Latest @BleacherReport Potential Los Angeles Lakers Trade Targets This NBA Season – I wouldn't recommend all of these, but who LAL will likely be linked to through the trade deadlinehttps://t.co/XLUEP8mOnc
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 10, 2024
1. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls
2. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
3. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers
4. Marcus Smart, Memphis Grizzlies
5. Walker Kessler/Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz
6. Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
7. Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
8. Jonas Valančiūnas/Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards
9. Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
10. Isaiah Stewart II, Detroit Pistons
11. Wendell Carter Jr., Orlando Magic
12. Honorable Mentions:
Steph Curry
Kevin Durant
Draymond Green
Jimmy Butler
Bruce Brown, Jr.
Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III.
Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk
Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke.
https://twitter.com/EricPincus/status/1833624576326299764
Jonas Valančiūnas/Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards
Current salary: $9.9 million (Valančiūnas), $22.5 million (Brogdon)
Remaining contract: $30.3 million/three years ($20.3 million guaranteed) (Valančiūnas), $22.5 million (Brogdon)
The Wizards are rebuilding, suggesting that Valančiūnas could become available after his trade restriction lifts on December 15. Washington acquired him via sign-and-trade from the Pelicans, along with Brogdon from the Blazers in early July.
Both fill positions of need for the Lakers at center and point guard. Valančiūnas is on a workable contract for L.A. Brogdon’s contract is short, and he’s less likely to earn nearly as much in his next deal.
Would the Lakers give up a first for the pair, perhaps with Russell, Hood-Schifino and Vincent (or Vanderbilt) out? L.A. might need to add a backup ball-handling guard, but it’s an arguable path forward.
Pros: Brogdon is a 39.1 percent three-point shooter (career)
Cons: Brogdon is almost 32 and has struggled to stay healthy; Valančiūnas is 32. Giving up a first for two older players better lead to a significant playoff result. The Lakers end up thin at point guard, especially if Brogdon gets hurt.
Alternative: Kyle Kuzma (who has a very similar contract to Cam Johnson, almost $27 million for 2023-24 with unlikely incentives, but also has a 15 percent trade kicker)
Not a fan of trading for a pair of injury prone 32-year olds with little upside. Rather go for players with greater upsides:
Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III.
Bruce Brown and Kelly Olynyk
Marcus Smart and Brandon Clarke.