If the Milwaukee Bucks are serious about entertaining trades for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the New York Knicks are not the only team that has engaged in talks. As soon as the Greek superstar is made available, pretty much every team in the league will offer some sort of package.
The Los Angeles Lakers, as always, are seen as contenders to land Antetokounmpo. However, there are several teams that could easily outbid them, offering young talent and draft picks.
If the Lakers want to add a true superstar next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, one won’t come cheap. Besides, after the Lakers fleeced the Dallas Mavericks for Doncic, most teams won’t be eager to do business with them, anyway.
Depending on the direction of certain teams, these two superstars could be available for the right price.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 12: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz drives into Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Delta Center on February 12, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Mock Trade Solves Los Angeles Lakers’ Wing Problem
Lauri Markkanen does not have a future with the Utah Jazz. They are really, really bad, and have no illusions about getting better anytime soon.
It’s only a matter of time before he gets traded, and the Lakers can offer a fair trade package. Danny Ainge, of Boston Celtics fame, might not want to do a deal to help the Lakers, although it’s worth noting that the Jazz got involved as a third team in the Doncic deal.
A lineup of Doncic, Markkanen, James, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton can compete with the best, even if Los Angeles would have to slash its depth to land him.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Lauri Markkanen
- Utah Jazz receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick, first-round pick swaps in 2030 and 2032
Hachimura, Kleber, and Vincent will all be free agents next summer, allowing the Jazz to unsaddle $40.8 million from the books. Knecht isn’t the strongest trade asset, although the Jazz have time to be patient.
The picks are distant, keeping the Jazz bad for longer, although with young talents on the roster, playing the long game could be fruitful. The Lakers, meanwhile, get a long-term Big Three of Doncic, Reaves, and Markkanen.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket in front of Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 119-102 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 03, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Mock Trade Sends Elite PG to Los Angeles Lakers
Trae Young has long been linked to the Lakers. The NBA’s reigning assists leader got a revamped supporting cast this summer with the additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis, so the Atlanta Hawks might not be eager to part with their best player.
However, Young is yet to sign a contract extension with the Hawks. Should Atlanta get off to a slow start, the idea of investing in Young long-term might be a sour one. After all, there is a chance Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson can surpass him in the coming seasons.
If the Hawks decide to make Risacher and Johnson the centerpieces instead of Young, he could be flipped.
Full Mock Trade Details:
- Los Angeles Lakers get: Trae Young
- Atlanta Hawks get: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2031 pick, swaps in 2030 and 2032
With this deal, the Hawks add two high-level defenders to complement Dyson Daniels and Alexander-Walker. On top of that, they get a lead guard in Reaves, who is expected to sign a cheaper deal than Young next summer.
The Lakers can follow the Mavericks’ blueprint. Doncic found success with a clutch, floor-spacing ballhandler in Kyrie Irving. Young is an upgrade, by far.
Los Angeles would have to shore up its defense around Young and Doncic, but if they don’t think Reaves wants to play second fiddle, Young is an elite player.
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