NBA Insiders Grade B/R Staff Fantasy League GMs + Best/Worst Trades

The former executive was most impressed by the Bulls' draft haul, giving Gottlieb his top vote."They have [flexibility] and a trove of picks that are 'in the money' picks," he said, referring to Gottlieb's impressive acquisition of three 2021 first-rounders, including two entirely unprotected (Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks) and one that will be eventually (Phoenix Suns' top three in 2021, otherwise unprotected in 2022).Chicago also added Al Horford, De'Andre Hunter, Mikal Bridges, Nassir Little and draft picks Killian Hayes (fifth), Devin Vassell (ninth) and Paul Reed (31st) but moved out Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Chandler Hutchison, Thaddeus Young and more.The current executive wasn't as impressed, voting third. I like Markkanen's potential, even if he is a defensive liability."Vernon was one of the league's most controversial general managers, trading All-Star Russell Westbrook to the New York Knicks while also causing significant friction for backing out of a nearly completed trade call with Wizards general manager Cindy Robinson for Bradley Beal.The decision to pass on Beal to acquire LaVine cost Vernon points from the former executive. "You don't pass up on the second-best second fiddle in the league at the second-most-needed position who plays two ways, and he's locked up."Beal is under contract for three more years at $100.5 million, although he can opt out before the 2022-23 season.And obviously, to an extent, Vernon agreed with the former executive, attempting to restart the trade dialogue with Robinson before the draft, with designs on a three-team deal with the Bulls. LaVine is an incredible spot-up shooter, and Lauri really opens the floor."The agent also liked the Cleveland Cavaliers' unprotected 2022 first-round pick."There are some really long, skilled forwards in the lottery that year," he said.In the final tally, Vernon won the first B/R Fantasy League Executive of the Year title with one first-place vote and two seconds for 11 points. Apologies to those left out; it was either an oversight or your moves were given the side-eye.The Knicks were both blasted and praised for their Westbrook deal (including the No. 5 pick and an unprotected 2021 first from the Dallas Mavericks), with a different player agent noting that Westbrook will mean a lot more to the Knicks than Hayes (No. 5 to Chicago) and whatever selection a Western Conference playoff contender in Dallas will yield next draft.Any trade that landed a team an unprotected first-round pick was also highlighted, but it was one of the first trades of the week that earned the most applause from the panel of experts: the Pistons sending Griffin and Svi Mykhailiuk to the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner, Jeremy Lamb and TJ Leaf. Getting out of Griffin’s contract, given his recent knee injury and the team’s need to rebuild, nearly earned Ritter Executive of the Year.On the other side of the spectrum, the Wizards traded up to No. 4, sending No. 9 and Moritz Wagner to the Bulls for Luke Kornet.