Miami Heat
The Heat are in an odd position, with several bad contracts, no great players and just enough talent to make tanking unfeasible. Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder and Bam Adebayo are intriguing pieces, but the team seems rooted in Eastern Conference average-ness for the time being.
With that in mind, trading for an elite prospect — one that might add some long-term intrigue to a stagnant franchise — makes some sense. The Sixers won’t want Miami’s bad contracts, but there are other assets to make the deal worthwhile on both ends.
That’s especially true after Goran Dragic’s recent injury, which puts an undeniable ceiling on Miami’s 2018-19 campaign.
Ellington is a Philadelphia native and natural fit in Brett Brown’s offense. He fills the J.J. Redick/Landry Shamet role well, giving the Sixers another deadeye shooter. There’s also the added benefit that Ellington can actually defend.
To match salaries, the Sixers get another promising wing in Jones, who’s currently on a minimum contract for the next two seasons. He can defend, hit the occasional spot-up three, and make some highlight-reel dunks. There’s a good chance he earns minutes.
The first-round pick closes the deal, with Miami giving the Sixers another future selection. This one, however, comes with protections.