Bucks currently have 10 players under contract for the 2024-25 season (8 if you exclude non-guaranteed/partially guaranteed) and only $4.3M from the 2nd apron. The guards are Dame, Pat, and Marjon (AJ Green is non-guaranteed and Andre Jackson is partially guaranteed). Purpose of this trade is to add defensive players next to Dame. Konchar is a defensive specialist (a lesser version of Caruso) and Cam can play defense while his offense hasn't developed to meet expectations. Lakers also send Christian Wood ($3M) to offset the loss of Portis. Bucks also get a PG prospect still on their rookie scale contract in Hood-Schifino to develop behind Dame. They also save $12M to stay under the 2nd apron while filling out the roster.

Memphis is projected to have 13 players on the roster next season with 2 open spots while being about $2.2M above the luxury tax. They save about $11.5M by declining Kennard's team option and trading for Pat's more balanced game, which gets them under the luxury tax. Konchar's defense isn't missed as much because the team has Marcus Smart. They also address the C position with Hayes, which is a position they lack depth in. Lastly, the salary cap savings of $11.5M makes it more feasible to use the full MLE on a free agent signing.

Lakers trade Hood-Shifino (former 1st round pick), Cam, Wood, and Hayes for Bobby Portis, who has the the stretch big skills to slot as a starter next to AD or as a backup C.