OKC <> LAL

[Saints14]

OKC out: #15
OKC in: 2031 top 4 protected LAL FRP

LAL out: 2031 top 4 protected LAL FRP
LAL in: #15


Why for OKC? They have a rock solid rotation and are already adding Topic to it next year so it'll be really tough for a rookie to break in. They'll need a draft asset more in the future than right now for either cheap talent or as a trade asset, and still have #24 to draft a developmental player.

Why for LAL? 2026 might be their only real shot to seriously contend with Luka and LeBron so they get some immediate help on a rookie deal that can also help maximize Luka's prime over the next 4 seasons. There are some quality center prospects that should be available at 15, and they already tried trading this pick for Mark Williams

[ReggiesKnicks]

Just some food for thought this was a trade 2 years ago, in 2023.

OKC Out: #37, 2024 1st (Worst of multiple teams), 2024 2nd
DEN Out: 2029 1st (Top 5 protected)

Do you think the #15 pick is similar in value to 2 2nds and "Worst of multiple picks" 1st?

[Saints14]

Just some food for thought this was a trade 2 years ago, in 2023.

OKC Out: #37, 2024 1st (Worst of multiple teams), 2024 2nd
DEN Out: 2029 1st (Top 5 protected)

Do you think the #15 pick is similar in value to 2 2nds and "Worst of multiple picks" 1st?

That's a good comparison. I'd take the #15 pick but I think it's probably close, given that the teams OKC owned 2024 picks of included the Rockets (22 wins in 2023), Jazz (37 wins in 2023) and Clippers (44 wins in 2023) plus their own (40 wins in 2023). So Denver probably figured they'd be getting a pick in the late teens or early 20s and got unlucky that OKC finished with the best record in the Western Conference

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Terrible for the Lakers imo.

[Texas Chuck]

Terrible for the Lakers imo.

Premature is the word I would choose. Is LA doing this because they have a trade and they need a 25 1st for another team? Maybe you do this. Or is that pick OTC and there is a player there the Lakers can't believe is available and they are in love with them? Maybe you do this. Now maybe the value needs tweaking but the basic idea could be sound.

But today? Just to trade a future pick for a current pick? Yeah I don't see why they would want to do that.

[BigGargamel]

If the Lakers trade any draft picks, I think it's for an established player. I doubt they have interest trading future picks for a mid 1st rounder in a mediocre draft.

This would be a smart move by the Thunder but I don't think the Lakers are a realistic trade partner for something like this.

[ReggiesKnicks]

This would be a move like what Minnesota did last year. Their top prospect(s) is available in the Mid-Late lottery and a team is happy trading out.

Ironically the Spurs at #14 are more likely to do this than OKC since they may not want to add more than one rookie.

OKC seems like a team who would combine assets to get their guy by moving up from #15, not trading #15 for a future 1st.

Portland is another team I could see trading out.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Terrible for the Lakers imo.

Premature is the word I would choose. Is LA doing this because they have a trade and they need a 25 1st for another team? Maybe you do this. Or is that pick OTC and there is a player there the Lakers can't believe is available and they are in love with them? Maybe you do this. Now maybe the value needs tweaking but the basic idea could be sound.

But today? Just to trade a future pick for a current pick? Yeah I don't see why they would want to do that.

I'm generally lean towards high variance over a middle of the draft pick. Would teams rather have 15 for a role player or wait for some upside potential? The prospects at 15 year to year are pretty meh. I think pick 12 is where the talent drop occurs most year. Can steal some talent around there.

[scoobs07]

I would do it. Lakers cant afford to be waiting around until free agency to see what plays out. This is a good, smart, proactive trade. I applauded Minnesota's thinking in the 2024 NBA draft when they traded their 2031 1st and 2030 swap for the 8th pick (Rob Dillingham). The Lakers are seriously lacking size and athleticism. This could be their opportunity to get that, particularly athleticism. Now, I would prefer to trade for two lower 1st though, like BKN for #26 and #27. OKC trade could also be expanded to include #24. Lakers ad #55 and 2030 swap.