Los Angeles Lakers:
Why LA Does This:
LeBron has made it clear to the Lakers that he will likely play at most two more seasons, with potential for the upcoming one to be his last. Because of this, the Lakers need to commit and try to make one last run with him on the roster, which I don’t see happening with the current team around him. This trade brings in assets that fit well around James and Davis, modeled around the 2020 championship team. They also finally move on from Russell, who has not been a good fit on this roster since he was acquired last season. Rui and Gabe were also disappointing at times this season, so I see them wanting to send them somewhere else this summer. Unfortunately, LA is unable to bring in the assets for this trade without giving up Reaves, so he would not be apart of this new team. They would also have to draft or trade for Bronny James because LeBron has made it all but clear that he wants to play with him, so the lineup below also includes him. Nevertheless, I think there is a lot to be excited about with this retooled Lakers team. It improves on some of their struggles this season, and puts them in the best possible position for a last dance, as I think it makes more sense to build around your current stars, rather than going to acquire another one. Grant and Caruso bring defense as well as scoring, and Williams upgrades the interior defense, and takes some of the burden off of AD’s shoulders. Thybulle also comes with even more defensive ability, bringing in great perimeter defense for this squad. I think LA becomes contendors with this deal, and while they are giving up a lot, I think the defensive potential as well as the spacing upgrades are very intriguing. A new head coach could also prove to be beneficial for this squad. If it was up to me, I’d hire JJ Reddick but we’ll see what happens! As a Lakers fan, I hope they do a deal at least somewhat like this. The Western Conference is a tough one to compete in, but if we want to match up with squads like OKC, Minnesota, and Denver, we need to be able to defend, and have consistent scoring options outside of our two stars, hence the additions of Grant and Caruso. There could definitely be more trades and signings made to finish filling out this roster, but I think this is a great start. If they had to go after other players, I think guys with high offensive abilities should be targeted, but I think this team is already very solid as is. Could this team compete with the juggernauts of the West and win a championship? Who else would you target for this roster?
Starters:
PG: LeBron James SG: Matisse Thybulle SF: Jerami Grant PF: Anthony Davis C: Robert Williams lll
Bench:
PG: Bronny James SG: Alex Caruso SF: Cam Reddish PF: Taurean Prince C: Jaxson Hayes
Portland Trail Blazers
Why Portland Does This:
In this deal, the Trail Blazers move on from Grant’s large contract, as well as Robert Williams lll, who is redundant on a team with Deandre Ayton. They also send out Thybulle, who hasn’t been a great fit on this Portland team, and opens up some playing time for a potential 24’ draft pick or Austin Reaves, who is by far the most exciting part of this offer. He is on one of the best contracts in the leauge, and could either be added to this young core or moved down the road with the value he holds. Russell is on an expiring deal, and would work out nicely as a potential sixth man if Austin didn’t get the nod. He would help further develop Scoot’s talents, and could hopefully put up decent numbers to earn a contract from another team that offseason. If they wee to bring in Russell, Brogden would also need to be moved to another team. I think Phoniex would be interesting, but they just don’t have the assets to make it happen. Someone like San Antonio would be a more realistic landing spot if they don’t get Topic in the draft. Vanderbilt and Rui can also work out nicely on this squad if utilized right, and could help mentor the young core in Portland. With their pick, I have them taking Cody Williams who fills a nice gap in their lineup. Portland is doing this for Reaves’ potential and the draft capital. They would hope the other players acquired could help make an impact, but I ultimately see them not being competitive next year in order to get a high pick in 25’ draft. I don’t think they are super concerned about the performance of the other guys, and are mainly hoping for the further development of Reaves, the draft picks, and lower salary. Does Portland do this deal? Would Reaves be an exciting addition to this young squad? Do you think Jarred and Rui would benefit this team overall? What other moves should Portland make this offseason?
Starters:
PG: Scoot Henderson SG: Shaedon Sharpe SF: Cody Williams PF: Rui Hachimura C: Deandre Ayton
Bench:
PG: D’Angelo Russell SG: Kris Murray SF: Austin Reaves PF: Jabari Walker C: Jarred Vanderbilt
Chicago Bulls:
Why Chicago Does This:
Chicago is (or at least should be) nearing a rebuild. I am aware Caruso plays the SF on this Bulls teams, and Dosunmu would have to play out position, so Vincent might not be a long term member of this squad unless Lonzo Ball is moved as well, which I’m not totally sure on since I imagine he has little to no value right now. They are doing this for the draft capital, while also getting rid of Caruso’s expiring deal. Vincent is still relatively young, and could be used in a later deal if he can get back to the level he was at in Miami. Is this enough for Caruso? Who else do you see Chicago moving on from this summer? Will this team start a full blown rebuild soon?
Starters:
PG: Coby White SG: Zach LaVine SF: Patrick Williams PF: DeMar DeRozan C: Nikola Vucevic
Bench:
PG: Lonzo Ball SG: Gabe Vincent SF: Ayo Dosunmu PF: Torrey Craig C: Andre Drummond
That’s it for this big three team trade! Let me know who wins this deal, and your overall feedback and thoughts below! Thanks!