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Lakers trade rumors: Gary Trent Jr. deal must happen at reported asking price

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors claps during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 30, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Raptors 114-106. 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 30: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors claps during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 30, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Raptors 114-106. 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors continue to swirl as the trade deadline gets closer and closer with several quality trade candidates for the team to consider. While a big Russell Westbrook trade may not be in the cards, the team can still improve its roster with a lesser move.

One of the best potential trade targets (if the team is not going to trade Westbrook) is Gary Trent Jr. The Toronto Raptors’ two-guard would be an excellent addition in Los Angeles that could help the team this season as well as in future years.

Trent always felt like too optimistic of a trade target as the asking price from Toronto seemed like it would be too high. A recent report refutes that. Michael Grange of Sportsnet, who covers the Raptors, reported that Trent’s likely value is a protected first-round pick for two good second-round picks.

Lakers trade rumors: A Gary Trent Jr. trade should be incredibly likely at this price.

If this is indeed the asking price for Trent then it is a no-brainer for the Los Angeles Lakers to get on the phone and make the deal happen. This might seem too low for Raptors fans, but in reality, Toronto is not dealing from a place of leverage.

Trent has a player option after this season that is going to lead to him being a free agent. While Toronto has Bird Rights on Trent, they also have to pay Fred VanVleet (as well as future Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes extensions). Trent is the obvious man out and if he opts out, will likely leave in free agency.

If that is the future that Toronto foreshadows then it makes sense to move him for something. The problem is that other teams know this as well, removing Toronto’s leverage and lowering the price to what it is now.

The Lakers have a second-round pick that is currently slated in the top 40 that they could trade to Toronto. Future second-round picks do not have as much value but even if they have to combine that with a 2027 protected first the team should do it.

The pick is not outright going to Toronto, giving the Lakers insurance in case they are a lottery team, and they would be getting a strong young player in return. Trent is someone who could not only improve the team this season but could be a piece to build around in future years.

Los Angeles would have the Bird Rights on Trent and would be able to go over the cap to offer him a new contract. He may not be an all-star but he would be great as the third option in LA behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the next four years.

Plus, he is still only 24 years old, so there is a very real chance that he does take that leap in the next 3-4 years and become an all-star-caliber player.

Ownership and the front office have been incredibly stingy with the two first-round picks thus far but this is not a situation to be stingy. Trent for a protected first is incredible value.

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