Los Angeles Lakers fans do not need to be sold much on the idea of trading with the Dallas Mavericks. The last go-around of that experience went pretty well for the purple and gold.
Some may believe it is bad optics for Nico Harrison to reconnect with the Lakers so soon after the NBA world clowned him for the Luka Doncic trade. However, the hope would be that Rob Pelinka's charms can work their magic once more.
The idea of a trade with the Mavericks which addresses multiple needs for the Lakers was floated on a Q&A sessions of a recent Buha's Block episode. Jovan Buha was pitched an 'ideal trade' involving Austin Reaves being swapped for Max Christie and Dereck Lively II.
"This one's really interesting to me, and you guys know how I feel about Max," Buha said smiling. "I am a big Lively guy [too]. I think he has Tyson Chandler, DeAndre Jordan potential. ... I think Dereck Lively is cut from that same cloth."
It would be odd to some seeing the Lakers hook up with the Mavericks for such an impactful trade so soon after the Doncic deal. However, this hypothetical does make a lot of sense for both sides.
Lakers, Mavericks are the perfect trade partners (again)
On a different episode of Buha's show, Anthony Irwin joined and shared an excellent point that should be relevant here. Pelinka likes 'to work with the same executives around the league.'
That statement was made in relation to the idea of the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets connecting on a deal for Nicolas Claxton. That does not mean the sentiment is not applicable elsewhere.
Once moving past the initial awkwardness of the situation, both teams are getting what they need in the immediate and long-term future. The money is nearly perfect too.
Reaves' $13.9 million for next season being swapped for Likely and Christie's combined $12.9 million leaves very little extra effort to get this deal done. It offers both sides the flexibility to negotiate based on the perceived value of who has the upperhand in the two-for-one swap.
It could be as simple as adding Olivier-Maxence Prosper to make the money work properly. Or, there could be a discussion around working someone like a Caleb Martin or Naji Marshall into the deal as well.
Reaves offers the Mavericks an opportunity to have someone run their offense from the backcourt until Kyrie Irving returns from his torn ACL injury. Once Irving is back, the Lakers guard adds the bonus of being able to fit beside the future Hall of Fame point guard as well.
The Lakers are afforded the freedom to dodge the growing problem of what to do about Reaves' next contract. In exchange, they get a two-way center who is a proven fit with Doncic and a chance to eliminate the FOMO on the player Christie can become.
The last deal between these two sides needed a lot of selling by the Mavericks front office as a win-win trade. This one is truly works out well for both sides.