The Los Angeles Lakers have arguably been the most active in the NBA this offseason. Having made several significant signings to compensate for the players heading out this summer, the Purple and Gold seem to have revamped their entire roster. Still, it can be argued that the front office still has more in store.
Recent reports indicated that the Lakers were pursuing Jonathan Kuminga. However, with Matisse Thybulle’s signing becoming official, the team appears to be headed in a different direction. With 16 roster spots filled out, L.A. must clear out one more before the season begins.
Thus, while also keeping the team’s requirements in mind, NBA insider Jake Weinbach shared a three-team trade proposal that could fulfill each demand. Here is Weinbach’s trade idea:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: PJ Washington
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 second-round pick (WAS), 2033 second-round pick (LAL), 2032 first-round pick swap
Chicago Bulls Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2032 second-round pick swap (LAL)
According to recent rumors circulating the league, the Lakers have shown interest in acquiring P.J. Washington from the Dallas Mavericks. Although the circumstances weren’t favorable earlier, after pivoting from Kuminga, trading for the Mavericks‘ forward may prove beneficial.
Weinbach’s trade proposal features the Chicago Bulls, who have likely been mentioned as the third team to help facilitate this deal. Since balancing the finances is a large part of this transaction, including a team like Chicago with ample cap space seems sensible. Hence, with several other variables also involved, we closely examine the finer aspects of this proposal.
Financial Outlook
From a financial standpoint, this three-team trade could be cutting it close.
P.J. Washington‘s $19.8 million salary sets the tone for this deal. Given the Lakers’ total payroll of $207.1 million, the team would have to part with at least $17.9 million to remain below the first apron. By offloading Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million) and Dalton Knecht ($4.2 million), the Purple and Gold would clear only $16.6 million in salary, which is $1.3 million short of their desired mark.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks and Bulls find themselves in relatively comfortable positions to execute this deal. Since Dallas shed roughly $3.2 million with this trade, and the Bulls take on only $4.2 million by acquiring Knecht, neither team faces much financial backlash.
Needless to say, this scenario has a greater impact on the Lakers, who would likely go over the first apron. Given the sheer tax implications, the team may realistically be forced to offload more salaries to remain in a better fiscal position.
The Impact Of This Trade Scenario
Realistically, the impact of this trade is felt mainly by the Lakers and the Mavericks. For the Bulls, this trade is largely meaningless as the franchise effectively acts as a mediator. Still, by adding a talented young scorer with sharpshooting upside like Knecht (4.2 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 45.5% FG), along with a second-round pick swap, Chicago may gain something meaningful from a depth perspective.
In the Mavericks’ case, this trade scenario is another way to continue their rebuild. While parting with P.J. Washington may not be the preferred approach, given the sheer quantity of draft assets they could gain in return, Dallas may be more inclined to complete this trade.
Aside from multiple second-round picks and a first-round pick swap, the Mavs would also acquire Jarred Vanderbilt. Though Vanderbilt is widely regarded as one of the worst contracts in the league, the forward has upside as a versatile defender and a rebounder.
Last season, the 27-year-old didn’t receive many opportunities, posting only 17.4 minutes per game. Hence, his averages of 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game may not stand out. However, when highlighting Dallas’ need for a defender who can guard multiple positions, Vanderbilt could be an appropriate short-term addition.
Acquiring Vanderbilt could be a solid move for Dallas, but it is clear that the Mavs stand to gain much more from the incoming draft capital. Thus, it is more likely that the 27-year-old would be flipped again after being acquired in such a deal.
Unlike the Mavericks, the Lakers stand to gain more from the player asset they receive in this trade. With P.J. Washington being acquired in this scenario, Los Angeles becomes significantly more formidable.
Washington has established himself as a reliable veteran forward. While possessing a versatile offensive skill set, the 27-year-old also contributes as a strong rebounder and floor-spacing big man.
Last season, the forward played a huge role for the Mavericks during Anthony Davis‘ prolonged absence. In 31.0 minutes per game, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range.
Although he’s only 6’7″, Washington serves as a phenomenal small-ball big man. With keen rebounding instincts, athleticism, and versatility, he positions himself as a promising two-way threat while also fulfilling his duties as a role player. Given the Lakers’ need to solidify their frontcourt before the new campaign, adding a player like PJ Washington would be nothing short of ideal.
Can The Lakers Land PJ Washington?
The Purple and Gold’s interest in P.J. Washington is more than justified. When gauging what he brings to the table, it is abundantly clear that his skill set aligns with Los Angeles’ requirements. Unfortunately, acquiring the 27-year-old, especially with the aforementioned package, may not be possible.
For starters, Washington appears to be integral to the Mavericks’ rotation. Although he and Cooper Flagg have a small overlap in position, with Flagg being asked to play a more versatile role as a point forward, Dallas clearly intends to surround its star player with reliable veteran talent to facilitate his development. On that note, letting go of Washington doesn’t make sense.
Additionally, even if the Mavericks were willing to part with Washington, a deal that only sees them gain second-round picks and Jarred Vanderbilt may not be sufficient. Had Vanderbilt been on an expiring contract, there might have still been some possibility to make this deal work, but in the current scenario, this seems less likely.
Finally, for the Lakers, acquiring P.J. Washington without clearing up enough salary would be largely counterintuitive. Given that the forward still has four years left on his contract and is owed roughly $88.7 million over that period, Los Angeles may be taking on too much. Hence, it would be more advisable to look at short-term, low-cost options.