Grade the trade: Lakers flip D'Angelo Russell to Raptors in 3-team proposal

Los Angeles Lakers trade grade: B

Some fans may view this as a lateral move for the Lakers as they would be trading one three-point shooting perimeter player for another and would be throwing in an asset as well. If this was the only move the Lakers made at the deadline then it likely wouldn't result in a title.

However, the Lakers need a perimeter player who can knock down threes and space the floor without taking away from the offensive flow. Russell simply demands too much when he is on the floor offensively to stay engaged and it hurts the team at times. Hield is someone who doesn't need to be a primary ball-handler and can thrive in an off-ball role.

Toronto Raptors trade grade: A+

If there are any Raptors fans out there reading this that think this is not a great trade for the team they are probably a bit delusional. Siakam is a great player, yes, but he only has half a season on his deal and if he doesn't want to stay then the team has no leverage in the situation.

In this trade, Toronto would be getting three excited young players, two of which were taken in the lottery and a third was taken just outside of the lottery. Russell can be flipped later of be an expiring and two picks is a fair price for someone who might leave in six months anyway.

Add in the fact that Bennedict Mathurin is from Montreal and this seems like a match made in heaven.

Indiana Pacers trade grade: B+

We are under the assumption that the Pacers would be able to sign Siakam to a new deal after this trade takes place. Siakam gets more money if he does it this way versus if he hits the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

There will likely be some communication with Siakam's agent on whether or not a deal is on the table. As fun as Indiana is to watch, they are not close enough to the title to make this trade solely as a rental deal. They need Siakam to become Tyrese Haliburton's running mate.

With that assumption, it becomes clear that this is a good trade. Mathurin and Walker both have potential but are replaceable. Siakam will replace all of Mathurin's minutes (and then some) while Walker is not a consistent part of the rotation yet.

Hield's minutes can be absorbed by the talented players in the backcourt, especially as the rotation shrinks in the playoffs. Indiana gets a whole lot better and still doesn't lose long-term potential as Haliburton is 23 and Siakam is 29. They still have a 4-5 year window with these two.