Lakers to Acquire Young a Center and Shooting Guard?

One trade rumor circling of late is that of the Lakers sending a group of players to the Jazz for center Walker Kessler and shooting guard Collin Sexton. This move could provide the Lakers with both a formidable presence in the paint and an explosive backcourt option. The move also adds more youth to the Lakers as they look to win now and position themselves for the post-Lebron era.

Trade Details:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive:

• Collin Sexton (SG): An energetic primary ball handler, Sexton brings a scoring punch and playmaking ability to the Lakers’ backcourt. With a contract worth $18.1 million over the next two years, his addition would boost the Lakers’ offensive output. Sexton is also a willing defender and can be a primary ball handler.
• Walker Kessler (C): A promising young center with a team option, Kessler offers defensive prowess and rebounding capability. His contract is valued at $2.9 million next year, with a 2025 team option at $4.9M, making him a cost-effective addition to the roster.

Utah Jazz Receive:

• Gabe Vincent (PG): Known for his secondary ball-handling skills, Vincent’s move to the Jazz includes an $11.0 million contract over two years and would mostly be for salary purposes. Vincent could rehab his value and give the Jazz a player to flip at the deadline.
• Jalen Hood-Schifino (SG): A movement shooter with a three-year contract worth $3.8 million, Hood-Schifino is a young player with lots of upside to help the Jazz in their rebuild.
• Christian Wood (PF): A versatile stretch big, Wood’s $3.0 million contract would be included for salary purposes, but he could also provide the Jazz with needed scoring as they rebuild.
• Cam Reddish (SF): A stationary shooter with a one year contract (assuming he opts in) and would be included for salary purposes. Reddish is still young and athletic and could turn into a piece the Jazz flip at the deadline
• 2029 First Round Pick (Top 8 Protected): This pick adds future value for the Jazz, providing them with potential long-term benefits from the trade.
• Removal of top 4 protection on 2027 pick: The Jazz already own this pick stemming from the Russell Westbrook deal. The Lakers could remove the top 4 protection as a further inducement for the Jazz.

Impact on the Lakers

Collin Sexton: As a primary ball handler, Sexton will alleviate some of the playmaking responsibilities from the Lakers’ current backcourt, allowing stars like LeBron James to focus more on scoring and off the ball work. His ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates makes him a valuable asset.

Walker Kessler: Kessler’s role as a roll-and-cut big will provide the Lakers with much-needed interior defense and rebounding. His presence in the paint will help protect the rim and reduce second-chance opportunities for opponents, an area where the Lakers have struggled.

Impact on the Jazz:

The Jazz significantly increases their future potential and flexibility. The addition of Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino adds depth to their guard positions, while Christian Wood and Cam Reddish bring versatility and shooting. Adding JHS (a first round pick last season) and the 2029 pick, provides the Jazz with future assets as they look to rebuild.

Contractual Considerations

The inclusion of Wood, Vincent, and Reddish in the trade primarily serves to make the salaries work under the NBA’s trade rules. Their contracts balance the financial aspects of the deal, ensuring it adheres to league regulations.

Building for the Future

The acquisition of Jalen Hood-Schifino and a 2029 first-round pick, even with top-8 protection, provides the Jazz with valuable future assets. Additionally, the potential for the Lakers to remove their top-4 protection on the 2027 pick previously traded to the Jazz could further enhance Utah’s long-term draft capital. These assets could turn into key players down the line or be used in future trade negotiations to further strengthen their roster.

Strategic Considerations:

For the Lakers, the trade addresses immediate needs while maintaining cap flexibility. For the Jazz, the trade is a strategic move towards rebuilding and acquiring assets for the future, aligning with a longer-term vision for team development.

A Win-Win Trade?

This trade proposal is a win-win for both teams, with the Lakers gaining key players to enhance their immediate competitiveness and the Jazz securing future assets and flexibility. The move highlights the Lakers’ intent to make a deep playoff run and the Jazz’s focus on long-term growth and development. As both teams weigh the benefits and potential outcomes, this trade could set the stage for significant shifts in the NBA landscape.

Who Says No?

From the Lakers’ perspective, the deal nets them two young players at positions of need. Sexton is someone who can create his own offense and build alongside AD for the future. Kessler is a perfect big to put next to AD, allowing improved defense and versatility. The big question is whether the Jazz get enough in this deal. The 2029 first rounder has a lot of value given that the Lakers will likely be without Lebron that season and may struggle, making the pick a good one. JHS is a player who would be a first rounder in this year’s draft, likely a high lottery pick. Other than the picks, the Lakers will have to hope that the removal of the top 4 protection on the 2027 pick helps sweeten the pot enough for the Jazz.