Bear with me. Everybody should like this trade.
So we know the Nets may let Russell go. The most rumored buyers for Russell are Indy, Utah, Minnesota and Phoenix. Recently, Russell positively commented on this
TWEET of him and Towns at their draft. So let's just assume Russell would want Minnesota if released by the Nets. This trade idea hinges on that. Also, please note that this trade would go into effect on July 1 when we have around $33 million in cap space after all renouncing.
Minnesota gets future 2nd rounders from Utah & Memphis
Memphis gets Teague (expiring $19 million), Exum ($9.6), #23 from Utah and a heavily protected 2021 Utah 1st
Utah gets Conley ($32.5 million), Covington ($11.3), and Saric ($3.5)
Why for Minnesota: they have to shed Teague's big $19 million expiring and more in order to make a run at Russell. In order to shed that contract, they sacrifice Covington and Saric. All things considered, Minnesota would mainly be losing Covington in order to sign Russell because Saric wasn't a player featured much in Minnesota. There is no market for Wiggins and Dieng's contract is too big for anybody to take.
Why for Memphis: they want the best value possible for Conley. Getting two 1sts and shedding a bunch of 2020-21 money is pretty enticing. They could even look to trade Teague's expiring for more value (to Charlotte, Phoenix, etc.). According to some reports, it seems like they had some interest in Exum before. If we could get a 4th team involved to take Teague for value back to Memphis, I wonder if we could keep our 2021 pick.
Why for Utah: we like Conley while Covington seems to have Jazz DNA written all over him. Covington is on a very team friendly deal for three more seasons. Saric could be a great fit for us as a stretch 4 option for either now or down the road. We lose 2 draft picks and future financial flexibility, but we stock up on talent in this deal. We might also have to waive and stretch Korver.
Just brainstorming...