Lakers Rumors: Trades that can get rid of Luol Deng’s terrible contract

Our FanSided sister site, Da Windy City, first came up with the foundation for this trade. In their deal, the Lakers would send the Bulls Luol Deng, Julius Randle, and a 2020 protected first round pick. In exchange, the Lakers would receive Dwyane Wade and Jerian Grant. While our deals are different, the groundworks of this deal are brilliant.

First, the Lakers could be telegraphing a potential deal of Julius Randle. After selecting two big men in the draft Los Angeles is noticeably deep at power forward, which could be a sign of things to come.

Second, Dwayne Wade coming to the Los Angeles Lakers would make sense for both sides. Wade seemingly does not want to win, stating that he has “24 million reasons” to return to the Bulls (alluding to the $24 million he is owed next season). Obviously, Wade is at a point in his career where money means the most to him, so he shouldn’t be hard pressed in joining Los Angeles.

This deal works for the Lakers as they are somewhat thin at guard. The team currently has Ball, Jordan Clarkson, and Josh Hart as viable options ahead of David Nwaba and Tyler Ennis. Bringing in Wade could lead to a Wade-Hart duo at shooting guard while preserving the Ball-Clarkson partnership at the point.

The Lakers would then only need to give Wade his 24 million reasons to keep playing for one more season, giving the Lakers more flexibility in signing a superstar. Add in a 2019 pick swap, in which the Lakers get the better of the two picks, and this deal seems to be a win-win.