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Lakers: 2 possible Kyrie Irving trade packages involving the Spurs

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 23: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs argues a call after a timeout as Keita Bates-Diop #31 leaves the court during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 23: Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs argues a call after a timeout as Keita Bates-Diop #31 leaves the court during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 23, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

2. Lakers trade Talen Horton-Tucker to the Spurs

Brooklyn does not send a pick to San Antonio in this package but the team can send the Spurs cash considerations to accomplish the “touch rule” in a multi-team trade. Brooklyn’s return in this package is not as good as it does not include THT and has Doug McDermott replace Josh Richardson.

McDermott is a worse contract than Richardson because he has a second year on his deal, unlike Richardson. McDermott is not really a game-changing role player, so the Spurs being able to dump him in another trade is unlikely. This adds more value to the trade for San Antonio as they do not have to pay him next season.

Add that with the fact that THT is going to San Antonio in this trade and the Lakers could have a better situation with draft picks. Instead of outright sending the pick with protections, the Lakers can instead work out a pick swap that still leaves them with at least one first-round pick in 2028.

Since the return is not as good for Brooklyn (but they don’t really have any more options for Kyrie), Seth Curry is not included in this trade. This at least means that the Lakers will save money against the tax and it would open a roster spot for the team to pursue a free agent that can complement the roster.

This is probably the better of the two packages for the Lakers and the Nets would likely push for the first package. If the Spurs do not think either package is worth it then the two teams are going to have to figure something else out.

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