NBA Rumors: The mega-trade through which the Lakers would secure a reliable starting center
The Los Angeles franchise acquired Luka Doncic in the last transfer market, but lost Anthony Davis and has not yet replaced him.
Much has been said this preseason about what the Los Angeles Lakers will do to fill the huge void they have in the center. Since they traded Anthony Davis in the surprising deal to sign superstar Luka Doncic, the center position has been a problem in Los Angeles. Many NBA names have been linked as candidates for the Lakers, from young prospects to big-name players. But wouldn't they love to have the services of defensive center Jarrett Allen from Cleveland?
Jackson Caudell of si.com (h/t fadeawayworld.net) has proposed a spectacular three-team trade that would bring the 7-foot center from the Cavaliers to Hollywood. The Los Angeles Lakers would receive Jarrett Allen (from Cleveland), Terance Mann (from Atlanta), Isaac Okoro (from Cleveland), Georges Niang (from Atlanta), the 2027 second-round draft pick (from ATL, via CLE), and the 2029 second-round draft pick (from ATL, via CLE); the Cleveland Cavaliers would get Rui Hachimura (from LAL), Dalton Knecht (from LAL), Shake Milton (from LAL), Maxi Kleber (from LAL), the 2030 first-round swap (via LAL), the 2030 second-round pick (via ATL), the 2031 unprotected first-round pick (via LAL), the 2031 second-round pick (via ATL), the 2031 second-round pick (via ATL, CLE's own pick), and the Atlanta Hawks would retain Jarred Vanderbilt (from LAL) and Max Strus (from Cleveland).
The Lakers would get the center they desperately need, thus covering the huge defensive hole left by AD's departure. Additionally, as Caudell points out, Allen can be a rim-runner who would fit perfectly alongside Doncic and (LeBron) James. They also add some small forwards who can help defensively and stretch the floor. Niang has shot over 40% from three-point range in six of his seven complete seasons in the NBA.
Positives for the Teams Involved
But what's best for the Lakers? They wouldn't have to part ways with Austin Reaves, whom they desperately want to keep. The Cavaliers urgently need to ease their salary cap situation. With their current star-studded roster, they will surpass the second threshold, leading to strict restrictions in trades, free agency, and draft player selection, making it challenging to build their future roster. They would shed Allen's $20 million salary for the upcoming season and his three-year, $90 million extension that kicks in the following year.
Although Knecht hasn't found his place in the NBA after just one season, he may have the opportunity to grow in Cleveland. Hachimura is already a solid power forward and could slot in at the four, while Evan Mobley would move to the five. As for the Hawks, they get two rotation starters, with Vanderbilt providing solid defense and Strus stretching the floor with his outside shooting for Trae Young and the promising Jalen Johnson to do their work. There is also a lot of draft capital changing hands, far into the next decade. It's an ambitious but intriguing proposal.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: El megatraspaso con el que los Lakers conseguirían un pívot titular de garantías
