The unfortunate reality of trades in the NBA is that teams rarely walk away with a definitively better haul than what they shipped out. Between future first-round draft picks and gambles that are taken on stars developing chemistry with one another, it's impossible to guarantee that a deal will work out as planned.
As the Los Angeles Lakers search the market for D'Angelo Russell trades, that has inevitably landed Rob Pelinka in the position of searching for top talent to take his place.
Russell won't be traded for a star straight up, but he's become one of the most interesting trade pieces in the NBA. He's a 28-year-old point guard in their prime with an elite jump shot, high-level production, and an expiring contract.
This past season, Russell was the only player in the NBA to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made while shooting at least 40.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Unfortunately, postseason shortcomings have sent Russell to an all-but-permanent stay at the rumor mill. In turn, the question has surfaced as to what the Lakers can get for him straight up—or more likely, how can he be packaged in a multi-team deal that enables Los Angeles to acquire an All-Star?
It's easy to pick names out of a hat and hope for the best, but the most likely outcomes boil down to three key names—starting with an All-Star at Russell's position.
Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the contender to watch as far as potential in-season trades are concerned. It's unlikely that a deal will get done during the offseason, but if Cleveland is underachieving, the decision could be made to choose between Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell.
Considering Mitchell recently signed a massive three-year, $150.3 million contract extension, Garland is the more likely player to be moved.
The Lakers are an ideal franchise to approach the Cavaliers if that situation plays out. Russell not only represents an ideal on-paper short-term answer for Cleveland if it decides to part with Garland, but he also has a history with head coach Kenny Atkinson.
Russell played for Atkinson with the Brooklyn Nets, making an All-Star Game appearance and leading the team to an improbable postseason appearance.
Assuming Atkinson pushes for Russell to be included in the package for Garland, the Lakers would be bringing in the long-term answer at point guard. The 24-year-old is a dynamic playmaker with three-level scoring ability, a strong jump shot, excellent court vision, and a tight handle.
Since his All-Star season in 2021-22, Garland has averaged 20.6 points, 7.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.4 three-point field goals made per game on .458/.389/.866 shooting.
Garland is also a Klutch Sports client with the perfect skill set to complement Anthony Davis and alleviate pressure from LeBron James. It's an ideal move all-around if the right additional pieces can entice Cleveland to make the trade.