We take a look at five possible trade packages for the Los Angeles Lakers involving Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma.
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a unique situation. They won the 2020 NBA Finals and now have the opportunity to get even better next year. They possess the flexibility and have a few small trade assets.
The team owns their 2020 first-round pick and are eligible to trade it. It will be the last one they can trade until 2027. Although they will be able to draft and trade rights on draft night, mid-season acquisitions for picks are out of the question.
Two players that seem may be on their way out are Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma. Both players did not play very well in the postseason and were non-factors in the NBA Finals. So getting value for them could go a long way for the Lakers.
More than likely the team is not going to be able to trade Danny Green by himself. Although he is on an expiring contract. The team that receives him does not get his Bird Rights and he is set to make $15.5 million.
Teams aren’t reluctant to give up as much as they used to for expiring deals. This used to be popular when the salary cap was much smaller so that big market teams can chase the big fish. So that’s why Kuzma and their first-round pick will come into play here.
Kuzma is still 25 years old. So his prime is still ahead of him and he has flashed the potential of being a good player in the NBA. His issue is he struggles with consistency.
He has had a lot of hype to live up too and being in the spotlight has been up-and-down. He became off-limits in an Anthony Davis trade and didn’t prove the organization that was a great decision.
So a team that can bank on a rebound can take on Green’s salary and get Kuzma and his Bird Rights going forward. With the first-round pick as well slotted at number 28 there will be options.
Let’s take a look at a few.