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Los Angeles Lakers: Best destinations for Kyle Kuzma in a trade

By Jason Reed

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 136-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 5, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 136-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Oklahoma City Thunder:

Need for a forward?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team that would benefit immensley from bringing in a young forward while Kuzma, especially if the cost is fairly low. While the team made the playoffs with Chris Paul this season, the future of the team is flipping Paul for assets and rebuilding around the Los Angeles Clippers draft picks and future all-star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Kuzma is another young piece to that puzzle that would come in and start right away. Danilo Gallinari is a free agent (and is a perfect target for the Lakers), opening the door for someone at power forward.

Do they have the money to extend him?

Oh yes. Even if Chris Paul cannot be traded the team is still freeing up over $40 million alone in Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder — both solid players that will either leave or sign deals that are much smaller.

Kuzma is not going to warrant a lot of salary cap space. The Thunder have more than enough room to re-sign him after next season.

Are there any interesting trade pieces on the Oklahoma City Thunder?

This is where it gets hard. I do not think it is in the team’s best interest to bring in Chris Paul and the only other potential fit is Dennis Schroder, which still is not fantastic, especially considering the extra players the Lakers would have to send to match his contract.

Perhaps the Lakers and Thunder could be two parts of a bigger, multi-team trade.

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