One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Los Angeles Lakers get: PG/SG Goran Dragic
Phoenix Suns get: C/PF Jordan Hill, Clippers’ 2015 second-rounder, Lakers’ 2016 second-rounder
Finances: It’s rare that you see such large contracts on the move and no cap-fillers to make this trade work. Though Dragic is the star of this trade, Hill is no cap-filler, as he’s due for $18 million over the next two years, with a slightly pricey $9 milllion team option on year two. Dragic also has an option that’s likely to be declined, though his is a player option and it’s for just $7.5 million. The market holds a contract that could exceed $13 million annually for Dragic, so it is likely that both of these players will be free agents this year.
The Fit: With Dragic unlikely to re-sign in Phoenix, they will trade him to a team where he probably would re-sign. Nobody leaves the Lakers in free agency unless they want you to or your name is Dwight Howard, so this looks like a pretty safe bet for Los Angeles. Pairing Dragic, a star guard who is averaging 16 points, 4 assits and 1.5 threes per game, with franchise star SG Kobe Bryant in the backcourt could be enough to lure another star to LA. Dealing Hill makes little-to-no impact for the Lakers, as this is a lost season and bringing Hill back this offseason likely isn’t a top priority. The second-round picks would hopefully mean next to nothing as well, as the Lakers hope to become competitive by luring free agents to Hollywood. Acquiring Dragic would help them do just that, and make them more competitive in the meantime.
Why the other team does it: Dragic has made it clear to the Suns that he will not re-sign after this season, causing them to make several phone calls, one of which presumably includes the Lakers. Getting a package like this as opposed to letting him walk for nothing makes plenty of sense, especially when it includes big man Jordan Hill. Hill is putting together a nice season, with averages of 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game. He addresses a need in the Suns frontcourt, and the second-rounders certainly help in what could be a new youth movement in Phoenix.
Los Angeles Lakers get: PG/SG Goran Dragic
Phoenix Suns get: C/PF Jordan Hill, Clippers’ 2015 second-rounder, Lakers’ 2016 second-rounder
Finances: It’s rare that you see such large contracts on the move and no cap-fillers to make this trade work. Though Dragic is the star of this trade, Hill is no cap-filler, as he’s due for $18 million over the next two years, with a slightly pricey $9 milllion team option on year two. Dragic also has an option that’s likely to be declined, though his is a player option and it’s for just $7.5 million. The market holds a contract that could exceed $13 million annually for Dragic, so it is likely that both of these players will be free agents this year.
The Fit: With Dragic unlikely to re-sign in Phoenix, they will trade him to a team where he probably would re-sign. Nobody leaves the Lakers in free agency unless they want you to or your name is Dwight Howard, so this looks like a pretty safe bet for Los Angeles. Pairing Dragic, a star guard who is averaging 16 points, 4 assits and 1.5 threes per game, with franchise star SG Kobe Bryant in the backcourt could be enough to lure another star to LA. Dealing Hill makes little-to-no impact for the Lakers, as this is a lost season and bringing Hill back this offseason likely isn’t a top priority. The second-round picks would hopefully mean next to nothing as well, as the Lakers hope to become competitive by luring free agents to Hollywood. Acquiring Dragic would help them do just that, and make them more competitive in the meantime.
Why the other team does it: Dragic has made it clear to the Suns that he will not re-sign after this season, causing them to make several phone calls, one of which presumably includes the Lakers. Getting a package like this as opposed to letting him walk for nothing makes plenty of sense, especially when it includes big man Jordan Hill. Hill is putting together a nice season, with averages of 12.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game. He addresses a need in the Suns frontcourt, and the second-rounders certainly help in what could be a new youth movement in Phoenix.