I wanted to post this trade in its simplest form, the Bucks could send more depth to the Lakers and acquire Kobe Brown/Jaxson Hayes if it helped even the scales. The valuation of Harden for Kuzma/Portis/'26 Swap is the most the Bucks can do if a Giannis trade doesn't happen in the coming weeks and I doubt they'll have a better chance at a player.

Would the Clippers demand Dalton Knecht or an unprotected 1st to take this deal? I'm not sure but their situation is dire to say the least, I'm uncertain what kind of leverage they have over any player. Kuzma's deal will be less money next season and the other money coming in is expiring contracts.

We've seen the Lakers do a lot more with a 1st round pick but their defense and depth have to improve, plus the valuation of the '26 swap will move their pick up at least 10 spots, which could potentially net them a key player or a future pick to take its place.