Lakers Rumors: Julius Randle should be dealt before Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson trade talks have heated up in the latest Lakers rumors. However, Los Angeles shouldn’t trade the guard before another young talent.

Jordan Clarkson is one of the most logical trade chips for the Los Angeles Lakers, hence why he has been so prominent in the latest Lakers rumors. Clarkson not only holds value himself but also is owed $37.5 million over the next three seasons. With the Lakers looking to add superstars, it makes sense to part ways with the young guard.

Clarkson has become a solid player for the Lakers over the last few seasons. Last season, Clarkson averaged 14.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 29.2 minutes played per game.Clarkson thrived late last season when he was promoted to starting point guard, dropping 20 or more points six times in the month of March alone.

This increased value makes it easier to trade Clarkson. Los Angeles would not have to give up another young talent or draft pick with Clarkson, making this seem like the most logical next step for Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka.

Except, it isn’t.

Clarkson still holds so much worth on this Lakers team. Sure, he has one of the highest contracts on the team, but he can actually produce at a fairly high level. Having a guy that can drop 15 points off the bench is huge. If Los Angeles were to trade that away they are only shooting themselves in the foot.

Instead, the Lakers would be much better pressed to first part ways with young power forward Julius Randle.  Randle himself is a beast, as he has proven to be a double-double machine. One could even argue that Randle’s ceiling is so much higher than Clarkson’s and that he is already better.

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So, why does it make sense to deal someone that is better, and is owed significantly less money? The answer is simple; it is probably something you have already heard. Los Angeles desperately needs to get rid of Luol Deng, and the key to opening that door is indeed Randle.

Deng is owed $54 million dollars over the next three seasons. Deng may have been worth that kind of money ten years ago, but now the veteran forward averages just 7.6 points per game. No reasonable team would take this on, unless, they get a young stud in the mix as well.

That is why Randle is so key to this deal, and why he needs to be traded first. The Lakers are deep at power forward with Kyle Kuzma now in the mix, they can afford to trade Randle now more than ever. If they do manage to part ways with Deng, that would open just under $60 million in cap space next season, enough for two superstars.

Next: Trade packages for Julius Randle

Overall, while you may have read more about Jordan Clarkson in the latest Lakers rumors, Julius Randle should be the next Laker to go; granted, with Luol Deng.