UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

TRADE TALK TUESDAY:

These are some trades that would mutually help both teams that are probably unlikely to happen. None of these trades are based on any rumors, but merely speculation based on team needs.

AYTON / TOWNS:

This is a complicated trade. The basic framework would be Dario Saric, Jae Crowder, and DeAndre Ayton for Karl Anthony-Towns. There might be some draft picks flying around and probably a third team to the mix for Saric, but this is a great trade for both sides.

On the Minnesota end, they get a guy that has looked very good in the early part of his career, but is not at the level he needs to be in Chris Paul's winning window. He's been slightly less productive than last year with the ball being spread across the floor and less of a reliance on his offense. There is also the fact that he's not a jump shooter. In the modern NBA, you have to be able to do everything, and he does have some limitations in that regard. Minnesota has also found struggles finding a permanent 4, with Vanderbilt, McDaniels, and Naz Reid all being showcased.

On the Phoenix end, this is a no brainer. They drafted Cam Johnson and Jalen Smith back to back - both of which can fill the role of Saric and Crowder. The buy-out market could be primed with solid veteran role players and KAT is locked in long-term. There is also the Kentucky connection between Booker and KAT that I think would generate lots of chemistry.

As mentioned before, this trade isn't perfect. Saric was just traded from the Timberwolves recently, so he might get traded for some future trade stock or another player. Phoenix was perfect in the bubble, but they still look like they need one more piece - this could be it.

DRUMMOND TO MAVS:

Drummond is on an expiring contract, but his Birds Rights make him more valuable now if you're looking to try to ensure your greater chances of signing him. Looking around at the league, there are not a significant amount of teams that have cap space this summer. Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, New York, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio could all send Drummond a solid offer sheet this summer. None of them is a better situation than All-NBA point/forward Luka Doncic. Kristaps is locked in long term and can pivot to the 4, and you still retain your depth.

How would the trade look? In this scenario you trade James Johnson (expiring), Dwight Powell, and Josh Green. Losing Powell would sting but you still have Boban for emergency depth and Willie Cauley-Stein. James Johnson is an excellent locker room guy and tough defender, but he has not made much of an impact on the floor, as the Mavs are still giving up over 113 points per game, putting them in the bottom half. This trade allows them to keep all of their playmakers, keep THJ, who will likely get extended on a more team friendly contract, and you retain high upside prospects like Tyrell Terry and Tyler Bey.

Is this trade perfect? Probably not. Cavaliers may want draft picks as compensation, so a third team might get involved. The moves that the Mavericks made this off-season were preemptive moves to make a shot at Giannis - but that has since been ruled out. Looking up and down the list of potential free agents this off-season, you have Conley, Lowry, Oladipo, and DeRozan. The list is not mind blowing, albeit, Oladipo would be an excellent fit.

This trade would make an immediate impact positively on the Mavericks, as they're on the fringe of the play-in tournament right now. For the Cavs, they make a commitment to Allen, get an excellent wing prospect in Green, and gain a large expiring contract and versatile forward in Johnson. The trade may require some second round picks or a third team, but considering they literally got Drummond for a bag of beans, this is a solid haul.

AARON GORDON TO BLAZERS:

Of the trades being reviewed, this likely has the loosest framework. Some combination of Hood, Collins, Jones, or potentially Nassir Little will need to be moved to get Aaron Gordon. It is very clear from his body language that Gordon is wanting out of Orlando. There is mutual interest to have a player like him in Portland.

From the Orlando stand-point, they need to get value. They're a sinking ship, so either prospects or draft picks will need to be included as they embrace the tank. The Magic are 3-7 in their last 10 games, and have lost too many guys due to injuries to not make this move. Also, they should have a healthy Jonathan Isaac back to start the year and him and Gordon have too much positional overlap.

Portland is sitting in the 6-seed currently, but only up 1 game in a playoff position. Covington is playing better of late, but has not looked like the same player as he once was. Guys like Zach Collins and Derrick Jones have lost playing time as a result of his additional, and we are seeing the emergence of guys like Gary Trent and Anfernee Simons. Gordon would play both forward positions, and would provide the complimentary offense at the wing to Covington's defense.

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The league might have issues with the cap over the next couple of years due to COVID, so we might see a lot of player movement over the next couple of months to compensate. Also, with the player empowerment we are seeing, like never before have we seen players control their future through social media. Regardless if any of these trades happen, it is interesting as a fan of the sport to see teams make steps forward.

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2021]