The 2024–25 NBA season officially began when the clock struck midnight. On September 24 and 25, the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are scheduled to hold their media days and first workouts. On October 4 and 6, these two clubs will play a preseason game in Abu Dhabi to formally kick off the NBA season. The media days and first practices for the remaining 28 teams are scheduled for September 30 and October 1, respectively.

Rumors persist as teams prepare for the season, igniting conversations among analysts and fans alike. The Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets should think about a possible three-team trade, according to Bleacher Report. The fake trade would see the Nuggets obtain Cameron Johnson and Ziaire Williams, the Nets acquire Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr., and two second-round picks, and the Pistons receive Michael Porter Jr.

However, why would these teams consider such a deal? What are the possible advantages and disadvantages, and who would win? Let’s examine the specifics and ramifications of this historic trade.

The Pistons are acquiring Michael Porter Jr. in this mock trade.
This Mock Trade’s Benefits For The Nets, Pistons, And Nuggets

This fake deal appears to have advantages that are consistent with the long-term objectives of each team. It gives the Nuggets a great deal of financial freedom, saving them about $34 million over the next two seasons and almost $6 million this season. In order to keep and develop around their core trio of Aaron Gordon, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray, they may need to use this additional cap space. Johnson provides the Nuggets with the same reliable three-point shooting as Porter Jr., but with more playmaking (2.4 assists compared to 1.5).

Porter Jr. is a competent shooter who can help spread the floor, freeing up more room for playmakers like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey, which is why the Pistons mock traded for him. The Pistons, who finished the previous season ranked 29th in makes (11.0), 27th in attempts (31.7), and 26th in percentage (.348), have made it a mission to improve their shooting this offseason.

Hardaway Jr.’s deal is about to expire, so the Nets would gain by acquiring him and using it as leverage to acquire more draft picks. Stewart’s addition enhances their frontcourt as a developing three-point shooter and a youthful, strong big man. Nic Claxton and Stewart’s developing offensive skill set might create a formidable frontcourt tandem for the Nets.

The Drawbacks Of This Nuggets, Pistons, And Nets Mock Trade

Porter Jr.’s trade means the Nuggets will lose their second-best rebounder. Johnson pulled down 4.3 rebounds per game last season, while Porter Jr. averaged 7.0. Both players shot 39% from three-point range, but Porter Jr.’s.6% better accuracy (.397 vs..391) gave him a small advantage. Porter Jr. differs from Johnson because of his special ability to start offensive plays. Thus, this deal might interfere with Denver’s offense’s flexibility and fluidity.

The Pistons have an alternative obstacle. By re-signing Simone Fontecchio and signing Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris, they have already made significant investments in perimeter shooting. They haven’t, however, really addressed their requirement for size. Despite adding Paul Reed, who stands 6’9″ and weighs 218 pounds, there may be questions about whether Reed can cover adequately in the event that Stewart is dealt. Furthermore, Porter Jr. doesn’t meet the team’s defensive needs despite providing offensive potency. Porter Jr. is nevertheless a defensive liability even with his improvements. He may benefit from J.B. Bickerstaff’s guidance in that regard, but he does not currently cover the defensive weaknesses the Pistons need to cover.

There is not much risk for the Nets in this move. This move satisfies their team’s goal of obtaining expiring contracts to flip for draft capital. Stewart, a growing big man who won’t be put under immediate strain in the team’s rebuilding predicament, is another addition. The Nets still came out ahead in this transaction, even though getting a first-round pick would have been preferable.

Final Word

Although there are dangers involved, each franchise has interesting chances in this hypothetical three-team mock transaction. While the Nuggets would have more financial flexibility, Michael Porter Jr. would be lost, a crucial player. In this fake deal, the Pistons might add another shooter to their repertoire, but if they give up Isaiah Stewart, concerns about their size and defensive depth still exist. The Nets, meanwhile, stand to gain the most as they acquire priceless assets with minimal drawbacks.

Using the strengths of their new players and filling in the holes left by traded players will determine how well the transaction goes. It will be interesting to watch how this rumor affects the NBA landscape as the season draws closer.

Angel Reese Seems To Gently Begin Her Relationship With Detroit Pistons Center, Which Is Heavily Rebound-Heavy Jalen Duren

For the past month or so, Angel Reese and Jalen Duren have been intimately associated. Following a plethora of rumors and clues, the former seemed to gently introduce the latter on Instagram on Thursday.

That’s a lot of rebounds if they are truly dating as it appears!

In her debut season with the Chicago Sky, Reese—the seventh overall choice in the 2024 WNBA Draft—is averaging 12.3 boards per game. Duren averaged 10.2 boards per game in his first two years with the Detroit Pistons. He was selected with the 13th overall choice in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Are they, however, paired up? Let’s review what we now know.

Early in June, rumors began to circulate regarding their possible romance. But during the Olympic break last month, things really got hot.

On July 30, Duren and Reese posted images and videos to their Instagram stories from what appeared to be the same place. The giveaway was the cabanas. Reese wasn’t carrying a camera in the picture she uploaded, so someone else had to take it.

Shortly afterward, on August 5, Reese directly addressed the rumors. Her smile was more expressive than words.

At that point, most of it was conjecture. Though there were hints, nothing could be verified.

It’s almost official now, after nearly a month!

Reese has a partner. She openly acknowledged having a boyfriend on Wednesday afternoon.

Every city hates to see us! And my man hates to you cause you always in my businesssssss🤣😭 https://t.co/RnVbnFAfbE

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) August 21, 2024

And suddenly it was obvious who.

Kysre Gondrezick, a former Sky guard who was cut from the squad on June 28, uploaded a number of pictures to Instagram on Wednesday evening. She is seeing Jaylen Brown, a star with the Boston Celtics.

The album’s final picture showed his face on a cake.

Reese gave another hint about her affair with Duren in her album review.

she said what she said. #brokeeeey pic.twitter.com/t2DXTLpinP

— LANI ❦ (@___lovelani) August 22, 2024