Trade Scenario #2
Phoenix receives: Nikola Mirotic, Marcus Smart, #1 pick
Boston receives: Jimmy Butler, #4 pick
Chicago receives: Avery Bradley, Jonas Jerebko, T.J. Warren
Three team trades are awesome. It’s one of the most exciting things that can happen in the league, especially right before the trade deadline or before the draft.
Phoenix’s offense could really open up with Mirotic in the lineup, who can both pace the floor and shoot as well as post up and defend well. As I mentioned earlier, Marcus Smart would be an excellent starting point guard for the Suns with Tyler Ulis and Markelle Fultz behind him. (This trade would also hinge on the Suns finding another suitor for Eric Bledsoe). Boston gets the superstar two-way wing Jimmy Butler, who would round out their roster immensely and give them a real chance to compete against Cleveland. Phoenix’s pick to replace theirs is icing on the trade cake.
You could say Chicago is getting the short end of the deal, since they are essentially rebuilding with this move to trade away their star player. A lot comes to them in return, however, as Bradley, Jerebko and T.J. would all give their young roster the veteran experience it needs. But what if Boston wants another certain Eastern Conference forward?