I did a very boring trade earlier today (actually, it technically wasn't a trade, it was a FA signing) but I figured I should at least try to do a Lakers-Knicks trade since apparently the Lakers want Mitch. I still doubt that the interest is real but if so, I would love this for the Knicks. I'm also labeling this as the only "straighforward" trade as there could obviously be some others but they would involve far more teams (this trade season is crazy) and I wasn't going there.
Knicks: The Knicks swap the oft-injured Mitch for DFS. DFS would be the perfect backup 3 and D wing to slot in while OG is injured and to be in the second unit once OG is healthy. He still has a tradeable salary next season (like Mitch) if the Knicks did want to make an offseason trade. The Knicks do have to send out Sims in order to make the money work. It doesn't have to be the Kings but they are light at the center position. What I wanted to show was the Knicks sending out Sims in return for a second rounder. In this case, they re-route it to the Lakers along with another one of their second round picks. It's probably not enough for DFS given that Mitch is injured but the word is that the Knicks FO doesn't want to attach picks to trade Mitch so I have them giving up little. The Knicks could then try and sign someone like Mo Bamba to shore up their center rotation but I feel good about Achiuwa in the meantime.
Lakers: Supposedly the Lakers want Mitch! His upside IS pretty great, as when healthy, he's one of the best rim protectors in the league, is in his mid-20s and is on a descending contract. Obviously, his health is a concern but he's reportedly almost ready to hit the floor and as his shutdown of Embiid and the Sixers in last years playoff and his neutralizing of Allen two years ago proved, he's a very high impact player. The Lakers do gain 2 second round picks as well, to help facilitate future trades.
Kings: As I said above, this doesn't have to be the Kings, but I just wanted to demonstrate sending out Sims for a second rounder. So Kings fans, don't jump over me for this part!
Thoughts?