Lakers trade rumors: Who are the best suitors for Julius Randle?
By Jason Reed
Everything going on around Julius Randle has caused his inclusion in the latest Lakers trade rumors. Now, what teams may be interested in bringing Randle in?
Julius Randle definitely is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch on the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles selected Randle with the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Randle played 14 minutes the following season before breaking his right leg and ending his initial rookie year.
Randle returned in 2015 and proved why the Lakers selected him with the seventh overall pick. The 23-year-old power forward consistently flirts with a double-double every night. In his career, Randle is averaging 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Not only is he talented, his versatility has been showcased while filling in at center for Brook Lopez this season.
However, chances are that Randle will not be in purple and gold next season. In fact, he may find a new home before season’s end.
First, Lakers trade rumors around Randle surfaced as he was a good suitor to package alongside Luol Deng. While that did not come to fruition, multiple other factors came into play. The emergence of Kyle Kuzma has given the Lakers their new power forward to build around. Failed contract talks signal a changing of the guard next season.
With Randle essentially already having one foot out the door, it should be in the Lakers’ best interest to trade him and get something. As good as he is, it is foolish to let him walk with little to no benefits.
Los Angeles is going to have to find a team that needs power forward depth, wants youth and has some salary cap room to re-sign (or match) him in the offseason. Here are three teams that fit such a criteria.