The Lakers' performance this season has failed to meet expectations, Westbrook has recently been caught up in trade rumors, and the Lakers have limited resources to trade. Now the US media listed 3 players that the Lakers should pursue, among which the first choice is the Blazers' high-quality 3D Covington, as well as the Pistons core Grant and Barnes, one of the kings' main players.
The Lakers have three superstars, James ($41 million), Brother Brow ($36 million) and Westbrook ($44 million). It is reported that because the current pairing of the big three has not met expectations, the Lakers have discussed the transaction of Wei Shao internally, but Wei Shao's remaining large contract makes it difficult for him to sell, but anything can happen in the NBA.
Most of the Lakers' players are on base-salary contracts, and they have $2.7 million trade exceptions, as well as some of the remaining trade chips, such as the 2027 or 2028 first-round draft. First round of replacement rights in 2023 and 2026. Second round picks for 2023, 2023 (from the Bulls), 2024 (from the Wizards and Grizzlies), 2025, 2027, 2028, 2028 (from the Wizards).
The Lakers have two assets that are easy to trade: Tucker, 21, on a three-year, $30.7 million contract, and Nunn, 26, on a two-year, $10 million contract. Nunn has not yet played this season (kneecap bruises) but is expected to return in January.
Tucker cannot trade until January 16. Nunn and other players who have signed with a base salary (Anthony, Rondo, Ariza, Munch, Bazemore, Ellington, Howard, Reeves) can start trading on December 16. Bradley is available for trading on December 18th.
Now the US media has listed 3 players who should be pursued for the Lakers:
1. Covington
The Lakers don't want to make any assessment of their team at the moment, after all, they have not yet put together a full lineup, Ariza is about to return, but the 36-year-old veteran has doubts about his recovery after ankle surgery. Covington, 33, is no longer the top 3D player he was a few years ago, averaging 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game this season, the lowest number since his rookie season, and shooting 34.4 percent from the field.
The Portland Trail Blazers are a mess at the moment, and Covington is in the final year of his contract, with no doubt the possibility of being traded. If the Lakers can get Covington without sending Tucker away, then it's a deal worth maneuvering, with Nunn, trade exceptions, two veteran base-paid players and some second-round picks, theoretically completing the deal.
2. Grant
Grant is undoubtedly a high-level talent introduction for the Lakers to compete for the championship, he is a better player than Tucker, and the Lakers' depth in the flanks will be higher than the No. 4 position. Grant, who has averaged 20.1 points per game this season and currently holds a three-year, $60 million contract at the age of 27, is sidelined for six weeks by a torn thumb that could reduce his chances of a trade.
The Pistons may look down on Tucker, Nunn and the less-than-expected draft picks as chips, but if they are willing to accept offers from the Lakers, the Lakers should undoubtedly pursue Grant, especially by grabbing the tail of James' career peak and building a championship lineup as much as possible.
3. Barnes
Barnes, who is only 29 years old, is as strong as ever, averaging 17.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the Sacramento Kings this season, a team that is always at a crossroads.
Barnes' salary is $20 million this season and $18.3 million next season. Given Barnes' personality, experience, and versatility, he seems to be the ideal fit for the Lakers on paper. Of course, to get Barnes, the Lakers will definitely need to send a lot of chips including Tucker.
(Text/Drunken Floating Life)