors.
Teams: Warriors, Nets
Players Involved: 3
Wins Lost by Warriors: 1
Wins Lost by Nets: 3
The Nets are low-key trying to see what they can get for Lopez. And while I don't really think the Warriors would give up Thompson for Lopez, I don't think it's that far-fetched since the better Lopez brother would obviously be a huge upgrade over Pachulia and provide much better rim protection underneath while not clogging the lane. Yeah, the Warriors lose a sniper, but they already have two of those, and Lopez has shown an ability to knock down threes this season—the only question around him is how his oft-injured foot would hold up under their demanding offensive pace. Nets, on the other hand, would do this deal in a second. —Adam Caparell
Make the Lakers great again.
Teams: Lakers, Celtics
Players Involved: 2
Wins Gained by Lakers: 11
Wins Lost by Celtics: 15
The once-dominant Lakers currently rank 27th on ESPN's Basketball Power Index, which is basically the bottom. They can take their time and slowly rebuild their empire, which seems to be their strategy, considering the young trio of D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram, or they can become contenders now. This brings us to the outlandish, never gonna happen but worth a shot idea of the Lakers sending Russell to Boston for Isaiah Thomas.
There’s nothing wrong with Russell. With time he might develop into something LA can bank on. But two-time All-Star Thomas is a playmaker right now. At 28, he’s a bit older, but his breakout season shows us he’s just getting started. If nothing else, it would get people talking about the Lakers again—right now, they aren’t even in the conversation. —Dria Roland
A Bulls trade not featuring Jimmy Butler.
Teams: Bulls, Timberwolves
Players Involved: 6
Wins Lost by Bulls: 9
Wins Gained by Timberwolves: 4
This is not what a blockbuster looks like. When you do a six-player deal and Adreian Payne—considered by many to be one of the worst players in the entire NBA—has the second-highest PER of any of them, it’s not gonna be front-page news. Basketball Twitter would barely acknowledge it. The Bulls give up three serviceable players and don't get much back. But Tom Thibodeau gets some guys he’s familiar with, and the Bulls open up some roster spots assuming Pek retires and Payne is sent to a farm upstate. The key, though? Jimmy Butler doesn’t go anywhere. —Russ Bengtson
Russ needs some help in OKC.
Teams: Pacers, Thunder
Players Involved: 4
Wins Gained by Thunder: 7
Wins Lost by Pacers: 1
We need to get Russell Westbrook some help since his former road dawg turned state and signed with the feds, aka the Golden State Warriors. ESPN’s Trade Machine doesn’t allow for draft picks, so keep that in mind if this trade feels a little lopsided. Actually, fuck that; did you see who DeMarcus Cousins was traded for? Anything goes at this point. Plus, rumor has it that PG has no interest in playing power forward, which is rubbing the Indianapolis higher-ups the wrong way. Only answer is to get rid of him. The Pacers can rebuild with some young guys on cheap deals, and the Thunder can go back to being contenders. —Angel Diaz