Lakers Rumors: Possible Trade Packages for Luol Deng

In this deal we see former Laker Wesley Johnson returning to the purple and gold in exchange for Luol Deng and some picks. The Lakers may be giving away two second round picks in next year’s draft, but with Blake Griffin and Chris Paul potentially out the door for the Clipper they could end up with a lottery pick for those two-second rounders, which is a huge win.

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Regardless, this deal is solely for contract purposes, as they are freeing up three years of expensive Luol Deng for one year of Wesley Johnson and his low contract.

Johnson does have a player option to be exercised heading into the offseason, but after his mediocre performance, it is more than likely he will not exercise it as he will be giving up the salary he is owed.

The Lakers would only owe Johnson $6 million for next season, which is great compared to the $55 million owed to Luol Deng over the course of the next three seasons.

I won’t lie, Johnson is no longer an impact player and likely would not even serve a role on the Lakers, but it would be great to get rid of Deng’s salary.

Even if they release Johnson for more roster room, they are still freeing themselves up for $10 million next season and $18 million in each of the next two years. This gives the Lakers the wiggle room they need in order to bring in their next superstar.

Next: Trade Packages for Ivica Zubac

Overall, while these deals may not be the most mind-blowing, they are extremely beneficial for the Lakers organization. If I was Rob Pelinka, I would listen to these Lakers rumors.