The Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks could find themselves engaging in a trade discussion this offseason. With major changes spurring the organizations forward, both storied franchises could look to be of benefit to one another.
The Lakers have been linked to the Knicks in trade proposals, primarily for their big man, Mitchell Robinson. This is due to the Lakers' dire need for a big man to fill out their frontcourt.
While the Purple and Gold have placed a great value in adding big man depth, it hasn't been their only goal this offseason. The organization has focused on cultivating wing depth as well.
Having a solid three-and-D player, who can lock down on defense and knock down timely shots from the perimeter, is a necessity in the modern game. Although the Lakers had a reliable player in Dorian Finney-Smith fulfilling that role, the forward has opted out of his contract to test the free agent market.
But this is not the most troubling news to come out of LA this offseason. Much to the franchise's dismay, their guard, Austin Reaves, declined the four-year, $90 million max extension, which will make him a free agent next summer.
The notion of seeing the guard leave without getting anything in return would be rather troublesome to the team. In light of this, a potential trade exploration this summer would help the Lakers acquire some talent to help them stay competitive.
Meanwhile, the Knicks also find themselves in a difficult position. After an underwhelming end to their postseason campaign, New York appears to be undergoing some major changes, including personnel. During this chaos, players such as Mikal Bridges appear to be on the trading block.
Given the kind of state both teams are in, the Knicks and the Lakers could look to aid each other by engaging in a swap for Bridges and Reaves. Here's what a potential trade package would look like:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Mikal Bridges, 2026 first-round pick
New York Knicks Receive: Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith
In its way, this trade addresses some basic problems at both times while also helping them become more competitive.
For the Lakers, the addition of Bridges effectively transforms their frontcourt. The 28-year-old is one of the most durable players in the league, considering that he hasn't missed a single game of his career. His availability is only matched by his consistency as a two-way player, the type the Lakers are in desperate need of.
Bridges is one of the best two-way players in the game. His offense isn't purely limited to shooting three-pointers, as he is quite an adept shot creator in the midrange and slasher while driving to the basket.
The forward's biggest asset is his defensive upside. His length and athleticism allow him to switch multiple defensive assignments, and his keen sense gives him the upper hand in most duels, helping him pick off passes and players mid-dribble.
Bridges' averages of 17.6 points on shooting splits of 50.0% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc make him an incredible asset to have.
Factoring in his defensive contributions of 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks a game from last season also proves to be quite valuable. The forward's unrelenting effort on both ends of the floor could be great for the Purple and Gold, who will need players to compensate for Luka Doncic's shortcomings on defense.
And to top it off, this deal also sees the arrival of a key first-round pick, something the Lakers will be in dire need of as they continue to build for the future.
Meanwhile, the Knicks benefit greatly from making this trade. While losing Bridges does hurt their defensive rotation, the arrival of Dorian Finney-Smith more than makes up for it.
Finney-Smith is likely to be a sign-and-trade player, but his defensive output is truly remarkable. Factoring in his defensive presence, with his 41.1% shooting from beyond the arc, will quickly see him become a mainstay on the Knicks' roster.
The biggest incoming asset remains Austin Reaves. Reaves is widely considered one of the best third options in the league. His creativity as an offensive player, scoring and playmaking, sees him rated alongside some of the best.
Reaves' ability to carry a team's offense on his own was what made him so valuable in LA. His skill at creating shots for himself was only matched by his ability to make them in clutch situations.
Reaves' averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists are beyond impressive, and in many ways, fitting for a third star.
If the 27-year-old heads over to the Eastern Conference, he will find himself in a different setting. This could either see him transform into a better player or stagnate. The growth is purely dependent upon the environment New York can create, which requires them to successfully hire a head coach for next season.
It is hard to project what kind of impact Reaves would have on the system primarily because, without a coach, the Knicks don't have a system. But being featured with Jalen Brunson would undoubtedly make for a formidable backcourt duo in New York.
The Lakers May Not Do This Deal
While this deal has mutual merit, there is a better than even chance that the teams don't do this.
With LeBron James opting in to his contract, the Purple and Gold will see him become a free agent next season. With $52.6 million coming off the books, the Lakers will have the flexibility to offer Reaves a massive five-year, $246 million extension, ensuring that he remains and grows with the team as an integral part of the rotation.
Instead, greater concerns associated with James emerge after having expressed that he will request a trade in case the team isn't competitive enough.
Regardless, the team will continue its search for wing depth. Having targeted players such as Andrew Wiggins in trade talks, the Lakers' front office will remain hard at work to ensure some deals go through.
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