Discussiona about Pachulia are moot, since League trade rules prohibit it...and since Pachulia already signed the offer sheet, a three way sign and trade can no longer be initiated.
The current deal on the table is Diaw (a former 1st round pick), Atlanta's 1st (protected) + the Lakers 1st (protected)...for a total of 3 firsts (the trade exception is a result of the salary exchanges and is not an inclusion in the trade)....1/2 JJ's $12mil salary for BYC = $6mil...minus Diaw's $1.1mil salary = $4.9mil trade exception.
The judges ruling made it appear that 3 firsts was too much to give up...
...would either side consider: Diaw + Atlanta #1 (unprotected) for JJ?
The Suns would get a single unprotected 1st next year (probable high lottery pick)...plus Diaw...and could then use their own pick and the trade exception to pursue another veteran. Many would consider the unprotected more valuable than the two protected. JJ for Diaw and a lottery pick in 2006.
Atlanta loses the protection...but gets to keep one of their firsts, conserving future assets. And face it...Atlanta needs to win now...they used the second pick in the draft on Williams...and though he may develop into a fine player, his Summer play suggests he is years away. JJ would produce for them now, and would help the development of their other young players. Which helps the Hawks more...another lottery pick next year and Diaw....or JJ?
...And it would end the Soap Opera and allow both teams to get on with their business....
...(Just a thought)...