A three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, and Toronto Raptors was suggested by one NBA analyst.
The mock deal that Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey suggested between the Lakers, Hawks, and Raptors is as follows:
Trae Young and Kelly Olynyk are received by the Los Angeles Lakers.
In exchange for a 2028 first-round pick swap with Los Angeles, the Atlanta Hawks receive Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen McDaniels, a 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles, and a 2031 first-round pick from Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Clippers provide the Toronto Raptors with D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Garrison Mathews, a 2030 first-round selection, and a 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles.
NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reports that the Lakers are interested in dealing for Young, who shot 43.0% from the field, 37.3% from outside the arc, and 85.5% from the free-throw line this season while averaging 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 10.8 assists. In 54 games, he recorded 37 double-doubles.
Bailey stated, “Over the last five seasons, Young averaged 27.1 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.8 threes per game despite the constant barrage of criticism that has followed him for the majority of his career.” He’s among the most effective and dynamic playmakers for pick-and-rolls and offensive engines in the NBA. With Young and Anthony Davis together, the Lakers may perhaps feel a little more certain about their future after losing LeBron James.
In August 2021, Young agreed to a $215 million, five-year contract deal with the Hawks. Next season, he will earn $43 million, and in 2025–2026, $45 million.
LeBron and Davis are represented by Klutch Sports Group, which Young was a part of. He just signed on with CAA.
Reaves, who averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists this season while shooting 48.6% from the field, 36.7% from outside the arc, and 85.3% from the free-throw line, is preferred to be retained by the Lakers, according to NBA source Jovan Buha of The Athletic. He participated in all 82 matches.
Russell can turn down the Lakers’ 2024–25 player option and become an unrestricted free agency this offseason. This season, the left-hander made 76 appearances. 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists were his averages
while making 82.8% of their free throws, 41.5% of their field goals, and 45.6% of their free throws from beyond the arc.
Whether the Lakers pull off a big trade this offseason will be interesting to watch. JJ Redick, an ESPN pundit and former NBA guard, is anticipated to become the team’s next head coach.
