Russell Westbrook is the first NBA MVP to be traded in consecutive offseasons. pic.twitter.com/hcDgzTlw1o
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 3, 2020
Posts
Anthony Davis finalizing five-year max contract with Los Angeles Lakers!
All-NBA forward Anthony Davis is finalizing a five-year, $190M maximum contract to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers, @KlutchSports CEO Rich Paul tells ESPN. The deal includes an early termination option prior to fifth season in 2024-2025. Deal could be signed as soon as today.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 3, 2020
Russell goes to the Chucker graveyard of the NBA
Russell Westbrook is the first NBA MVP to be traded in consecutive offseasons. pic.twitter.com/hcDgzTlw1o
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 3, 2020
AD took the logic route
Davis could have gone the short-term route and enter FA in 2022 when he would have 10 years of service. He chose the option (and smart) of $190M in guaranteed money. He is young enough to get another crack of the FA apple in 2024. https://t.co/Fipf1xDwNm
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 3, 2020
Contract details
With Knicks now pursuing Drummond and Heat hot to trade for Lowry, the Lakers may need a suden change in direction to get the playmaking, 3-point shooting point guard and elite stretch rim protecting center they need to cover injuries and repeat as champs.
This would be a steep price to pay for a 28-year old elite point guard and modern center but it’s the kind of dramatic bold move the Lakers may need to consider to prevent losing the opportunity to win their 28th NBA championship. Both players are locked into what today are bargain3-year contracts: $21 million per year for Brogdon and $18 million for Turner.
The trade would leave the Lakers with a fabulous starting lineup all under multiple year contracts of Brogdan, Kuzma, James, Davis, and Turner with reserves of Caruso, Matthews, Morris, and Gasol, plus whomever they can sign via the buyout market.