3. Additional Assets
Why the Heat do it: They use Kyle Lowry’s expiring salary to take back unwanted, long-term money in exchange for more draft capital, then flip that to Cleveland for Mitchell. It also allows the Heat to hold onto Caleb Martin.
Why the Cavs do it: To get more draft picks to help in their rebuild, especially if they don’t want to re-sign Martin after this season to a long-term contract.
Why the Jazz do it: The Jazz are reportedly already shopping Collins after acquiring him from the Hawks last summer. They could shed the two years remaining on his deal and pick up Lowry, who will come off the books but, in the meantime, can help mentor their young guards for the next few months.