Recent Lakers rumors are that they are going to try and engage the Atlanta Hawks in a trade to clear some cap space.
With the NBA Draft underway, there has been a lot of Lakers rumors about how they will be trying to create the optimal cap space for the summer. A few days ago, the Lakers and the Pelicans agreed to a trade that will be sending Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.
However, the timing of the trade and how much money the Lakers would have in free agency was something that was still uncertain. The Pelicans have reportedly traded the 4th overall pick that they acquired to the Atlanta Hawks, creating a possible third team for the Lakers to dump some contracts on.
Atlanta has acquired New Orleans No. 4 pick in the draft for No. 8 and 17 and 35, league sources tell ESPN. Pelicans are sending Solomon Hill, No. 57 pick and a future second-round pick.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2019
While the Pelicans continue to make the most out of trading Anthony Davis, the Lakers will now continue to try and do the same. Whether it be a third star or multiple role players, the Lakers want more cap flexibility.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers are trying to engage the Hawks to hopefully make this a three-team deal and create the cap space for a third max free agent. Here’s what McMenamin had to say with text via SilverScreenAndRoll.com.
"“They’re gonna try to engage Atlanta to try and get them involved and make it a three-team deal. They’ve got to dump some salary here, Isaac Bonga, Moe Wagner [and] Jemerrio Jones’ non-guaranteed contract to try to open up space for a max-level free agent they can go after.”"
The Lakers are certainly going to try and do all they can to get rid of the contracts of Isaac Bonga, Moritz Wagner, and Jemerrio Jones so they can have as much cap space as possible.
Whether it be a third star, or multiple role players, the Lakers need to fill out the roster well to make the most of the dynamic duo that is LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
We will have to wait and see how the discussions go between the Hawks and the Lakers, but this certainly means that there is at least a possibility still of the Lakers being able to have another max slot for a free agent.