Lakers: Three trade returns for a Clarkson-Randle package
By Jason Reed
Going from small to big, we are really going all-in on bringing LeBron James to the Los Angeles Lakers. If LeBron is indeed planning on heading to Los Angeles he may want to bring a familiar face with him. Lucky for him, and for the Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson is the perfect candidate for a two for one trade for Clarkson and Randle.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to have to brace for a post-LeBron era. As we all saw last time James packed his bags, the Cavaliers were not prepared and suffered because of it. Cleveland is already taking these steps with the Kyrie Irving trade (bringing in the Nets 2018 first round pick) and can further prepare by parting ways with Thompson.
Thompson is by no means a world beater, but he is a familiar face that understands LeBron James and will play significantly better than Ivica Zubac. The big man averaged 8.1 points and 9.2 rebounds last season. With two distributors on the team in Ball and James, if he comes, those numbers will skyrocket as he won’t sacrifice his opportunities for a guy like Irving.
The Cavs then get two solid young talents that will help their push for the future. Julius Randle could either learn behind Kevin Love or start if they deal Love for picks and young talent. Clarkson, if given more reign than he gets in Los Angeles, could quietly turn into one of the most efficient scoring guards in the league.
These kind of trades are rare, but both teams would walk out a winner.