2018 Trade Ideas thread

[Coach Chris]

There are rumors that Leonard and the asp re are talking extension so I doubt he will be available. Same with Klay, the Warriors show no sign of slowing down. I will be happy if we can sign any star.

[MelosSoreWrist]

There are rumors that Leonard and the asp re are talking extension so I doubt he will be available. Same with Klay, the Warriors show no sign of slowing down. I will be happy if we can sign any star.

Where and when are the rumors from? The latest Ive gotten is

http://hoopshype.com/storyline/kawhi-leonard-extension/

7 days ago – via Player.fm
Brian Windhorst: [The Spurs] can offer it [to Kawhi Leonard]. They put the $200 million [max extension] out there. Three months ago, I would have put down major money that that would have happened. So now, it’s not just whether Kawhi wants to extend his contract, it’s whether the Spurs want to offer him the $200 million. Tim McMahon: If the answer there is that they don’t, then it could become whether they explore the market and see ‘OK, if we’re not going to offer [Kawhi] the super-max, do we trade him?’ That’s a couple decisions down the road, but we’re on one now where it’s not a crazy possibility.

[Landsberger]

They are going for the fences and want a name they can immediately market.

Lakers sell out don't they?

Plus with the TV deal they have, they're not worried about getting players who will boost ticket and jersey sales? Though I guess if they're making deep playoff runs, those court side tickets will be even more expensive -- but don't a lot of stars get those tickets comped?

Seems like they're mainly interested in becoming contenders as fast as they can, while any additional profits will take care of itself once the Lakers become top contenders again.

They've had a lot of very high draft picks and they're showing some good improvement this year but it seems Magic not only wants to return to the playoffs but the Finals ASAP.

So signing max free agents is a shortcut back to the top?

Not just the Lakers..... Owners own because of profits. Fans fan because of the team. The way it is and the way it's been.

The Lakers TV deal is variable (like all TV deals) with eyeballs. If they put a good product on the floor that people who are casual fans want to watch (with a known star) then $$ comes in.

You have to balance that with the fact that the remaining Buss family lives solely off the Lakers and they have lifestyles to support. Yes ownership wants back as fast as possible. Wouldn't you in their position?

[wco81]

Of course everyone wants to win.

My point was about marketability of players.

Seems like Lakers have no problem with revenues so a star player who might sell more jerseys would be nice but not their main priority.

[NBAWestFan]

Lebron is old and will ruin the young core with his ISO play and him coaching the team.

Kawhi just committed to play for Spurs like Clay did for their entire careers.

George I like his Defense but not for Max $ as we got a nice group of guys who play his type of game but lack his D.

Hire assistant coach who is great with D. Watch the great Defensive players.

Does George fit the system?

I say signed him if he does come but not with a No trade Clause because I think his best days are behind him
but he can still be a great player in the playoffs and in clutch situations. He still can play but not with the same level
as a 22 year old.

I like the idea of the Lakers pursuing Cousins because Lopez is ok but a great Center frees up shooters, Rebounds, clogs the middle and gives the team more flexiblity. Cousins also is a smart passer.

If Cousins and George were to come as 80 to 90% of the Max I would be interested.

The Lakers lack experience but adding to Key Gamers would boost there Playoff chances.

I think they should also try to add a 3 point shooters. Maybe they need to start with a 3 point shooting assistant coach.

25 3 point attempts the potential for 75 points

25 2 point attempts the potential for 50 points.

Hmm which shot makes more sense?

[Penberthy]

Lebron is old and will ruin the young core with his ISO play and him coaching the team.

Kawhi just committed to play for Spurs like Clay did for their entire careers.

George I like his Defense but not for Max $ as we got a nice group of guys who play his type of game but lack his D.

Hire assistant coach who is great with D. Watch the great Defensive players.

Does George fit the system?

I say signed him if he does come but not with a No trade Clause because I think his best days are behind him
but he can still be a great player in the playoffs and in clutch situations. He still can play but not with the same level
as a 22 year old.

I like the idea of the Lakers pursuing Cousins because Lopez is ok but a great Center frees up shooters, Rebounds, clogs the middle and gives the team more flexiblity. Cousins also is a smart passer.

If Cousins and George were to come as 80 to 90% of the Max I would be interested.

The Lakers lack experience but adding to Key Gamers would boost there Playoff chances.

I think they should also try to add a 3 point shooters. Maybe they need to start with a 3 point shooting assistant coach.

25 3 point attempts the potential for 75 points

25 2 point attempts the potential for 50 points.

Hmm which shot makes more sense?

Why would the best center in the league accept anything less than the max?

75 potential points shoot 35% (higher than lakers shoot) = 26 points
50 potential points in the paint and dunks @ 60% (Kanter, Harrell, Adams, Jordan, Capela all higher than 60%) = 32 points

not so clear cut

[Gus McCrae]

Oh god we’re doing LAbron billboards in LA? Who are the embarrassing souls doing this? Same as the Howard signs

[The Laker Kid]

Sign PG13 this offseason and then Kawhi/Klay/AD. Don't get me wrong, LBJ is great, but DAT MILEAGE tho..

[Dloading99]

Okay I try to tell you and I'm going to be as blunt as I can with this.

Kawaii Leonard said he wants to play his whole career with the spurs just like I said.

and You know Klay wants to stay with the warriors.

I'm just trying to give yall a real perspective. don't go for all the Media fluff about the big names it doesn't make sense.

Paul George is real because the Lakers traded one of their young draft picks 1st round picks to get Cap Space. Trades like that are for promises that Players make to teams. Magic tampered talked to Paul George and Paul said he's coming to the Lakers. Pacers got Pissed refused to trade him to the Lakers and complained for the fine. reason the fine was a big fine. it's Magic so the League didn't put the hammer and say he can't sign with the Lakers.


OKC traded for Paul George just to Appease Russell Westbrook and looked at an opportunity to move the Oldedipo contract not caring about the player. but from the business perspective getting off of that contract in that small market knowing they were going to have to pay Russell Westbrook that owner doesn't like to spend money so he jumped at the opportunity to clear cap and get a top NBA player for one year.


YO if OKC aint paying James Harden who might be the best player in the NBA they aint paying Paul George at this point in his career. That leaves the Lakers and Magic and his big smile who will gladly jump at the Opportunity to sign his superstar and bring his guy back to his crib Los Angeles.



Lebron James this is very tricky trick tricky tricky. Hollywood Kobe winning the Oscar is real jumped some eyebrows and really told Lebron that he might need to be here all season not just off season to have true success at his production company. and get the writers producers composers you need to win that Oscar. Kobe playing for L.A. every game is talking to Hollywood ICONS.

Lonzo Lebron would come here for Lonzo not for Lonzo to get traded. the issue with Kyrie was a guy who wanted the ball wanted the shots and wanted to be the Man. Lonzo does not want the ball does not want the shots and does not want to be the man. he's a long lanky guy that can defend Curry.

Ingram great young wing that Lebron can get the ball to. can help Lebron on Defense and playing with a younger Kawaii Leonard. Kuzma is a good stretch that they can have. Paul George gives him another scorer.


When this happens Randle is gone. so you are looking at Pg Lonzo Sg Ingram Sf George pf Lebron and C Zubac. Kuzma off the bench or will be moved for another player Center. this is a longer lenghthier team then Houston.


Now the Only Lebron factor is Houston Harden is a superstar Paul is a Superstar and Kapella is a beast. will they have the money??????????????????? and How does Lebron feel playing with guys two guys who have to have the ball to be effective he won't be the primary ball handler for the first time in his career. and with Paul and Harden is Lebron getting Usage.

Does The Lakers make sense with Lonzo cause Lonzo will play off the ball. and Lebron will be the primary ball handler. does he want to play under the bright lights of Hollywood and Magic. Do the Lakers have a secret back deal for Lebron with Jeanie and Rich Paul.

I will say what I've been saying he signs with Houston because I think James Harden And Chris Paul already talked with him about this and when Chris Paul signed that little deal with Houston and opted in that was a tip that was for Lebron James. and you look at how Lebron James and Harden acted at all star game it's a giveaway. add Houston playing great Lebron wanting to go where there are superstars. it's Houston. and Houston will find an idiot to take on the Ryan Anderson contract it always happens.


Pg Paul sg Harden sf Lebron to play against Pg Curry Sg Thompson Sf Durant and the NBA will sale this as the next great rivalry everybody makes money. Lakers sign Paul George and Julius Randle.

[MelosSoreWrist]

How do the Rockets sign LBJ? (I really doubt Cleveland will do any kind of sign and trade that keeps them in the luxury tax without a supreme superstar that offsets that cost)

[Dloading99]

They'll find a whack Piece of Shlit team like the Hawks to take on the Ryan Anderson Contract even somebody like Utah will pick him up. and then they'll have that freed up.

A team I would watch out for is the New Orleans Pelicans if they let Demarcus Cousins come off the Books they Can sign Lebron put Lebron with Anthony Davis that's a championship team. Jrue Holiday Anthony Davis and Lebron James they have length. and right now Anthony Davis is the best player in the NBA.

[RamonSessions7]

They'll find a whack Piece of Shlit team like the Hawks to take on the Ryan Anderson Contract even somebody like Utah will pick him up. and then they'll have that freed up.

A team I would watch out for is the New Orleans Pelicans if they let Demarcus Cousins come off the Books they Can sign Lebron put Lebron with Anthony Davis that's a championship team. Jrue Holiday Anthony Davis and Lebron James they have length. and right now Anthony Davis is the best player in the NBA.

No. Davis Holiday Hill Mirotic and Moore make over 83 mil combined. Then minor deals and they are not close to having cap.

[TwoStarz]

Knowing lebrons personality and the type of person he shows to be, he will be in LA next season. Sucks that he is getting old so his best days are likely behind him


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[NBAWestFan]

Lebron is old and will ruin the young core with his ISO play and him coaching the team.

Kawhi just committed to play for Spurs like Clay did for their entire careers.

George I like his Defense but not for Max $ as we got a nice group of guys who play his type of game but lack his D.

Hire assistant coach who is great with D. Watch the great Defensive players.

Does George fit the system?

I say signed him if he does come but not with a No trade Clause because I think his best days are behind him
but he can still be a great player in the playoffs and in clutch situations. He still can play but not with the same level
as a 22 year old.

I like the idea of the Lakers pursuing Cousins because Lopez is ok but a great Center frees up shooters, Rebounds, clogs the middle and gives the team more flexiblity. Cousins also is a smart passer.

If Cousins and George were to come as 80 to 90% of the Max I would be interested.

The Lakers lack experience but adding to Key Gamers would boost there Playoff chances.

I think they should also try to add a 3 point shooters. Maybe they need to start with a 3 point shooting assistant coach.

25 3 point attempts the potential for 75 points

25 2 point attempts the potential for 50 points.

Hmm which shot makes more sense?

Why would the best center in the league accept anything less than the max?

75 potential points shoot 35% (higher than lakers shoot) = 26 points
50 potential points in the paint and dunks @ 60% (Kanter, Harrell, Adams, Jordan, Capela all higher than 60%) = 32 points

not so clear cut

Some good points but the three ball can really get you some quick points and break open a game with the right shooters.

I think Cousin's is hurt and in order to Keep Ball who is the quarter back down the line, Ingram, Randle, Kuzuma and have the possiblity to get a decent bench.

Players got to be a little unselfish like KD did for Livingston and Iggy.

240 million or 200 million what difference does it make. It is more about Ego.
These guys will be find as this is not there first contract.
In order to build a championship team you have to have a decent bench also.
There are endorsements and more visibilty being on the LAL.

The Lakers have shown they will reward after the titles come also.

[LeCalinou]

While during the last regime waiting had catastrophic results, in Free Agency for example, and also in not getting fresher legs to keep up with the changing league (2012-2016), the Magic - Rob Pelinka pair has shown they deserve a lot of trust.

They inherited a bad roster, Deng and Mozgov were over-paid and over-rated, Russell was a problem in the locker and simply not reliable.
Their 3 main moves were very much under the radar:

- Trading Lou Williams when his value was highest, for what eventually became Josh Hart and Bryant. Hart is already a good rotation player. I'd say he fits well as the 8th man on a good team.

- Trading Russell + dumping Mozgov for Lopez (expiring) + the pick that became Kyle Kuzma. I'd argue Kuzma is a better professional than Russell already, Lopez provides spacing they needed desperately. His rebounding is atrocious, but the Lakers as a team are 2nd in rebounds in the NBA. So, can't argue with results.

- Traded Nance (a very good role player, but him, Kuzma and Randle play the same position) and Clarkson (which can be a positive fit on good teams, where others cover for him defensively) for an injured / expiring IT, expiring Frye (which can be serviceable in late game situations, for shooting) and a late 1st pick.

The point I'm making is the Front Office took their time and made good deals. They had patience and played their chips very well.
There is no urgency to dump Deng now. None whatsoever... Only if they're put in a predicament during the summer, in the case 2 very good FA's agree to sign and they risk losing Randle (which they would still be able to re-sign while going over the cap).

There is one more aspect to playing the salary cap game. They have some 50-55 million in cap space, given that Randle has a cap-hold of some 10 million, more or less, IT some 8 million.
So... sign those 2 FA's to the max available money for 1+1 years.

Re-sign Randle for whatever money they can afford. Re-sign IT as well, if he really wants to win and accepts some 10 million per year.
While doing this, they will have activated the Mid-level exception for teams over the cap. That means one more contributing veteran.
And at that point, they could be 25 million over the cap with a stacked team. They can stretch Deng at that point, or wait out towards the end of the year to see if a deal arises.
Their roster could be something like:

- Ball, IT, Caruso
- George, Hart, Cle 1st
- Ingram, Mid-level FA
- Randle, Kuzma, Deng
- Cousins, Zubac, Bryant

That's a good combination of size, rebounding, and defense. Scoring shouldn't be an issue with Luke Walton's system.
Cousins can get tons of opportunities as a fast-break trailer, George can save his energy for the end of games. Ingram and Randle would fit into more natural roles, at this stage in their career. Simply running the break would still get them 10-12 ppg each within the flow of the game.

This whole scenario isn't even a stretch of the imagination. It's possible. And if it doesn't happen then wait, continue to draft well and accumulate assets. Let the core develop and find out who fits them later down the road.

[ROballer]

I still had the foreskin on my cock the last time we won a championship. I've had plenty of patience, next year we better **** compete.

[Landsberger]

Inherited a bad roster and re-sign Randle? Randle was on the "bad" roster and so was Ingram.

A horrible move would be to add Cousins to any team much less the Lakers. You thing Russell was bad for the team. Cousins in all stats and no character. Melo 2.0.

This team is not well balanced and we don't have a true alpha leader who we can go to. We need roster changes and Cousins is the opposite of what I would think Magic and Co. would do.... at least I hope so.

The FO wants marketable stars and they want to be playing in late May..... and they want that next year. My guess is that they are done with bringing in youth if they can get LeBron and/or George and they will use the CLE Pick to add vets on the bench. Youth is good to mix with vets but few teams have ever ascended to the title with just the draft. The Lakers previous title runs all included players we traded for and FA's. We traded for Kobe and signed Shaq. Kareem was traded for. Wilt was traded for. These guys are on the wall.... no reason we can't use that avenue again.

[LeCalinou]

Inherited a bad roster and re-sign Randle? Randle was on the "bad" roster and so was Ingram.

A horrible move would be to add Cousins to any team much less the Lakers. You thing Russell was bad for the team. Cousins in all stats and no character. Melo 2.0.

This team is not well balanced and we don't have a true alpha leader who we can go to. We need roster changes and Cousins is the opposite of what I would think Magic and Co. would do.... at least I hope so.

The FO wants marketable stars and they want to be playing in late May..... and they want that next year. My guess is that they are done with bringing in youth if they can get LeBron and/or George and they will use the CLE Pick to add vets on the bench. Youth is good to mix with vets but few teams have ever ascended to the title with just the draft. The Lakers previous title runs all included players we traded for and FA's. We traded for Kobe and signed Shaq. Kareem was traded for. Wilt was traded for. These guys are on the wall.... no reason we can't use that avenue again.

Bad roster = guys that don't fit and not enough talent. It doesn't mean any particular individual was a bad player. Or a bad human being... Russell for example needed to grow up. That doesn't mean he can't do it elsewhere.
Cousins can be detrimental to a team, I agree, but so can a lot of players... Who would you have instead (because the team probably needs a Center)?

I'm not against bringing in veterans. I'd actually say we agree on that.
My approach was about the Front Office, to take their tame and plan their moves. It doesn't mean stand pat and do nothing.
Who would you bring in ?

As for the alpha leader, I think Paul George is pretty close. Not the best talent in the world, but look at other teams: your leader doesn't have to be the best player on the team. They come in different packages: Draymond Green, Chris Paul, Manu Ginobili.

[evilpimp972]

There's no way Lebron is coming to play with IT, he's gone if we want him on our team. He hates him lol

[One Love]

PG should be the primary target, PERIOD... He is long, young and plays hard on both ends... I would prefer Capella or Noel, if reasonable, at C, which would allow us to keep Randle, plus, Cousins is a headache... Look what the Pelicans are doing without him right now... Let IT go... He doesn’t fit the system... Every player should be 6’5” to 6’9” ish so we can switch everything...

“Talent Wind Games, Chemistry Wins Championships”...