There have been plenty of rumors floating around about this year’s trade deadline, but not many about my Lakers. I feel like we have a few moves up our sleeve, and this is one of many possible plans we could follow.

Why the Nets do this:

The Nets move off of long-term money to free up a big time cap space this offseason, one capable of bringing in a star. Giving just four seconds to get off Mann’s contract is very reasonable and opens up a ton of flexibility.

Why the Warriors do this:

Jarred Vanderbilt and Marcus Smart are defensive-focused players who complement Curry well. Vando can serve as the Draymond-lite of the future, and the Marcus Smart idea has already been proven with guys like DeAnthony Melton and Gary Payton II, as he just adds another defensive-minded guard to that lineup. The Warriors also bring in a few second round picks to sweeten the pot. If this is the best Kuminga offer on the table, and the market says it might be, I’d take it in a heartbeat.

Why the Lakers do this:

Jonathan Kuminga still has the potential to become something special. At just 23 years old, he is a great positional and timeline fit along Luka, Reaves, Ayton, etc. The Lakers look to capitalize on this potential while also freeing up cap room short-term to sign some role players who will be more effective than current Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. They also re-acquire their own 2027 second rounder for short-term flexibility. Yes, the Lakers are stuck with the Terance Mann contract, but this front office has always found a way to get off bad contracts and turn them into good ones via trade, and Mann is no different.

What do you think of this deal? Who accepts, who passes, and why? Let me know in the comments!