Grade the trade: Lakers add third superstar in proposed package

Lakers grade for proposed DeMar DeRozan trade: B

There are some pros and cons of making a trade like this that are really interesting to think about for the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Lakers are interested in adding a perceived third star to the roster, this might be the best way to go about it.

DeRozan is making under $30 million and does not restrict the team’s ability to bring back Reaves and Hachimura. Sure, it would put the team slightly in the tax, but it would not put LA over the tax apron that is going to heavily penalize them moving forward.

Plus, DeRozan is on an expiring contract and won’t hamper the team in the future. With his contract expiring and LeBron James likely leaving, the Lakers would get a completely fresh restart next summer to adjust and move on.

The 2029 first-round pick will make some fans wince but the Lakers have more first-round picks in upcoming years than fans may realize. As it stands right now, the Lakers will have four of their next six first-round picks. They just can’t trade any picks in the next three years because of the weird protections the Pelicans have on the one pick that they will get.

This is also a far better use of money than re-signing D’Angelo Russell, who won’t get as much money but will likely get overpaid because of his name. So why does this get a B grade?

Giving up on the young players in JHS and Christie this early might not be totally favorable and it would be nice to see this group play out next season before making a move this drastic. If the Lakers need that extra jolt this is a great deadline trade to provide that. But doing it this early would be pushing all the chips route and that is it.

Bulls grade for proposed DeMar DeRozan trade: C

If you are a Bulls fan you are hoping that Chicago gets more than this for DeRozan. That being said, he is on an expiring contract, is going to be 34 this upcoming season, and already has shown that his trade value is not that high.

There probably are better packages out there that can give the Bulls more immediate help but this certainly is not a horrible package. This is the base-line starting price for Chicago if DeRozan wants out.