Lakers Rumors: Potential trade returns for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

By Jason Reed | Feb 6, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 20: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes his home debut against the Houston Rockets as he talks with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 at Staples Center on October 20, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors /

The big-name center that is available from the New York Knicks is DeAndre Jordan. Like Enes Kanter, Jordan is on an expiring deal and was acquired by the Knicks in the mega Kristaps Porzingis trade.

Jordan was thrown in there to make it work financially for the Knicks and does not fit the team’s tanking mentality this season. Not only that but the Knicks have no room for Jordan past this year unless he takes a very significant pay cut.

The goal is to bring in two max guys and re-signing Jordan for what he is likely asking for would make it near impossible.

Jordan does still have decent trade value and will get a good return for the Knicks. That is why the Los Angeles Lakers should bypass Jordan and go for the other center on the team, Enes Kanter.

Kanter has not been playing recently but has put up good numbers in his time on the court this season. Kanter is averaging 14 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 25.6 minutes per game.

Alongside LeBron James, Kanter would thrive and would give the Lakers a deep rotation at center. The team still has JaVale McGee and Ivica Zubac but having someone like Kanter would be huge for a playoff push.

In return, the Lakers are not giving up much for 25 or so of Kanter. The only assets are 19-year-old point guard Isaac Bonga and a future second, two assets that don’t affect the Lakers’ title chances.

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