While there are still some notable restricted free agents available, NBA free agency has mostly settled down, and the picture for next season is beginning to come into focus.
The Atlanta Hawks made a splash early, starting with the trade for Kristaps Porzingis and the selection of Asa Newell in the draft. On the first day of free agency, they followed up with two major signings. They acquired guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Timberwolves in a sign-and-trade, giving Minnesota a 2027 second-round pick (via Cleveland), and signed him to a four-year, $62 million deal. Atlanta also added sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million contract. Additionally, they received an unprotected first-round pick from the Pelicans in a draft-night deal. With several key Eastern Conference teams dealing with major injuries, the Hawks seem to be making an aggressive push to contend. Still, they could use depth at small forward, a backup center, or another ball-handler. Following the signing of second-round pick Nikola Durisic to a standard contract and reportedly adding Magic forward Caleb Houstan on a one-year deal, Atlanta has one roster spot remaining.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings inked Dennis Schroder to a three-year, $45 million deal, but have otherwise had a relatively quiet offseason. After trading De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs in exchange for a promising package of draft picks, the team appears to be teetering between rebuilding and retooling. They could potentially continue that path by dealing other players—if the return is right.
Cleveland, despite a strong regular season, again faltered in the second round of the playoffs. Rather than reshaping their core, the Cavaliers are opting to run it back with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Darius Garland. They may look to tinker around the edges of the roster, moving contracts to strengthen the supporting cast, especially with the Eastern Conference expected to be more open than usual.
With all this in mind, here’s a fun, hypothetical trade idea that could help all three teams address some of their needs:
Proposed Trade
Hawks receive: Dean Wade
Kings receive: De’Andre Hunter, Vit Krejci, an unprotected 2030 first-round pick swap (via CLE), and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick (via CLE)
Cavaliers receive: Keegan Murray
Why the Hawks Make This Trade:
Dean Wade gives Atlanta a versatile two-way forward who shoots 36.8% from three on 3.2 attempts per game and rebounds well. He could be a valuable bench piece and insurance at the five if Porzingis misses time.
Why They Might Not:
Luxury tax concerns loom large—under owner Tony Ressler, the Hawks have never paid it. Plus, Wade isn’t a true center, and Atlanta may prefer a more traditional backup big.
Why the Kings Make This Trade:
They lean into a rebuild by collecting future draft capital from Cleveland. If they’re unsure whether Murray is a long-term cornerstone, this deal gives them a clear direction. Hunter and Krejci help fill out the roster during the transition.
Why They Might Not:
Murray is a talented young player. Trading him now might be premature if they still believe in his star potential.
Why the Cavs Make This Trade:
This is their all-in move. Adding Murray upgrades their starting five and gives them another dynamic piece for a deep playoff run. They also shed Hunter’s contract and dip below the second apron.
Why They Might Not:
It’s a big gamble. They’re giving up significant future draft assets, and Murray will soon require a major extension that could push them right back into tax territory.
Again, this is purely speculative and just a fun exercise in exploring team needs—not a prediction or endorsement of any team’s actual plans.
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