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

Here we see the Lakers going out and getting another great big man for their roster in Greg Monroe. Monroe, who would hit free agency with Brook Lopez, would give the Lakers perhaps the best 1-2 punch at center in the league. Heck, in a big lineup Monroe could even run at power forward, giving the Lakers a menacing rebound tandem down low.

Monroe is an easy asset for the Bucks to get rid of as well. Thon Maker seems to be the future at center for the Bucks, and with only one year left under contract, Milwaukee may be hard pressed to get rid of Monroe. In exchange, the team would be bringing in young center Ivica Zubac, adding to an already young core in Milwaukee.

This allows the Lakers to get rid of Deng’s contract and only pay one year of Monroe’s. However, there is a problem with this deal. If both Lopez and Monroe refuse to take a pay cut, the Lakers will be without a viable center after next season. Both guys are great talents for the team, but they do not deserve superstar money.

However, Los Angeles could bring either or back to run at the starting center, with Monroe being the more likely option. Yet, even if they don’t get either man back, they could be on to bigger and better things. DeMarcus Cousins also hits free agency at the same time. With ties already established to the Lakers, they could bring in Cousins alongside Paul George.