What happens next for the purple and gold? (via @) https://t.co/XjSRydFpSQ
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 14, 2020
Signed for Next Season: Alex Caruso, Quinn Cook (non-guaranteed), Danny Green, James, Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker
Player Options for Next Season: Avery Bradley, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Davis, JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo
So it is a decent possibility that all five players exercise their options and remain with the Lakers.
Free Agents Next Season: Jared Dudley, Dwight Howard, Markieff Morris, JR Smith and Dion Waiters
The most important FA’s are two of GM Rob Pelinka’s best signings, Howard and Morris. It is never easy to know what Dwight is thinking. Perhaps he’ll be willing to return for a low salary (after all, he’s made over $240 million throughout his career) for another shot at a ring on a team where he’s happy. Or perhaps not.
It is equally uncertain what Morris, who at age 31 has earned about $44 million, is thinking. He played a bigger role with the team as the postseason progressed, but just what will motivate him is unknown. He might want to make more than the Lakers can pay him, but he also might want to stay in a pleasant environment.
Another free agent not shown above because the Lakers released him is DeMarcus Cousins. He wants to play with LeBron and AD, and if he has physically recovered enough from a torn Achilles to contribute, there’s a good chance Boogie will sign with LA for a minimum contract.
It’s possible that the Lakers will need to replace one, two, or even more players that decide to sign elsewhere. They also may choose to try to upgrade the roster via a trade or two. But big changes are unlikely, and the Lakers roster next season will likely strongly resemble this year’s.
I think a lot hinges on whether the Lakers plan to make a trade, which would surely include Green for salary matching purposes and Kuzma and the pick for value purposes.
I see the Lakers wanting to keep both Dwight and Markieff but at what price will be the question. They have &9.5M nontaxpayer MLE but may want to use that for a key free agent like Aaron Baynes, which could impact what they’re willing to pay Howard and/or Morris.
McGee is a potential trade target, especially if Dwight opts to stay and the Lakers re-sign Boogie as expected. If he was smart, JaVale would likely ask them about this before declining to exercise his player option. Better to decide where you want to play then get traded there. Bradley might be able to get more money elsewhere and knows the team did well without him. He should ask too. I would think the Lakers would be honest with both players about their intentions.
How coronavirus affects arena attendance is likely to also impact teams’ decisions on free agents and expensive contracts. Lakers might find opportunities to trade Green’s expiring contract and filler for a star player on a multiple year deal. Depends on whether the focus is win now or preserve cap space for the following offseason. I would like to see the Lakers look to improve the team now rather than risk waiting and losing out like they did with Kawhi. If it’s a great player on a good contract, you can always find a way to move them if needed. And sign and trades have become more prevalent than free agency signings.