Your price to get rid of Deng

[TheHartBreakKid]

Hear me out....


I know the Lakers FO has been operating under the assumption that the price to get rid of Deng would be too high, and the stretch provision is the best approach regarding handling his contract. I too don't want to see anything too valuable attached to Deng to get rid of him, when we can have 2 max spots by simply stretching him. The 17/9 averaging elephant in the room is Julius Randle however. By Stretching Deng, we CAN sign two max guys, we can't retain Julius unless said max guys take some notable discounts, so for the sake of of this thread, let's assume the following, and I'll admit that these are some huge assumptions...in no way am I saying this things will happen or are even likely to happen. I'm just setting the context for this scenario:

1. We have 2 max guys ready to sign with us this offseason....PG and Lebron.
2. Each max guy is unwilling to take any discounts, meaning if we want to keep Julius, we have to dump Deng and not stretch him.
3. There are no other options to open up capspace, we have to dump Deng to keep Julius, period. It's either stretch Deng, sign Lebron/PG, and lose Julius, or trade Deng with assets attached, sign two max guys, and keep Julius.
Edit: Assumption 4 which I forgot about
4. Let's say we can't get just one max...it's either two or nothing. The assumption is the PG wouldn't sign here without Lebron, and Lebron won't sign here without PG.


Under this scenario, what is the most you are willing to give up to trade Deng and resign Julius. Obviously Ingram and Lonzo are none starters....it's not even in the discussion. Kuz is also a none-starter for me.....but I can see a small percentage of laker fans willing to part with him if it means we keep Julius, so I'll include him in the possible assets. So what is your price, to trade Deng, and most importantly, to keep Julius.


Assets that can be used:

Kuzma
Hart
Zubac
Bryant
Cleveland first
Lakers 2019 First (can be included after the draft IIRC)
Lakers 2021 First



Which of these assets, or combo of these assets are you willing to part with? And do you think your best offer would get the job done?

[stan francisco]

Stay put with this core. Re-sign Randle. Add one aforementioned star FA, not two. Without adding even one star, we'll still make the playoffs next season. Soon, Deng's expiring becomes an asset to a tanking team.

[TheHartBreakKid]

Stay put with this core. Re-sign Randle. Add one aforementioned star FA, not two. Without adding even one star, we'll still make the playoffs next season. Soon, Deng's expiring becomes an asset to a tanking team.

I should have clarified. Let's say we can't get just one max...it's either two or nothing. The assumption is the PG wouldn't sign here without Lebron, and Lebron won't sign here without PG. Would you turn them both down to stay with the current core?


And that's not really an unlrealistic assumption to make. Lebron would want another star to play with...as would PG if he's leaving Westbrook.

[stan francisco]

Stay put with this core. Re-sign Randle. Add one aforementioned star FA, not two. Without adding even one star, we'll still make the playoffs next season. Soon, Deng's expiring becomes an asset to a tanking team.

I should have clarified. Let's say we can't get just one max...it's either two or nothing. The assumption is the PG wouldn't sign here without Lebron, and Lebron won't sign here without PG. Would you turn them both down to stay with the current core?


And that's not really an unlrealistic assumption to make. Lebron would want another star to play with...as would PG if he's leaving Westbrook.

I'm not very high on PG. Not sold on LBJ being our savior either. It could be best to wait a year. Both are getting older, and I don't want to give either of them a multi year retirement contract just yet. Farewell tours don't interest me, not even Kobe's. The W-L column does. Being the next powerhouse after GSW's reign is over (after next season?) does.

[SlimShady83]

1) We aren't getting LBJ so for get that pipe dream (if that's your dream, Not mine)

2) Only star worth going for is PG13 other wise wait for 2019 and keep the current team intact - starting to mesh really well

3) Can't trade Deng unless it inlvolves one of the core 3 players - Ball, BI,KING KUZ - those are untouchable No one else want anyone outside of them IMO

4) Just need 1 star this off season then get another in 2019 Magic/Rob have said they're willing to wait until 2019, so they aren't just going to sign Starsky and Hutch just for the sake of it

[digcom99]

Ok...I'll bite.

Assuming all of the parameters you've stated are in play and this is the definite and only path the front office is going for....then the most I would do is:

Deng, Hart, Zubac, Cleveland first, 2019 second....with no salary coming back. (I wouldn't include Kuzma in any scenario...to me, he's untouchable).

If we had to take back some salary that would need to be stretched, say Shumbert for $11M, then I'd remove Zubac or second rounder.

Personally, though, I don't think any team would take these packages. Another first round pick would mostly have to be involved and that would be an over pay, IMO.

[BBBKobe]

Stretching shouldn’t be an option under any circumstance. That’s a lot of money to be forming over until 2022.

Deng + 2019 1st Unprotected + 2021 Top 5 Protected on July 1st to the Hawks.

If we can’t get two max guys, then we need to keep Deng. I’d even take a buy-out at this point.

[Dloading99]

Was that Luol Deng tonight at the game?

[TKainZero]

Stretching shouldn’t be an option under any circumstance. That’s a lot of money to be forming over until 2022..

2022?
The best case plan now is that the sign him to a three year extension, and then stretch him out until 2030!!!!

Loul dengs agent people!
He did a number

[Gus McCrae]

He’s only got two years left. Hart and Laker first seems pretty solid. If we included Kuz (we shouldn’t) that would mean the Russell trade got us out of both contracts and got Brook Lopez. Not bad.

[cashflo]

Personally I feel a Deng trade has been agreed upon with the Cavs.. (sign and trade for lebron with cavs pick going back). The reason I feel this way is why would Cavs help Lakers clear cap space? I think it was a win win situation for both sides to help Lebron and Cavs this year with an agreement in place for the summer.. I could be wrong but just my feeling...

If I’m wrong there are still plenty of teams that would take that pick along with Deng. Phoenix, Brooklyn, Mavs just to name a few...
Think about phoniex who has 3 First round picks already. They are not signing any impact FA this offseason and they do have to give the $$$ to someone... why not Deng and get another pick in the draft?? FOUR potential picks!!!!

You have to build thru the draft and I believe many teams covet that pick right now( also I think that pick may be in the high teens as Cavs will have trouble adjusting down the stretch)

At the end of the day we will see a team with The core(including Randle) and PG and LJ..

Just my feeling and I hope I’m right

[JohnVancouver]

extending and stretching him will cost $1 million, $11 million more than he's owed after this season. Offer him $25 to mutually end his deal or tell him he's going to spend two more years waving a towel. I think he'll take it - even $30 is a savings for us and let's him out of jail. The lakers make a ton of money - how many years since they've been able to take a tax loss?

Hidden cost, too, not being able to improve the team because you're hamstrung by a bad contract - what does two more years of that really cost? Just pay what you have to and move on

[thankyouKOBE]

Can they just release Deng and be on the hook for his contract? I don't see the logic in keeping a headache. I've also heard they can "stretch provision" him and cut his salary down to 9mil/yr until it's done? Just do it already! Or to stretch him, must they keep him?

[Speedlot]

I'd dump Randle to get rid of Deng.

[Rosque]

I'd dump Randle to get rid of Deng.

That is silly. And exactly what desperate Mitch would do. NO!

[danfantastk32]

Lebron will be 34 midway through next season. That makes him 35-36 by the time our young core really starts to come into it's own. There's not enough time there for a dynasty. Would love to have Lebron....but if he's gonna dictate max salary, and will only come with another star....then thank him for his time, and walk out.

Same goes for PG. I like PG. He will spread the floor, plays D, etc. Not sure he's the perfect fit....but he'd be great. But if wants a max contract, and no patience....the we move on as well.

I'd like to resign Randle....get a star (presumably PG) and give Lopez a 1-year (make it a KCP type 1year deal if necessary)....and see how that team works out growing another year together. The following offseason....Deng will be on his last year...so he becomes an asset.

You have Klay as a FA. You have Kawhi....and I would poke and pry A-Davis (who will have 1 year left) to come out and say he won't resign. If we do sign PG this offseason, then I think A-Davis would be the guy we really go after. Would take some strong words on his part, and NO willing to part with him. At that point we make Deng part of the package, or stretch him to make things work. Will just have to wait and see.

So to answer your question....I would hold him another year. If that means no maxed Lebron and PG...then fine. I think there are better star-pairings out there anyhow. Like I said...Lebron would be great. But not at 34. I do think we can sign just PG this year...with the understanding that we will access things, and make another purchase the next year. I think this team with PG is prob a legit 2nd-round playoff team who is still on the rise. Should not have an issue getting someone the next offseason.

[larry14r]

I'd dump Randle to get rid of Deng.

What is wrong with you?

[Coach Chris]

2019 Cleveland first and 2020 Laker first, both lottery protected

[BBBKobe]

Stretching shouldn’t be an option under any circumstance. That’s a lot of money to be forming over until 2022..

2022?
The best case plan now is that the sign him to a three year extension, and then stretch him out until 2030!!!!

Loul dengs agent people!
He did a number

So we're paying Deng until 2030.. I don't care if it's 3 million dollars with a slowly rising salary cap. That shouldn't be an option either.

[BBBKobe]

2019 Cleveland first and 2020 Laker first, both lottery protected

Don't have Cavs 2019 pick, we have their 2018 pick.

We can't trade Deng before July 1st without taking money back. Therefor, the Cavs pick is sort of worthless in attempt to get rid of Deng. Unless we find a third team.. but that just means losing more assets.

I'd dump Randle to get rid of Deng.

I would too but what team is going to take on 35+ million in salary?

Can they just release Deng and be on the hook for his contract? I don't see the logic in keeping a headache. I've also heard they can "stretch provision" him and cut his salary down to 9mil/yr until it's done? Just do it already! Or to stretch him, must they keep him?

Deng isn't a headache, he does help the rookies out and he's a great locker room presence. With that being said, his contract is the headache. We could stretch him out for 7.4 million over the next five years.. but that's a lot of money to fork over. Think of what that money could be used for. Two solid ring chasers or a small contract for a player like KCP.

In order we would either want to trade him, buy him out, or stretch him.

Personally I feel a Deng trade has been agreed upon with the Cavs.. (sign and trade for lebron with cavs pick going back). The reason I feel this way is why would Cavs help Lakers clear cap space? I think it was a win win situation for both sides to help Lebron and Cavs this year with an agreement in place for the summer.. I could be wrong but just my feeling...

If I’m wrong there are still plenty of teams that would take that pick along with Deng. Phoenix, Brooklyn, Mavs just to name a few...
Think about phoniex who has 3 First round picks already. They are not signing any impact FA this offseason and they do have to give the $$$ to someone... why not Deng and get another pick in the draft?? FOUR potential picks!!!!

You have to build thru the draft and I believe many teams covet that pick right now( also I think that pick may be in the high teens as Cavs will have trouble adjusting down the stretch)

At the end of the day we will see a team with The core(including Randle) and PG and LJ..

Just my feeling and I hope I’m right

We can't trade them back their own pick. As I noted above, we can't trade Deng before July 1st without taking money back. However, if we find a third team, then maybe. But why would any team want to help the Lakers out without getting something significant back? Are we willing to get rid of another kid? Hart and Zubac aren't enough. We're talking about a Ball or Kuzma.

He’s only got two years left. Hart and Laker first seems pretty solid. If we included Kuz (we shouldn’t) that would mean the Russell trade got us out of both contracts and got Brook Lopez. Not bad.

It's been talked about countlessly, the D'Angelo trade landed us Hart and Bryant. Not Kuzma. We would've drafted Kuzma with the Rockets pick regardless. Rob Pelinka has confirmed it as well as the GM of the Nets Sean Marks. Hart and a Lakers 1st isn't enough to move Deng. If it was, we would've done it by now.