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Los Angeles Lakers: A fun trade idea involving DeMar DeRozan

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs scores on a jumper over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 121-113 Laker win at Staples Center on December 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs scores on a jumper over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 121-113 Laker win at Staples Center on December 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The proposed trade that lands DeMar DeRozan on the Los Angeles Lakers:

Now, this is the proposed framework of a deal between the three teams, but it would take more ironing out than just this. This trade pictured above does not actually work as the Lakers would be taking in too much salary in DeRozan.

To make this trade possible, the Lakers would need both JaVale McGee and Rajon Rondo to opt into the last year of their deals and agree to be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.

This might seem unlikely, but I do not think it is. Neither McGee or Rondo are going to get more than they are currently getting in free agency so to get paid the most they can agree to this deal. Philly would be getting a good veteran big man and a backup facilitator that would actually help the depth.

DeRozan would also have to agree to a sign and trade as he is in the last year of his contract as well. However, with the cap going down, two things could happen. He could either agree to this trade and play one year in LA before hitting the free agency market to make the most that he can in 2020 (as he probably won’t get $27.7 million in free agency).

RELATED: How the Los Angeles Lakers can build a fantastic four in 2020

Or, he might agree to this deal in the hopes that LA extends him. I do not think it is likely, but I do not rule it out if he excepts less money. Either way, with the cap likely going down, there is no way DeRozan gets what he is already signed up to get, so for once, it makes sense for the player to opt into the last year of his deal.

Plus, he would be going from a non-contender to a contender in his hometown. It writes itself.

Why this makes sense for the San Antonio Spurs:

The Spurs would be trading one year of DeRozan, who has not been that great for them anyway, for future value in Kyle Kuzma as well as a big that Gregg Popovich could utilize in Al Horford.

The team could keep Horford as the team’s center throughout his contract or could even try to play the market by upping his performance (and therefore his value) and getting more assets out of him in the future.

Why this makes sense for the Philadelphia 76ers:

It is clear that Horford, despite being a solid player, is an awful fit alongside Joel Embiid. The team would be getting out of the contract while they can to reset the books for another star while also getting one season of an experienced three and D guard that would fit the team’s identity to a tee.

The biggest value is getting out of Horford’s contract and the one year of Green certainly is a plus.

But would it make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers? Let’s dive into it.

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