WARRIORS ROBES THE NBA: Blockbuster 3-way deal – Isaac goes to GSW, Moody goes to Orlando, Hawks receives outstanding ‘beast’!

The Eastern Conference is shaping up to be a wide-open race in the upcoming NBA season, with injuries and roster shake-ups creating a chaotic landscape. The Indiana Pacers, last year’s improbable champions, will be without star Tyrese Haliburton for the season. The Boston Celtics, perennial contenders, are reeling from Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, sidelining him for the year. Even the Milwaukee Bucks, who made a splash by adding Myles Turner, had to part ways with Damian Lillard to make it happen. Amid this uncertainty, the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers stand as the only surefire playoff locks, leaving the door wide open for other teams to seize the moment.

Enter the Atlanta Hawks, who are wasting no time capitalizing on the East’s volatility. After a busy offseason that saw them trade for Kristaps Porzingis, draft Georgia standout Asa Newell, and ink marquee free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a four-year, $62 million deal (via a sign-and-trade with Minnesota), the Hawks kept the momentum going. They added sharpshooter Luke Kennard on a one-year, $11 million deal and secured an unprotected first-round pick from New Orleans on draft night. With Trae Young leading the charge, Atlanta is clearly in “win-now” mode, but they still need depth at small forward or another ball-handler to round out their roster.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have been uncharacteristically quiet. Rumors swirled about a potential deal for veteran center Al Horford, but talks have stalled. The Warriors also face a tough decision on restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose fit in Golden State has been awkward at best. With an aging core of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the Warriors desperately need size to compete in a league trending toward bigger lineups. Without it, their championship hopes around Curry’s brilliance could fade.

On the flip side, the Orlando Magic have been the offseason’s biggest winners. They pulled off a blockbuster trade for Memphis guard Desmond Bane and signed Tyus Jones as a reliable backup point guard. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner anchoring their wing duo, Orlando is poised to be a top-five team in the East. However, their Achilles’ heel—last season’s league-worst 3-point shooting—remains a concern, even with Bane’s addition.

Enter a blockbuster three-team trade proposal that addresses each team’s needs in a creative, high-stakes swap. Here’s the deal:

Atlanta Hawks Receive: Goga Bitadze, 2027 1st-round pick (via GSW, lottery-protected)

Golden State Warriors Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, Mo Gueye

Orlando Magic Receive: Gui Santos, Moses Moody

Why the Hawks Would Love This Deal

For Atlanta, Goga Bitadze is a steal as a backup big man. At just 25 and locked into a long-term deal, he’s a rim-running force who shot 72% at the rim last season (72nd percentile) and graded out as an elite rim protector with a 3.9% block rate (95th percentile). While his lack of floor-spacing ability mirrors Onyeka Okongwu’s limitations, pairing Bitadze with Trae Young’s wizardry in pick-and-roll situations could unlock his offensive potential, much like Young’s synergy with Clint Capela. The 2027 first-round pick, even if lottery-protected, is a valuable asset for future trades, giving Atlanta flexibility as they push for contention.

Why the Hawks Might Hesitate

Bitadze’s inability to shoot from outside could clog the floor, especially alongside Okongwu, who also lacks range. His contract, which runs for two more seasons, might also eat into Atlanta’s long-term cap space, potentially limiting their ability to make additional moves.

Why the Warriors Would Jump at This

Golden State’s dynasty was built on Draymond Green’s versatility as a small-ball five, but at 35, the defensive burden may finally catch up to him. Jonathan Isaac, despite his injury history and limited offensive game, is a defensive game-changer. Last season, he posted a 4.1% block rate (100th percentile among forwards) and a 2.4% steal rate (elite), while grabbing 10.3% of offensive rebounds and 18.3% of opponent misses (96th percentile). Paired with Curry’s gravity, Isaac could thrive as a low-usage offensive player while forming a terrifying defensive tandem with Green. Mo Gueye, a 23-year-old developmental prospect, adds intrigue with his 3.3% block rate (87th percentile) and 2.3% steal rate (96th percentile) last season. Though prone to fouling, Gueye could evolve into a versatile backup big. Jett Howard, a 6’8” 21-year-old, offers long-term upside after shooting well at Michigan, addressing Golden State’s need for size and shooting.

Why the Warriors Might Balk

Sending out a 2027 first-round pick, even with protections, is a gamble. The Warriors might also prefer to preserve their cap space for a reunion with Gary Payton II or a run at Al Horford, especially if Isaac’s injury concerns resurface.

Why the Magic Would Sign On

Moses Moody, when given a chance, showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 12.8 points and 3.3 rebounds on 43.3% from three in 14 starts last season. Though his postseason numbers dipped, his length, defensive potential, and affordable three-year contract make him a perfect fit for Orlando’s needs. Gui Santos, a strong rebounder, helps replace some of the hustle lost in dealing Isaac. This trade bolsters Orlando’s shooting without sacrificing their defensive identity.

Why the Magic Might Say No

Jonathan Isaac, when healthy, is a defensive anchor, and trading him without a first-round pick in return feels like a loss. Orlando’s defensive culture is their calling card, and losing Isaac could disrupt that foundation, especially if Moody doesn’t sustain his shooting.