The Los Angeles Lakers are bound to make some kind of move at the NBA trade deadline — at least that is what fans are hoping for. This team has too much potential when everything is right to not make some kind of move to try and improve the roster.
A move of big proportions seems to be off the table with the Lakers not having many assets and not wanting to part ways with two future first-round picks. Thus, the Lakers have to find a trade package that is cheaper in nature.
That is why Cam Reddish has long been rumored to be a potential trade target for Los Angeles. At first, it appeared that the New York Knicks’ insane asking price would keep a Reddish trade from being possible. However, New York has since come to its senses and has lowered the asking price (h/t Hoops Hype).
The Knicks are willing to part with Cam Reddish for two second-round picks, per @MikeAScotto
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 10, 2023
(Via https://t.co/a6jtQ6W8y5) pic.twitter.com/ZUb9WIMtg5
The Lakers should be willing to trade two second-round picks for Cam Reddish.
Some fans may not see the appeal of Cam Reddish considering he is not even in the Knicks’ rotation and his overall box score numbers are not great. That being said, he is still a recent lottery pick with first-round potential that is only 23 years old. To assume he is a finished product is silly.
Reddish has shown flashes of being the athletic two-way wing that he was expected to be when he was drafted. The Los Angeles Lakers are also a team that has historically gotten the most out of young players. This could be his best situation yet to thrive.
The price tag of two second-round picks is completely doable. While it might seem like a lot now, teams essentially give those picks away like candy once the draft rolls around and they do not have a roster spot to use a second-round pick on.
The Lakers also have two second-round picks in 2023. Los Angeles should try and keep its own second-round pick in the case that it is in the top 40 and can do so. The Lakers can trade the Bulls’ 2023 second-round pick with a future second-round pick down the line.
This is a team that is trying to get younger while also trying to get some roster continuity. Getting Reddish in the building now can achieve both things while also giving the Lakers a head start in re-signing him as a restricted free agent this summer.
NBA trade rumors: A home run Patrick Beverley trade for Lakers, Wolves
The Los Angeles Lakers might end up trading Patrick Beverley at the deadline and if there is one place he wants to go it is the Timberwolves.
His free-agent value is not going to be much, allowing Los Angeles to get a bargain on a young player that could be a part of the rotation for the next 3-4 years. That is absolutely a chance the team must take.