NBA Blockbuster: The 5-Team Trade That Has Everyone Talking about Peyton Watson and Max Strus.
NBA Blockbuster: The 5-Team Trade That Has Everyone Talking about Peyton Watson and Max Strus.
You won’t believe what has just happened to the NBA off-season, a colossal five-team blockbuster trade just fell through between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, LA Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Charlotte Hornets. This complex trade put in place by the top NBA insiders, trades significant assets between both conferences and is headlined by Peyton Watson landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Max Strus heading to Los Angeles.
This trade has shaken up all the teams depth, financial capacities and the future of their picks, we will take a deep look in to every single aspect of the megadeal and who exactly won the trade.
The Master Spreadsheet: Who Gets What?
Here is exactly what each team picked up in this extremely complicated trade with both conferences:
| Franchise | Assets Received |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Peyton Watson (via Nuggets) Cam Whitmore (via Wizards) 2027 second-round pick (via Clippers/Wizards) |
| LA Clippers | Max Strus (via Cavaliers) |
| Denver Nuggets | 2031 unprotected first-round pick (via Cavaliers) 2032 second-round pick (via Kings/Wizards) Julian Reese (via Wizards - to be waived) |
| Washington Wizards | Tre Mann (via Cavaliers) 2027 second-round pick (via Cavaliers/Clippers) Cash considerations (via Cavaliers) |
| Charlotte Hornets | Dennis Schrder (via Cavaliers) Cash considerations (via Cavaliers) |
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Team-by-Team Analysis
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Go All In for Athleticism
Following an underwhelming playoff run the Cavaliers look to add athleticism to the roster and defense as they acquire 23-year-old Peyton Watson, who recently signed for a four-year, $88 million extension and high upside asset Cam Whitmore.
Watson comes in as the second-best offensive player after the disappointing post-season, he posted career highs of 14.6 PPG, 41.1% 3PT, and outstanding metrics on the defensive end.
He really sets this team apart from the other teams that we saw in the off-season.
2. LA Clippers: A Game of NBA’s Best Available Resources
The Clippers are able to acquire veteran shooter Max Strus at the cost of a pick in a trade that will boost their perimeter offense significantly by utilizing their trade exception.
3. Denver Nuggets: Replenish Your Draft Picks
Being a second apron team has its financial limitations, however, Denver has decided to move on from Watson to free up some money and also receive a lot of draft capital with an unprotected 2031 first round pick and more second rounders from the Cavaliers and Wizards.
4. Washington Wizards & Charlotte Hornets: Both Receive What They Need
The Wizards added guard Tre Mann, who has connections to their former front office. Finally the Hornets facilitate this deal by bringing in Dennis Schrder to the organization and receiving some financial flexibility.
The Verdict
This was a rare five-team deal in which each team walked away with what it needed. The contenders got the talent and the organizations that require long term flexibility have acquired some assets.
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