Rui Hachimura Trade Sees New Light

Lakers News: Rui Hachimura Trade Sees New Light as $54 Million Dilemma Haunts ECSuitor https://t.co/jDaBp5pnMD via @es_sportsnews

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) September 2, 2024

This offseason, the Lakers have got their name linked to prominent trade candidates despite their failure to land any of them. However, amid all the tussle, their most tradeable star, Rui Hachimura, might’ve found a suitor for himself, at least an upcoming proposal. The 26-year-old can get off the Lakers train as a potential replacement for two role players from the East Conference. If that happens, the Lakers will land assets contractually worth $54 million.

With the plan of making a young core and having viable first-round picks, the Hornets are shaping up for the future. As part of their goal, they moved on Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, and PJ Washington for future draft picks. Following the chain, the next ones in line are Vasilije Micic and Cody Martin. The 30-year-old guard inked a three-year $23.5 million contract with the OKC. So, the contract continued when he moved to the Hornets last season.

Similarly, Cody Martin is on a 4 million $31 million contract. Altogether, both of them are not in sync with the Hornets’ ambitions but might be an asset to the Lakers. Also, Cody Martin is eligible to sign an extension, as he is in the third year of his contract. With a 140% hike in his last year’s $8.6 million salary, he can get as much as $12.1 million/year. Such staggering numbers, in addition to the 8% per year surge, will amount to about a $54 million contract for Martin.

However, the veteran, who will turn 31 soon, might be more of a liability than an asset. That’s why the Hornets might be yearning for the younger Rui Hachimura. The Lakers could trade Rui Hachimura for Martin and Micic. Wondering why? Both of them come at low cost, and the Lakers have two role players for the trade of one.