Ayton and Dosunmu to the Lakers

[babyjax13]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

[JRoy]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

[babyjax13]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

The issue w/Ayton is that he's so hard to move on that big of a salary. Smaller contracts might be easier. But yah, this was the part I struggled with - what is fair compensation for moving that huge single salary but returning a bunch of bad salary, as well? Is it offset a bit if Portland can flip Rui and the 2nds for an expiring (which seems ... possible)? etc.

[cucad8]

I would assume Rui has some value that can be obtained by flipping him, so I'd do this for Portland. I'd prefer to figure out something directly with LA, prefer that pick to ours returned, but not sure how PDX can make up the value of Ayo going there.

[JRoy]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

The issue w/Ayton is that he's so hard to move on that big of a salary. Smaller contracts might be easier. But yah, this was the part I struggled with - what is fair compensation for moving that huge single salary but returning a bunch of bad salary, as well? Is it offset a bit if Portland can flip Rui and the 2nds for an expiring (which seems ... possible)? etc.

That’s fair.

It’s tough to find a deal for Ayton that satisfies all parties.

Vincent and Vando are straight bad contracts and Rui might or might not be in the same category.

Getting off DA has value, but getting stuck with LALs trash and SRP not worth doing the deal.

Not sure any deal for DA happens. Hoping he expires and is not resigned.

[babyjax13]

I would assume Rui has some value that can be obtained by flipping him, so I'd do this for Portland. I'd prefer to figure out something directly with LA, prefer that pick to ours returned, but not sure how PDX can make up the value of Ayo going there.

If it is Grant instead of Ayton then Rui/Vincent/Vanderbilt/JHS for Grant/RWill works for salary (then add the pick). The Lakers would still need to figure out the guard position, IMO.

[SlimShady83]

Ayton's too much salary and If I'm trading a FRP I'm trading for younger, but maybe that's me.

If you take out the FRP and maybe just ad 2or 3 srp's ... Then sure?.

[ChettheJet]

It's not the move the Bulls really need to make but they wold do it. Lonzo Ball is playing like Lonzo Ball, so the glut of guards is even worse. Craig is sort of injured and not playing much. Turning that PORT pick into something real is great even if it's 6 years out.

Can't imagine the Lakers wanting Ayton for as long or as much as he's due. But they only give up the usual trade package. Add and adjust, Vucevic going to LAL, and Ayton to the Bulls, send J Carter somewhere and maybe more teams are happy

[JRoy]

It's not the move the Bulls really need to make but they wold do it. Lonzo Ball is playing like Lonzo Ball, so the glut of guards is even worse. Craig is sort of injured and not playing much. Turning that PORT pick into something real is great even if it's 6 years out.

Can't imagine the Lakers wanting Ayton for as long or as much as he's due. But they only give up the usual trade package. Add and adjust, Vucevic going to LAL, and Ayton to the Bulls, send J Carter somewhere and maybe more teams are happy

I think Carter, the POR pick and salary to POR works

[meekrab]

Feels light for Chicago, Ayo's not a world beater but he's also playing basketball today rather than 5 years from now.

[jbk1234]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

I don't see anyway Portland turns this down.

[tacos]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

I don't see anyway Portland turns this down.

Next season Ayton will be an expiring contract... whereas whoever has Vanderbilt will notice that they are paying him and paying for his medical bills until the year 2028

The Blazers currently sit under the tax so this year's Ayton contract does not hurt them and again next year will be expiring

By not making this trade the Blazers do not need to cut and wave Jabari they do not need to cut and wave Banton

All I really see this trade doing for them is collecting a couple second round picks

And having the other two centers does for Clingan is provide quality opponents during practice which is the Unseen aspect of development

So again mark me down as the no bad contracts for two second round picks group thank you

[Butter]

I waffled on whether this trade works best with Ayton or Grant, but here is a shot at a different-than-usual target for the Lakers filler salary.

LAL trades: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3), 2025 LAC 2nd
in: DeAndre Ayton, Ayo Dosunmu, Torrey Craig
This trade isn't sexy. Ayton isn't more than a borderline starting caliber player, but he can be a minutes sponge that has big games now and then and is probably on-par with if not slightly better than Hachimura. Dosunmu gives them a borderline starting caliber guard who fits with their team, and Craig is another good 3+D guy to sure up the defense. Dosumu - Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD or Reaves - DFS - LeBron - AD - Ayton gives them some optionality to play big or small.

CHI trades: Ayo Dosumu, Torrey Craig, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd)
in: Christian Wood, Duop Reath, 2029 LAL 1st (1-8, 1-5, 1-3)
Chicago gets a high-upside swing without taking on future money.

POR trades: DeAndre Ayton, Duop Reath
in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2025 POR 1st (1-14 thru 2028, otherwise 2nd), 2025 LAC 2nd
Portland opens up minutes for Clingan to be their starter, quits playing this game of playing bad veterans in front of younger players. They also get some flexibility back returning their first + a second. This is the most questionable part of the deal to me b/c they aren't getting any savings, but I do think it makes sense for their roster composition.

2 bad contracts, possibly 3 for 2 SRP.

POR will pass.

Seeing DA sent is great though. Bon voyage.

I don't see anyway Portland turns this down.

I can think of lots:

Vanderbilt: $10,714,286 $11,571,429 $12,428,571 $13,285,714
Hachimura: $17,000,000 $18,259,259
Vincent: $11,000,000 $11,500,000
Hood-Schilling: $3,879,830

I acknowledge that this breaks up Ayton's deal into smaller parts, but it adds two additional years with Vandy.

I would much rather wait till next year when Ayton becomes an expiring deal and trade him to a salary capped teams looking to dump a star to get under the salary aprons.

Plus - it's a joke that people keep trying to send the Blazers back the pick from the Bulls. It is true that it frees them up to trade future picks, but that 1st is NEVER going to convey to Chicago until it transitions to a second.

If anything, cut out Chicago and send the Lakers 1st to Portland

[Walton1one]

Good post Butter,

I think this deal would depend on what POR could get for Vanderbilt. Could they re-route him for another player\contract\draft assets right away or in the offseason? Possibly?

JHS is expiring
Vincent & Rui expire same time as Ayton, Rui, might have some value in trade to another team probably not a lot), outside chance POR values him as a b\u?

This boils down to, what assets could POR get for Ayton's expiring $35mil deal next offseason\deadline vs. what could they get for Vanderbilt\Rui + LAL (LAC) 25' 2nd. I agree that I am not sure CHI sending POR pick back has significant value, as I seriously doubt it conveys in 25 or 26, maybe in 27 or 28? Would be nice to get back though

[Butter]

Good post Butter,

I think this deal would depend on what POR could get for Vanderbilt. Could they re-route him for another player\contract\draft assets right away or in the offseason? Possibly?

JHS is expiring
Vincent & Rui expire same time as Ayton, Rui, might have some value in trade to another team probably not a lot), outside chance POR values him as a b\u?

This boils down to, what assets could POR get for Ayton's expiring $35mil deal next offseason\deadline vs. what could they get for Vanderbilt\Rui + LAL (LAC) 25' 2nd. I agree that I am not sure CHI sending POR pick back has significant value, as I seriously doubt it conveys in 25 or 26, maybe in 27 or 28? Would be nice to get back though

Agreed

[nzahir]

We still need a #3 playmaker and our 3rd Forward is Torrey Craig.....

We need a 3rd playmaker and a backup C as the main targets

Then look to upgrade Rui if possible

[Dez]

No thanks, would rather keep Ayo than take a late first.