05 Aug 2019 19:37:42
Pistons get CP3 and a lightly protected 2021 OKC first round pick

Thunder get Reggie Jackson, Tony Snell, and Langston Galloway

The Pistons reunite Blake Griffin and CP3 in an attempt to create Lob City East. Detroit is rewarded a first round pick for taking on the albatross that is Paul's contract.

The Thunder get two big expiring contracts in Reggie and Langston, plus Snell's deal comes off the books in 2021. This trade gives the Thunder the ability to create over $39 million in cap space next summer. Sacrificing the first rounder is tough but a small market team like OKC might be desperate to get under the salary cap as they rebuild.

1.) 06 Aug 2019
06 Aug 2019 01:12:17
They’re not paying picks to get under the tax, now if the Pistons included something good in the trade like a young player, maybe, but they’re under the tax now, sure they have to fill a roster spot, but they could make a much smaller move to get under if needed. I would also trade a 2020 pick for a 2022 pick from the Pistons I suppose.

2.) 06 Aug 2019
06 Aug 2019 02:00:09
First off, this is Blake Griffin’s team and I seriously do not believe he would be interested in hooking back up with CP3, even though I think that’s where he would be the best fit at for a team that has trouble attracting free agents.

Next, Okc has already given out their 2020 and 2022 1st Rnd picks, so they can not give consecutive years 1st rounders out in trade.

Presti has already dug his heels in on what he wants to get for CP3 and he is willing to take the chance on waiting to see if a team really needs him before the trade deadline to see if he can gain some kind of asset for him or at the very least a player swap like you suggested, but without giving away draft picks.

Finally, Okc is already under the Luxery tax for this year and they have about 40 mil coming off the books next year, which will get them under the salary cap for next year. They’re able to do that while still keeping CP3, Adams and Schroeder on the team.