A Kemba Walker, multi-team blockbuster trade involving the Miami Heat
By Simon Smith
Breaking down the deal
Bottom line, this deal is enormous. However, it has extensive benefits for all parties involved.
- Heat receive: Kevin Love, Lou Williams, Tristan Thompson and Cody Zeller
- Hornets receive: Isaiah Thomas, Austin Rivers, Tyler Johnson, Danilo Gallinari
- Cavaliers receive: DeAndre Jordan, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Jeremy Lamb
- Clippers receive: Hassan Whiteside, Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, Cedi Osman
Miami Heat
The deal brings them a genuine All-Star in Kevin Love, while also providing them another All-Star-level talent in scoring machine Lou Williams. On the downside, the move brings in two lengthy and expensive deals in Tristan Thompson and Cody Zeller.
But while these deals are costly, Thompson is still just 26, and Zeller 25. Furthermore, both are former No. 4 overall lottery picks, with Thompson bringing plenty of big-game experience with three consecutive trips to the Finals.
New starting lineup:
- G – Lou Williams
- G – Wayne Ellington
- F – Josh Richardson
- F – Kevin Love
- C – Cody Zeller
Charlotte Hornets
This brings the Hornets several components as they look to break up their current setup. With the Cavaliers desperate to change the direction of their franchise with the impending free agency of LeBron James, the landing of point guard Isaiah Thomas can give the Hornets their first recognizable star in a number of years.
Having finished fifth last season in MVP voting, Thomas is set to play second fiddle for as long as James is with the Cavaliers. But with the Hornets, there’s every chance he can return to the form he displayed with the Celtics.
In addition, the Hornets also nab rising guard Austin Rivers, who can break free of the pressures associated with playing under his father, Doc. They also nab a genuine combo-guard from the Heat in guards Tyler Johnson, while adding the perimeter talents of forward Danilo Gallinari.
New starting lineup:
- G -Isaiah Thomas
- G – Austin Rivers
- F – Danilo Gallinari
- F – Marvin Williams
- C – Dwight Howard
Cleveland Cavaliers
Almost at the breaking point, Cleveland general manager Koby Altman has his work cut out for him. The proposed deal addresses some issues of need. DeAndre Jordan provides the Cavaliers the athletic, defensive-minded center they are currently severely lacking. Point guard Goran Dragic is the ultimate competitor, whose ability to run the offense and nail the open shot without dominating the ball would be an invaluable addition.
Furthermore, the versatility of Kelly Olynyk has been on full display this season, with his ability to interchange between the 4 and 5 spots, combined with his ability to stretch the floor would give the Cavaliers tremendous flexibility. Then there is emerging swingman Jeremy Lamb, a former lottery pick of the Oklahoma City Thunder who’s having a breakout season in averaging 14.0 points in 25.6 minutes per game.
New starting lineup:
- G – Goran Dragic
- G – Jeremy Lamb
- F – LeBron James
- F – Kelly Olynyk
- C – DeAndre Jordan
Los Angeles Clippers
With the futures of Jordan and Williams up in the air, this gives them some clarity moving forward. Hassan Whiteside takes the place of Jordan in the middle, while Kemba Walker can take the scoring role over from Williams, either as the starting point guard or at the 2-spot.
Additionally, they receive the highly versatile Nicolas Batum to take over Gallinari’s spot in the rotation, with young Cavaliers swingman Cedi Osman included as cap filler.
New starting lineup:
- G – Kemba Walker
- G – Patrick Beverley
- F – Nicolas Batum
- F – Blake Griffin
- C – Hassan Whiteside
While the proposition, which works out financially on the ESPN Trade Machine, is an enormous stretch, it nonetheless proves immense impetus for each team involved.
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As for the Heat, this represents a significant risk, but is without doubt a risk worth taking.