On January 4, Beijing time, the deal about the Lakers and Cavaliers that has been nailed down has changed again today. Previously, according to the famous journalist Shams, the Lakers sent Rondo to the Cavaliers, and then replaced by Valentine, and then the Lakers will cut part of Valentine's guarantee contract to free up a lineup space, which is convenient for signing Johnson, a wing player who is currently performing well.
However, the current transaction has been upgraded from a two-line transaction between the Lakers and the Knights to a three-way transaction between the Lakers, the Knights and the Knicks with the addition of the Knicks. When the deal is completed, the Knicks will get Valentine, and the Lakers will save up to $4 million in luxury taxes and free up a big roster position, which is expected to still sign Johnson and the Cavaliers will still get Rondo.
In addition to Valentine, the Knicks will receive $1.1 million in cash, luis Rabel's signing rights, and the right to sign two players who are not expected to play in the NBA, according to reports.
If the Lakers directly choose to lay off Valentine, they need to pay $500,000 in guaranteed wages + luxury taxes, a total of about 5.1 million, and now after the deal is concluded, the Lakers can send Valentine plus 1.1 million directly to the Knicks, which is equivalent to saving 4 million, when the Knicks directly lay off, they only need to pay 500,000 guaranteed wages, and also earn 600,000.
The Cavaliers urgently need to find a team brain that can control the game after the two main point guards Sexton and Rubio have been reimbursed for the season, and Rondo, who currently has little playing time in the Lakers, is a better choice.
And after the Knicks get Valentine, they'll decide today whether to keep the player. Valentine has averaged 9.3 minutes per game this season and is averaging 2.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists.
In this way, a deal that is beneficial for all three parties is reached, the Lakers save money, and have a position to sign, the Cavaliers get Rondo, the Knicks push the boat along the water, do a personal favor for the Lakers, and there is money to earn, and there are draft picks to operate, why not?