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

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 Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Detroit Pistons

Need for a forward?

Yes. The Detroit Pistons do have Blake Griffin but this roster is barren and they can use any help that they can get. Plus, Griffin has a player option after next season if he just wants to get out of Detroit and I would not be all-that surprised if he ends up getting traded somewhere before that.

If the Pistons can get a young asset like Kyle Kuzma that will not demand a big contract for a relatively low trade price then they should do it 100 times out of 100.

Do they have the money to extend him?

As we said, the roster in Detroit is pretty barren and that means that the team has a lot of free space when Kuzma is set to get paid. If Griffin is gone, depending on the contracts the Pistons get in return, they might have the most salary cap space in the entire NBA.

Money is not a question at all. They could easily afford to pay him.

Are there any interesting trade pieces on the Detroit Pistons?

Yes. Derrick Rose. Rose has one year remaining on his deal and is only making just over $7 million. This is important as it makes it easier for the Lakers to match contracts and since it is just one year of Rose they cannot demand too high of a trade price.

The need for Rose might be even bigger with the reports that Rajon Rondo is going to test free agency this offseason.