7. Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and a contract for Jerami Grant
I saved the best trade for last. While the Philadelphia 76ers trade might be the best trade on paper we deemed that it is not possible. I am showing my hand here but if the Lakers do trade THT, this is probably the best realistic package that the team could get.
The Lakers would be getting someone who would be a great fourth player on the team. In fact, if the Lakers just didn’t trade for Russell Westbrook, kept their depth and then traded for a third player like Grant then they would be in a much better situation than they currently are in.
But I digress.
Grant is not a defensive menace by any means but he is someone who can hold his own and won’t get hunted when he is out there. He is a solid scorer that helps with the team’s floor spacing and would give the Lakers a great closing lineup. Grant would fit great in the frontcourt next to LeBron and AD.
The Pistons are a team that is not going anywhere and perhaps overpaid Grant a tad too much. If the Pistons want to get real assets for Grant then they shouldn’t wait and should trade him at the deadline this season. However, because of that contract, there might not be many contenders that are interested.
The Lakers probably would have to throw in a future pick to make this work but they would be selling the potential of THT for Grant. The other pieces in the trade are only there to make it possible.
The Pistons shouldn’t simply hold onto their assets and Grant is someone who they definitely should trade at some point. The hope for the Lakers is that the team does not get beat with a better offer.
Verdict: Possible.