The Los Angeles Lakers have a big task this offseason and turning the most disappointing team in franchise history into being a title contender once more. It certainly is an uphill battle for the Lakers this summer and that means that nothing is off the table if it can improve the team.
When it comes to assets that the Lakers can trade away, the only player (outside of a blockbuster trade) that is going to be shopped around is Talen Horton-Tucker. THT was shopped by the team at the trade deadline but to no avail. While the attempts fell short at the deadline, it won’t stop the Lakers from shopping THT again this offseason.
The unfortunate reality of THT that Laker fans need to accept is that his trade value is not as high as it was a year ago. Sure, he is a young player, but he is also making $10 million per season and did not take a step forward last season. Most teams would rather trade a 21-year-old and pay them a rookie contract rather than trade for THT and pay him $10+ million.
However, that does not mean a Talen Horton-Tucker trade is impossible.
A potential Talen Horton-Tucker trade with the San Antonio Spurs:
When it comes to one-for-one swaps, players like Josh Richardson will be the options that the Lakers have for Talen Horton-Tucker. Doing business with the San Antonio Spurs is a rare thing for the Lakers, though, so this trade would have to be worth it for both sides.
On the next two pages, we’ll dive into why the Los Angeles Lakers could say yes to this deal as well as why the San Antonio Spurs could say yes.