3 trades to improve the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason
Wayne Ellington and Reggie Bullock
Danny Green on the Los Angeles Lakers is an enigma.
At times he is a lockdown perimeter defender who can torch it from the 3-point line whilst also potentially grabbing rebounds.
Other times he can’t hit a 3 to save his life and could go 1 for 10 in a playoff game whilst also switching off defensively.
It is perplexing.
The Lakers moved quickly in free agency after missing out on Kawhi, they were able to secure his fellow championship-winning teammate in Danny Green and at that stage of free agency, that was considered a coup by the purple and gold.
Fast forward to now and the purple and gold are on the fence about whether he is the right player for the next year.
If he isn’t doing one of the main things he was brought in to do (3-point shooting) consistently, is there a point in maintaining him next season?
So who would be interested in taking Danny Green off the Los Angeles Lakers’ hands?
Maybe a former Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves head coach who just so happens to love defensive-minded players?
Could Coach Thibs and the New York Knicks be a match made in heaven? Absolutely.
With Mitchell Robinson, Taj Gibson, Frank Ntilikina, and Elfrid Payton on the Knicks squad, Coach Thibs has a group of players who play his tough defense brand of basketball.
Other than Taj Gibson, the New York Knicks are low on experience and veteran leadership.
If they plan on getting better next season, the Knicks need to add some veterans who have been around the league and who can teach the young players coming in how winning franchises do things and how to carry themselves as professionals.
For Danny Green’s faults, he is a fantastic teammate, a great veteran, and has won two (potentially Three) Championships throughout his career while also being part of some quality organizations.
His experience could prove extremely valuable to the likes of RJ Barrett and whoever they decide to draft with the 8th overall pick.
Coach Thibs gets a great wing defender and the Lakers get depth which they covet.
Win-win.
Wayne Ellington would replace Green as one of the Lakers go to shooters and Reggie Bullock would come in a provide the depth at small forward behind LeBron James and fill in at shooting guard when needed.
The purple and gold would ship two 2nd round picks to sweeten the deal. The Knicks get valuable experience and defense. The Los Angeles Lakers get a shooter and depth.
Solid trade all around.