Los Angeles Lakers: Why signing and trading Julius Randle is smart

By Jason Reed | Jun 13, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles upcourt during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Lance King/Getty Images for SiriusXM) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Trading Julius Randle is an easier sell to get rid of Luol Deng

Now, not every team will be able to handle the contracts of both Julius Randle and Luol Deng in the same trade. In fact, the chance that the Lakers are successfully able to partner Deng and Randle are slim, simply due to financial reasons.

However, with the right suitor (and they are out there) the Lakers can get this deal done and can get rid of Luol Deng’s contract for a free agent they may have planned to let go anyways.

Right now, the only realistic trade chip to get rid of Deng is Josh Hart. Lonzo Ball is the point guard of the future, Brandon Ingram is the small forward of the future and Kyle Kuzma has become a fan favorite and one of the best young players in basketball.

While the Lakers could deal Ingram if it also meant Kawhi Leonard, the chances of this happening are slim, leaving Hart as the sole target. And as great as Hart is, he likely is not enough to convince a team to take on Deng’s contract.

Randle, on the other hand, would add a nice piece to the team to build around in the future. Not only can he help a contending team, he can also help a rebuilding team by giving them their central piece.

It would take some working out, and may even take a third team in the mix, but it would make it much more realistic.

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