Who says the NBA trade deadline is when the juicy rumor mill gossip ends? Dave McMenamin did a phenomenal job offering insight on why the quiet deadline period for the Los Angeles Lakers could lead to a massive summer in Hollywood.
The ESPN insider confirmed that franchise superstar Luka Doncic is on board with the long-term vision in Los Angeles. The plan to retool around Doncic is clear as day, and it always has been. McMenamin even revealed a few targets the Lakers could pursue when the time comes.
McMenamin wrote, "An unrestricted free agent who has been discussed internally, sources told ESPN, is Andrew Wiggins, but he has a player option with Miami he could exercise. Tobias Harris, Quentin Grimes and Dean Wade are other players who fit that profile."
The least sexy name of the bunch to your general NBA fan would be that of Wade. What the Cleveland Cavaliers forward lacks in reputation he makes up for in practical fit. Wade is exactly the type of player who should mold his game around Doncic with ease.
Dean Wade would be an elite under-the-radar get for Los Angeles in free agency
Wade is an ideal low-maintenance type of player on offense. The same reasoning for why the Cavs forward has always fit well beside their stars during the core four era would be similar behind why he would mesh well with Doncic.
Wade won't ask for much on offense, but will always be a willing recipient of the passes that come his way. His career mark of 36.4 percent from beyond the arc should only shine more with a gifted passer like Luka.
In the meantime, Wade can serve a strong role on the defensive end. The Cavs forward has always been very switchable on that end of the court, and capable of handling some of the tougher defensive matchups that come his way.
Realistically, Wade may get priced out of Cleveland too. With the Cavaliers' tight navigation of the second apron, even a cap hit of roughly $6.2 million (his current annual average on a three-year, $18.5 million contract) might be too rich to keep the veteran in Northeast Ohio.
The biggest concern with adding Wade would be his health. The 29-year-old has only played more than 60 games once in his seven-year career thus far, frequenting the injury report. If the Lakers feel comfortable in believing they can manage his load effectively, that should not be a problem.
Wade should be affordable, underrated, and a seamless addition when it comes to free agency. When the Lakers fully embrace their summer retool, they would be wise to keep his name in mind.