4. D.J. Augustin
The Orlando Magic are another team that may consider trading away it’s veteran pieces in lieu of undergoing a rebuild should the season go south. If that’s the case — and it may very well be — given that the team is 3-7, then the Lakers should inquire about D.J. Augustin.
As of right now, Augustin is playing solid rotation minutes for the Magic, as the team attempts to rehabilitate former No. 1 overall pick, Markelle Fultz. But as the season goes along and Fultz finds his footing, Augustin could lose minutes, and eventually his starting job to him.
Given he’s the most obvious trade chip at the Lakers disposal, the team can send Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in exchange for Augustin. Given that both of their salaries are similar, as Augustin makes around $7.2 million, neither team should have to add anything to make this deal work.
Why do the Magic do it? They have their point guard of the future in Fultz and his backup in Michael Carter-Williams. Augustin simply doesn’t fit this team’s timeline, so the Magic should look to flip him for something of value given that his contract is set to expire at the end of this season. Caldwell-Pope could be a valuable piece alongside Markelle Fultz, as he can take the tougher defensive assignments, and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be an effective player.
Why do the Lakers do it? Augustin is a proven point guard option that can immediately slot in as the backup. The team loses a lot of playmaking when LeBron James sits, so Augustin can keep the offense afloat during that time. His defense and shooting are both huge question marks, but the Lakers have enough of both to mask those particular weaknesses.