The U.S. media listed a three-way trade plan: Durant returned to the Warriors Paul went to the Magic Suns won a number of young talents

Serious basketball club

2024-05-26 05:23Posted in Tianjin Sports Creators

On May 26, Beijing time, the NBA playoffs continued. In the 2023-24 season, the Warriors and Suns did not have good results, the Warriors missed the playoffs, and the Suns were swept by the gentlemen in the first round early. In response, the American media simulated a three-way trade for the Warriors, Suns, and Magic, in which Durant returned to the Warriors.

Trading Schemes

Suns get: Kuminga, Podemski, Kevon Looney, Houstan, a 2025 Nuggets first-round pick, a 2026 Warriors first-round pick, a 2028 Warriors first-round pick;

Suns lost: Durant, second-round pick for the Celtics in 2028;

Magic gets: Paul, Gary Payton II, 2028 second-round pick for the Celtics;

Magic loses: Jett Howard, Caleb Hustan, a 2025 first-round pick from the Nuggets;

Warriors get: Durant, Jett Howard;

The Warriors lost: Paul, Kuminga, Podzemski, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, the 2026 Warriors' first-round pick, the 2028 Warriors' first-round pick.

The scheme was proposed by Andy Bailey of the Bleachers. He pointed out that the Warriors could be the hardest side to accept, with Durant turning 36 in September. There is a huge risk in giving up five rotation players and multiple draft picks to reopen the championship window, which may only last a year. Curry, Thompson and Dream Green are 36, 34 and 34 years old, respectively, and the Warriors' championship window won't be long anyway. And there is no need for a run-in between the three and Durant, who will have a chance to make a real impact on the championship as early as next season.

On the Magic side, the 39-year-old Paul is a good choice. The Magic's young players are charismatic, but Banchero and Wagner Jr. often look too tired on offense. In the final year of his contract, Paul can create more easy shots for them, which will greatly improve their scoring efficiency. And at this stage of Paul's career, he won't take away too much possession from the forwards to the point of hindering their growth. Losing two young, talented players who haven't proven themselves yet isn't ideal, but it's worth it for Paul's playmaking and experience. Plus, the addition of Gary Payton II could make the Magic's already formidable defense even more intimidating.

The deal would get the Suns out of the quagmire, save tens of millions of dollars in expenses, increase roster depth, acquire some young talent, and replenish the pool of future draft assets. The continued growth of Kuminga and Podemski will likely allow them to continue chasing a playoff spot. Kevon Looney is certainly better than Eubanks as a backup center, both in terms of versatility and experience. For a team that needs young players, Caleb Houston is an interesting potential stock.

What do you think of this deal? Feel free to let us know in the comments section.

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