RealGM

LAL gets: Saric, #15, #24, #44, 2027 OKC 2nd, 2028 OKC 2nd, 2029 OKC 2nd (highest between MIA,OKC,HOU,ATL)

DEN gets: Knecht, 2029 OKC 2nd (lowest between OKC,DEN,HOU,MIA)

OKC gets: 2031 LAL 1st(top-5 protected), 2031 DEN 1st(unprotected), #55

Why for Lakers?
Can draft a couple bigs and a 3 and D player. Still have Lebron, but also should start looking to get players more on Luka and AR's timeline. Could significantly improve speed and athleticism. Easier to do that in draft vs trades and free agency. Unfortunately have to absorb Saric, who is basically another wasted roster spot, but gets additional compensation withe the three future 2nds.

Why for Nuggets
The hometown kid Knecht would complement Jokic very well. They really could use his shooting. Already have good defensive players in Braun, Peyton, etc.

Why for Thunder?
Trade their current picks and future 2nds for an investment of two 2031 picks years down the line is a good deal for them.

I think maybe these deals aren't for you? Nobody is giving up an unprotected 1st for Knecht and a worst of 2nd round pick.

I think you are really missing part of these trades, and that lies in the simplicity.

Remove all these random moving parts, read the tea leaves so to speak.

Denver is giving up an unprotected 1st for Dalton Knecht.

If Denver is willing to do this, the Lakers just take that deal and run for the hills. No reason to include OKC.

Texas Chuck wrote:I think maybe these deals aren't for you? Nobody is giving up an unprotected 1st for Knecht and a worst of 2nd round pick.

LOL. I respect your take.

No one is trading an unprotected future pick for Knecht. I doubt any team would even tie up their future drafts and offer a lottery protected pick for him more than a single year out.