Trade Scenario Number 5:
T. J. Warren is a versatile scorer that showed how dominant at times he could be playing in the bubble. At one point it became a surprise when he would actually miss the basketball. Because he became so automatic from anywhere on the court.
The Indiana Pacers basically got Warren for free in a trade with the Phoenix Suns by getting a pick attached with him. With uncertainty regarding the team and the direction they’re heading it could be wise to trade Warren. As Victor Oladipo and his desires of wanting to leave loom large.
The Pacers are a solid team but they’re not contenders. They could use their chips as an advantage to help start a new regime under their new head coach. Going younger and moving at a faster pace than when they played under Nate McMillan.
Warren is 27 years old and still has some good years ahead. Lakers are built to win now and the Pacers could possibly be good for Kuzma. No spotlight or big market and he can play his game. Pacers also get the 28th pick that they can use to draft a prospect.
Warren has two years left on his deal, then the Lakers would get his Bird Rights. After a season of a 53.6/40.3/81.9 and averaging 19.8 points per game, he is worth the haul.
You get out of Green’s contract, give Kuzma a fresh start, use your last pick you can trade and shed $7.1 million in cap. Win-win for the Lakers in this deal.