On January 4, Beijing time, the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Knicks completed the transaction! The end result is that the Lakers got the right to sign Louis Raberry (57th pick in 2014); the Cavaliers got Rondo; the Knicks got the right to sign players Denzel Valentine, Wang Zhelin (57th pick in 2016), Brad Newley (54th pick in 2007) and $1.1 million in cash! The transaction directed by Long is officially completed.
Denzel Valentine, born in 1993 as a small forward, was drafted by the Bulls in the 14th round in the first round of 2016 and has averaged 9.3 minutes per game so far this season, with 2.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. It may be a needed forward player for the Lakers, but the team does not intend to keep him, so a third-party Knicks has joined.
The Lakers sent Valentine and the signing rights of the two players (Wang Zhelin and Brad Newley) plus some cash to the Knicks, and obtained the signing rights of Louis Raberry from the Knicks.
Some fans may say that the Lakers have sent so many things, and in the end they will get another irrelevant signing right? In fact, in fact, the Lakers sent Rondo without eating the contract, which could save $7 million in luxury taxes and get a $1.7 million deal exception.
The Knicks then took valentin, a move that helped the Lakers save a total of about $4 million on wages and luxury taxes, and gave the Lakers the space they wanted in the first place. For the team management, their real purpose was achieved.
ESPN said that none of the draft players involved in the above signing rights will play in the NBA, and the Knicks will make a decision today whether to let Valentine stay in the team. According to Knicks reporter Fred Katz, in order to make room for Valentine to complete the trade, the team also deliberately cut guard Wayne Selden, who has only played in 3 games this season and averaged 1.7 points, 0.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game.
The Cavaliers have also officially announced Rondo's joining, who will wear the No. 1 shirt. Rondo has played in 18 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 16.1 minutes per game and having 3.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Hope he's all right in Cleveland.
The Lakers coach said of Rondo's trade: "I'm happy for him because he went to a team that can play more rotation roles. Rondo is one of my favorite players I've coached, and the deal wasn't because he had any problems with himself, but because management thought the team needed flexibility on the roster and you had to make tough decisions. ”
So the question is, who will sign the vacant seats obtained by the Lakers? For now, there is a high probability that it will be given to Stanley Johnson. The latter is also a forward player, after he and Darren Collison signed a 10-day short contract with the Lakers. According to journalist Keith Smith, Collison and Johnson's 10-day contract expires today, and the Lakers may leave Johnson behind.
So far, Stanley Johnson has played in five games for the Lakers, averaging 6.8 points, 2.8 boards, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Both his teammates and coaches were pleased with his performance, with coach Vogel saying: "We hope Johnson will come back and he could be a key part of the squad. ”
Finally, what do you think of this three-party deal? Do you think the Lakers are the best choice to send Rondo away?