A proposed 3-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets that would allow the Lakers to acquire Herb Jones in exchange for Rui Hachimura, a first-round pick, and a second-round pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers' season has become increasingly difficult in recent weeks.
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura
Rui Hachimura
MIN: 30.68
PTS: 12 (53.27%)
REB: 3.5
AS: 0.81
ST: 0.59
BL: 0.25
TO: 0.78
GM: 32
Between Austin Reaves' injuries, rumors about LeBron James' future, and a defense that is almost never effective, the LA franchise must do something to avoid falling out of the playoff picture.
The number one priority must be to bring in a defensive player who can add more solidity to the team.
New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones would undoubtedly fit the bill, even if he is not yet an exceptionally gifted offensive player.
The main problem for the Lakers in this case is that the Pelicans are demanding multiple first-round picks to let Jones go, and the Los Angeles management, at least for now, does not seem convinced of the cost of making such a costly investment in future picks.
Therefore, I included the Brooklyn Nets in this hypothetical trade scenario.
Credit AP - Scanpix
Herb Jones trade to the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers receive
Herb Jones
New Orleans Pelicans receive
2027 first-round pick (from Brooklyn)
2031 first-round pick (from the Lakers)
Noah Clowney
Brooklyn Nets receive
Rui Hachimura
2032 second-round pick (from the Lakers)
Why it makes sense for the Lakers
For the Lakers, the reason is pretty obvious: the Los Angeles franchise needs to add a high-profile defender, and Herb Jones is probably one of the best they can try to get with the limited assets they have available.
Herb Jones is one of the best perimeter defenders around, and his defensive versatility could be a perfect fit alongside Luka Doncic.
Sacrificing another first-round pick is the least the Lakers can do if they want to maximize their chances of winning the title.
Why it makes sense for the Pelicans
For New Orleans, the trade only makes sense if they get a decent return in future picks.
In this scenario, the Pelicans would receive a 2027 first-round pick from the Nets and a 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers, which could be a reasonable price to pay for sacrificing one of their best players.
If the plan is to start from scratch, two future first-round picks are indeed very useful.
Why it makes sense for the Nets
In this scenario, the Nets would act as facilitators by absorbing Rui Hachimura's expiring contract from the Lakers and giving up one of their first-round picks in 2027.
Credit AP - Scanpix
With plenty of salary cap space available, the Nets are one of the ideal teams to be involved in this type of trade.
Orazio Cauchi
Orazio Cauchi started his career in basketball at 21, having worked for several years at Sportando as the lead writer of the website. He also covered several live events, including the Euroleague Final Four, Italian Cups, Serie A league finals, and EuroBasket. He also contributed to American media, such as LibertyBallers and Def Pen Hoops. Cauchi joined BasketNews in 2021 as a Staff Writer. Holds a degree in Politics & International Relations.
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