LAL/CHA/NYK

[NCHeels2008]

Lakers send:
Kyle Kuzma ($3.6m outgoing)

receive:
Devonte Graham

why? Lakers could really use another playmaker after LBJ and Schroder. An injury to Dennis could be fatal in a playoff run, this gives them a bit more breathing room in terms of shooting and playmaking. This also finally clears the AD/LeBron/Kuzma logjam where they could all play together but it's been less than ideal.

Charlotte sends:
Devonte Graham
Cody Zeller

receives:
Kyle Kuzma ($10.6 incoming due to PPP)
Theo Pinson

why for Charlotte? This rebalances the roster as they were too heavy on guards and could use additional size. This only works if Charlotte gets another center via trade or buyout market. My understanding is with $16.9m outgoing and $12m incoming due to PPP this successfully balances for salary rule purposes.

NYK send:
Theo Pinson

receives:
Cody Zeller

Why for New York? I've read Knicks fans posting about a lack of satisfaction with Noel. I don't watch enough Knicks games enough to know if he is an issue, but Cody certainly shores up the position and gives them a great backup for games where Robinson is in foul trouble or hurt. If they have a more compelling use for their cap space they should go for it, but this could be a good deadline deal as a rental. I see Cody's value as a net neutral at $15.4m expiring.

[Apz]

Isnt hornets pretty stacked on PF already? Feels its more C they need or am i wrong?

[NCHeels2008]

I envision a 3 man rotation of Kuzma/PJ and Bridges, pushing GH to the backcourt against bigger teams and playing one of them at center against smaller teams. Long-term I think they should be looking to keep Monk as the only smaller guard as Rozier plays defense bigger than his size and the rest of the major players would be 6 5+ and switch friendly. Again, the center hole definitely needs to be plugged. But long-term shifting size up from Graham to Kuzma would be a good move for them IMO and makes them more versatile.

[Resistance]

With LAL needing to preserve Davis and LeBron for the playoffs, I have them reluctant to send out front court depth in Kuzma.

[spankymoore7]

Why does Charlotte trade their only really center and their backup point guard to have three power forwards who need minutes? This doesn't make much sense for Charlotte

[BuzzCity]

Why does Charlotte trade their only really center and their backup point guard to have three power forwards who need minutes? This doesn't make much sense for Charlotte

Not much sense at all

[Rockazoids]

NY is not going to take on $14 M for Cody Zeller. There is a lot of better options out there for their cap space.

[HornetJail]

yeah, nonstarter for Charlotte.

[Knickfan1982]

Lakers send:
Kyle Kuzma ($3.6m outgoing)

receive:
Devonte Graham

why? Lakers could really use another playmaker after LBJ and Schroder. An injury to Dennis could be fatal in a playoff run, this gives them a bit more breathing room in terms of shooting and playmaking. This also finally clears the AD/LeBron/Kuzma logjam where they could all play together but it's been less than ideal.

Charlotte sends:
Devonte Graham
Cody Zeller

receives:
Kyle Kuzma ($10.6 incoming due to PPP)
Theo Pinson

why for Charlotte? This rebalances the roster as they were too heavy on guards and could use additional size. This only works if Charlotte gets another center via trade or buyout market. My understanding is with $16.9m outgoing and $12m incoming due to PPP this successfully balances for salary rule purposes.

NYK send:
Theo Pinson

receives:
Cody Zeller

Why for New York? I've read Knicks fans posting about a lack of satisfaction with Noel. I don't watch enough Knicks games enough to know if he is an issue, but Cody certainly shores up the position and gives them a great backup for games where Robinson is in foul trouble or hurt. If they have a more compelling use for their cap space they should go for it, but this could be a good deadline deal as a rental. I see Cody's value as a net neutral at $15.4m expiring.

No compensation for taking on all that money for someone who'd be our 3rd string center. No thank you.