After dealing two of their biggest assets, the Lakers are probably done making splashy moves in the trade market, writes @RadRivas. https://t.co/aTFQPe0iiH pic.twitter.com/L5rkw4UGpt
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) November 16, 2020
Assuming Bradley and McGee both opt in, the Lakers will have an additional $9.2 million they can send out in a trade. They can also keep them around, of course, but that number — in addition to Quinn Cook’s non-guaranteed $3 million salary — is notable because it makes a trade package revolved around Kyle Kuzma more realistic.
That being said, it’s more likely that Bradley and Kuzma stick around now than it was before because they both offer the Lakers some defense on the perimeter, something they lost a decent amount of by trading Green. Cook and McGee are more expendable, but it’s hard to imagine the Lakers getting much back for them in a trade.
Unless the Lakers are committed to opening up the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, it’s safe to assume they’ll be on the roster on opening night. In other words, the Lakers are probably done making splashy trades this offseason.
I actually disagree with Christian Rivas. I think the Lakers will make another trade involving Kyle Kuzma. It doesn’t make sense to keep him because he will be a RFA next season and they could likely lose him for nothing. Better to trade him now or at the trade deadline if they can’t make a good deal now.
I expect Bradley to exercise his player option and McGee to decide not to opt out, which means the Lakers will only have McGee’s $4.2M and Cook’s $3.0M to go with Kuzma’s $3.5M, a total of $10.7, which means they could bring back a player making as much as $13.5. Can they find a player who fits for that amount from a team looking for a young star like Kuzma? I bet they have somebody in mind.
If the Rockets are blowing things up, PJ Tucker and Robert Covington make less than $13.5. And they get a young star and a shot blocking center.
The Pistons have interest in Flynt, MI native Kuzma and Christian Wood S&T or straight up swap for Luke Kennard could work.
Maybe a S&T with the Knicks for Mo Harkless or with any number of teams for a shooter or wing defender. There are going to be more players looking for arond $10M than teams with that much cap space of the NT MLE. Lakers will be hard capped to sign Ibaka to the NT MLE so why not do a S&T?
I also think the Lakers are looking at the $9.6M NT MLE as the way to sign Serge Ibaka. Lakers need to modernize the center position. Howard is likely to get a good offer from the Warriors and McGee has become unplayable. Ibaka and Cousins should be the Lakers centers next season. Size, rim protection, and 3-point shooting.
Bottom line, Rob ain’t done yet.