Lakers: 29 Realistic trades to do with every other NBA team
By Jason Reed
The Northwest Division:
With Paul Millsap now in Denver, the Nuggets can definitely afford to get rid of Kenneth Faried. For Faried, they can bring in the youth of Julius Randle, although they likely need to eat the contract of Luol Deng. Los Angeles gets two years of Faried’s contributions while getting rid of Luol Deng; at the end of the day, that is their main priority.
Another pretty boring swap, the Lakers and Timberwolves can swap the talents of Cole Aldrich and Jordan Clarkson. Minnesota could use Clarkson off the bench as they challenge the Warriors in the West while the Lakers would get a good, cheaper, center. Again, if Lopez walks, Aldrich can fill in next season.
Speaking of Lopez, here we see another deal with a contender that could benefit from one year of his service. With Paul George now in OKC, the chances of making a finals push are much higher. Add in Brook Lopez and the Thunder now have their own big three, especially if they move Lopez to power forward to allow Steven Adams to remain in the starting five.
Again, the team would just be freeing up cap space with this move. LA does not need Ed Davis, Noah Vonleh or Shabazz Napier. However, they do serve a purpose in freeing up cap space, adding around $12 million on the Lakers’ budget next offseason. If anything, this is another boring, salary driven, move.
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Quite frankly, this deal may be the most possible on this entire list and it comes as the last one. A Julius Randle, Luol Deng flip for Derrick Favors makes so much sense for both sides it is hard to see it not happening. With Gordon Hayward gone, the Jazz are essentially back to rebuilding, now around Rudy Gobert.
Derrick Favors and Joe Johnson do not fit that rebuilding narrative and are the perfect expiring contracts to target if you are the Lakers.
Sure, they do have to absorb the contract of Luol Deng, but Julius Randle and his progression will only benefit the Jazz in the long run.
Los Angeles accomplishes their number one goal here; getting rid of Luol Deng. Not only that, this puts the team in a better place to contend this season, only giving their young talent more experience to grow upon.
Next: How many wins does LeBron add to LA?
Overall, the Lakers have a possible deal with all other 29 NBA teams. Whether or not we see any of these happen, well, we have to wait and see.