Lakers/Heat/Nets/Kings adjusting the team to Luka

[Astaluego]

LAKERS
In: Claxton/Wiggins /Knicks FRP
Out: Hachimura/Maxi/Vandervilt/Vincent/Milton/FRP 31/SRP/Swap FRP 32

They downgrade their unprotected selection from 31 and lose depth... but they get two ideal fits for Luka... They need guys with good defense, lots of athleticism, and a vertical threat at all times to complete Luka... Claxton is also, in my opinion, one of the most mobile centers, best at switching defense and catching lobs... along with keeping Hayes... they recreate the Gafford/Lively combo..
also gets a late first-round pick..the Lakers have been excellent at finding hidden talent and this looks to be a draft loaded with good role players

HEAT
In: Hachimura/SRP 25 Lakers/3 SRP(KINGS)
Out: Wiggins

This sets them up for their 26-man FA plan.. they redeem Wiggins' contract for a younger wing, gain assets in the process and max space for 26 with Trae Young, Irving, Lavine, Bridges

KINGS
In: Vandervilt
Out:3 SRP

A team loaded with offensive talent, where everyone can shoot but lacking defense and size. Vandervilt would be a perfect fit, he's still young to be a long-term part and brings them the size and elite defense they so desperately need.

NETS
In:Maxi/Vincent/Milton/Lakers 31(unpro)/FRP 32 Swap
Out: Claxton/FRP Knicks

Claxton's contract expires, move some of the cap space to a more lucrative 2026 free agency and improve your draft picks by trading a late-round draft pick for an unprotected one.

[JB2]

LAKERS
In: Claxton/Wiggins /Knicks FRP
Out: Hachimura/Maxi/Vandervilt/Vincent/Milton/FRP 31/SRP

They downgrade their unprotected selection from 31 and lose depth... but they get two ideal fits for Luka... They need guys with good defense, lots of athleticism, and a vertical threat at all times to complete Luka... Claxton is also, in my opinion, one of the most mobile centers, best at switching defense and catching lobs... along with keeping Hayes... they recreate the Gafford/Lively combo..
also gets a late first-round pick..the Lakers have been excellent at finding hidden talent and this looks to be a draft loaded with good role players

HEAT
In: Hachimura/SRP 25 Lakers/3 SRP(KINGS)
Out: Wiggins

This sets them up for their 26-man FA plan.. they redeem Wiggins' contract for a younger wing, gain assets in the process and max space for 26 with Trae Young, Irving, Lavine, Bridges

KINGS
In: Vandervilt
Out:3 SRP

A team loaded with offensive talent, where everyone can shoot but lacking defense and size. Vandervilt would be a perfect fit, he's still young to be a long-term part and brings them the size and elite defense they so desperately need.

NETS
In:Maxi/Vincent/Milton/Lakers 31(unpro)
Out: Claxton/FRP Knicks

Claxton's contract expires, move some of the cap space to a more lucrative 2026 free agency and improve your draft picks by trading a late-round draft pick for an unprotected one.

I agree with Claxton being a top Laker target this summer but if Nets are willing to do Claxton and the NY 1st for Maxi, Gabe, Milton, and 31 1st, then nobody else needs to get involved. Lakers would take that and run.

I suspect Nets would have no interest in giving up a 1st in a Claxton to LA deal...

[Astaluego]

LAKERS
In: Claxton/Wiggins /Knicks FRP
Out: Hachimura/Maxi/Vandervilt/Vincent/Milton/FRP 31/SRP

They downgrade their unprotected selection from 31 and lose depth... but they get two ideal fits for Luka... They need guys with good defense, lots of athleticism, and a vertical threat at all times to complete Luka... Claxton is also, in my opinion, one of the most mobile centers, best at switching defense and catching lobs... along with keeping Hayes... they recreate the Gafford/Lively combo..
also gets a late first-round pick..the Lakers have been excellent at finding hidden talent and this looks to be a draft loaded with good role players

HEAT
In: Hachimura/SRP 25 Lakers/3 SRP(KINGS)
Out: Wiggins

This sets them up for their 26-man FA plan.. they redeem Wiggins' contract for a younger wing, gain assets in the process and max space for 26 with Trae Young, Irving, Lavine, Bridges

KINGS
In: Vandervilt
Out:3 SRP

A team loaded with offensive talent, where everyone can shoot but lacking defense and size. Vandervilt would be a perfect fit, he's still young to be a long-term part and brings them the size and elite defense they so desperately need.

NETS
In:Maxi/Vincent/Milton/Lakers 31(unpro)
Out: Claxton/FRP Knicks

Claxton's contract expires, move some of the cap space to a more lucrative 2026 free agency and improve your draft picks by trading a late-round draft pick for an unprotected one.

I agree with Claxton being a top Laker target this summer but if Nets are willing to do Claxton and the NY 1st for Maxi, Gabe, Milton, and 31 1st, then nobody else needs to get involved. Lakers would take that and run.

I suspect Nets would have no interest in giving up a 1st in a Claxton to LA deal...

I think the Lakers' unprotected 2031 pick is more valuable than the Knicks' 25 (26 now) at least potentially... maybe add a swap in 2032? What do you think about the Wiggins move?

[OxAndFox]

I didn't like it at the start but I would do it, only with other moves.

[Mavrelous]

Good deal IMO, only suspect is Kings portion, I doubt they give up a single 2nd to eat Vando
Lakers should also negotiate the swap out, unprotected 1st is plenty for Clax.

[Astaluego]

Good deal IMO, only suspect is Kings portion, I doubt they give up a single 2nd to eat Vando
Lakers should also negotiate the swap out, unprotected 1st is plenty for Clax.

The Lakers are getting back the Knicks' late-season FRP of 25 in the deal as well...is the Miami side okay?

[Astaluego]

I didn't like it at the start but I would do it, only with other moves.

What moves would you make? Vando is an excellent defender, I think he'd be great on a team full of shooters.

[axeman23]

LAKERS
In: Claxton/Wiggins /Knicks FRP
Out: Hachimura/Maxi/Vandervilt/Vincent/Milton/FRP 31/SRP

They downgrade their unprotected selection from 31 and lose depth... but they get two ideal fits for Luka... They need guys with good defense, lots of athleticism, and a vertical threat at all times to complete Luka... Claxton is also, in my opinion, one of the most mobile centers, best at switching defense and catching lobs... along with keeping Hayes... they recreate the Gafford/Lively combo..
also gets a late first-round pick..the Lakers have been excellent at finding hidden talent and this looks to be a draft loaded with good role players

HEAT
In: Hachimura/SRP 25 Lakers/3 SRP(KINGS)
Out: Wiggins

This sets them up for their 26-man FA plan.. they redeem Wiggins' contract for a younger wing, gain assets in the process and max space for 26 with Trae Young, Irving, Lavine, Bridges

KINGS
In: Vandervilt
Out:3 SRP

A team loaded with offensive talent, where everyone can shoot but lacking defense and size. Vandervilt would be a perfect fit, he's still young to be a long-term part and brings them the size and elite defense they so desperately need.

NETS
In:Maxi/Vincent/Milton/Lakers 31(unpro)
Out: Claxton/FRP Knicks

Claxton's contract expires, move some of the cap space to a more lucrative 2026 free agency and improve your draft picks by trading a late-round draft pick for an unprotected one.

I agree with Claxton being a top Laker target this summer but if Nets are willing to do Claxton and the NY 1st for Maxi, Gabe, Milton, and 31 1st, then nobody else needs to get involved. Lakers would take that and run.

I suspect Nets would have no interest in giving up a 1st in a Claxton to LA deal...

I think the Lakers' unprotected 2031 pick is more valuable than the Knicks' 25 (26 now) at least potentially... maybe add a swap in 2032? What do you think about the Wiggins move?

I feel the Miami move (over-pay) and Sac move (un-neccessary) are over-pays, I'd just work on the Brooklyn deal from LAL POV...

[Mavrelous]

Good deal IMO, only suspect is Kings portion, I doubt they give up a single 2nd to eat Vando
Lakers should also negotiate the swap out, unprotected 1st is plenty for Clax.

The Lakers are getting back the Knicks' late-season FRP of 25 in the deal as well...is the Miami side okay?

It can be removed, I think Miami does it, they want cap space in 26.

[BBallFreak]

Good deal IMO, only suspect is Kings portion, I doubt they give up a single 2nd to eat Vando
Lakers should also negotiate the swap out, unprotected 1st is plenty for Clax.

The Lakers are getting back the Knicks' late-season FRP of 25 in the deal as well...is the Miami side okay?

It can be removed, I think Miami does it, they want cap space in 26.

Maybe at the deadline we do it, bit it seems kinda meh for any other type of move. I'm also, admittedly, not a Rui fan so there's that.

[OxAndFox]

I didn't like it at the start but I would do it, only with other moves.

What moves would you make? Vando is an excellent defender, I think he'd be great on a team full of shooters.

I agree. He would be great on a team full of shooters. The thing is, Sabonis isn't a shooter. Even though I have messed around with the hey look he is a top 3pt% shooter this year.

Lavine is a shooter. Keegan is a shooter. Keon is a shooter. DDR...not so much. Sabonis...NO (not on volume). There are people that actually believe Deebo is a good overall basketball player. Myself? I believe he is a walking bucket that is more suited to Rucker Park. THE most selfish baller of his time.

Vando instead of DDR would be a serious upgrade to the team despite the lack of outside shooting from Sabonis and Vando.

As far as the other moves I would make. Well at this point in time I would ensure 2 things. Keon Ellis is the starting 2 guard and Keegan Murray is the starting 3.
So surround your team with that. If Lavine needs to be on the team he is the 1/2 with Keon and at least he has given semi effort on that end and can shoot the crap out of the ball. Everyone else is, get off the team if your can't shoot a 3 or defend.

[Astaluego]

I didn't like it at the start but I would do it, only with other moves.

What moves would you make? Vando is an excellent defender, I think he'd be great on a team full of shooters.

I agree. He would be great on a team full of shooters. The thing is, Sabonis isn't a shooter. Even though I have messed around with the hey look he is a top 3pt% shooter this year.

Lavine is a shooter. Keegan is a shooter. Keon is a shooter. DDR...not so much. Sabonis...NO (not on volume). There are people that actually believe Deebo is a good overall basketball player. Myself? I believe he is a walking bucket that is more suited to Rucker Park. THE most selfish baller of his time.

Vando instead of DDR would be a serious upgrade to the team despite the lack of outside shooting from Sabonis and Vando.

As far as the other moves I would make. Well at this point in time I would ensure 2 things. Keon Ellis is the starting 2 guard and Keegan Murray is the starting 3.
So surround your team with that. If Lavine needs to be on the team he is the 1/2 with Keon and at least he has given semi effort on that end and can shoot the crap out of the ball. Everyone else is, get off the team if your can't shoot a 3 or defend.

Kings
In:DJJ/Vandervilt/Milton
Out:DDR/2 SRP

Clippers
In:DDR+2 SRP
Out:DJJ/Bogdan/FRP 25

NETS
In: Bogdanovic/Maxi/Lakers31/Clippers FRP
Out: Claxton/Knicks FRP 25

Lakers
In: Claxton/Knicks FRP
Out:Maxi/Vandervilt/Milton/Lakers31 Unpro

[JKiddy]

Why would the Nets be in this trade?

[JKiddy]

You might as well just give the Nets Luka here and the Nets will add 3 1sts and Cam Johnson to this deal.

[Astaluego]

Why would the Nets be in this trade?

My suggestion is that they do it because they are at the beginning of a rebuild. Claxton is a role player who earns 25 million and is expendable. Does it seem like a bad idea to you to expire his contract and convert a selection at the end of the first round for an unprotected future?

[Astaluego]

The Lakers are getting back the Knicks' late-season FRP of 25 in the deal as well...is the Miami side okay?

It can be removed, I think Miami does it, they want cap space in 26.

Maybe at the deadline we do it, bit it seems kinda meh for any other type of move. I'm also, admittedly, not a Rui fan so there's that.

What if the LAKERS sign Kyle Anderson as a MLB pick? This saves the Heat +/-40 million for the 2026 season. Would that be better for Miami?

[JKiddy]

Why would the Nets be in this trade?

My suggestion is that they do it because they are at the beginning of a rebuild. Claxton is a role player who earns 25 million and is expendable. Does it seem like a bad idea to you to expire his contract and convert a selection at the end of the first round for an unprotected future?

But isn't Luka on the Lakers now? The Nets would not have interest anymore since the Lakers might be decent in 2031 UNLESS you think Luka will leave Los Angeles.

[wadenation305]

A bunch of second-rounders do not interest me