Adam Kerr
The NBA Offseason is home to a lot of player movement. A lot of that movement is done through trading. This offseason has already seen the likes of Mikal Bridges, Dejounte Murray, and more be dealt to new teams. However, there are still plenty of rumors regarding trades across the league. Specifically, the Western Conference is gearing up for an arms race more than ten teams deep. With that being the case, here are some trades we could see some teams make to cement themselves near the top of the Wild West.
Lakers Land Young Talent From Utah
Full Trade:
Jazz Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Christian Wood, 2029 First, 2025 Second (LAC), 2030 Second
Lakers Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have had a lackluster offseason so far. Their only move so far has been re-signing Max Christie to a four-year contract. Since then, GM Rob Pelinka has said that there are still moves to come, despite their payroll being right on the edge of the second apron. That is why most are looking to the trade market for L.A. and their needs. A center is a must, seeing that the hope is for Anthony Davis to slide back to his preferred position of power forward. Their other need – if they get rid of D’Angelo Russell in a trade – is for a guard who can create his shot. In a trade with the Jazz, they address both needs by acquiring Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler. Not only does the acquisition of these players boost the Lakers’ ceiling, but they also begin to set up an era after LeBron James. For the Jazz, they stockpile more picks for when they decide to buy in once again. They also get assets in Russell and Hachimura that they can either keep or flip later on in the season.
The Kings Go All-In and Acquire a Star Wing
Full Trade:
Wizards Receive: Kevin Huerter, Keon Ellis, 2027 First, 2029 First
Kings Receive: Kyle Kuzma, 2026 Second
The Sacramento Kings have already proven that they are ready to contend with this core by adding DeMar DeRozan in early July. Even then, people are saying that they are not done yet. Multiple reports state that the Kings are eyeing Washington’s Kyle Kuzma via trade. After losing Harrison Barnes, it would be nice to get a player who could fill in the role he played and do it even better. In doing this, they can offload the Kevin Huerter contract while finally using some of their draft capital. A core of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, DeRozan, and Kuzma could easily contend with the best in the league.
The Wizards are in full rebuild mode after taking Alex Sarr with the second pick in this year’s draft. They’re gearing up to tank for Duke’s Cooper Flagg and the best way of doing that is to get rid of all of their assets. At this point, their only trade piece with any value is Kyle Kuzma. Sending Kuzma to the West to get back two first-round picks and a flippable piece with Kevin Huerter is an absolute win for Washington as they look to start over again.
The Warriors Maximize Their Window With Stephen Curry
Full Trade:
Jazz Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Moses Moody, 2026 First, 2028 First, 2031 Second
Warriors Receive: Lauri Markkanen, Darius Bazley
After sending Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors are looking to improve on their previous roster. They’ve already added Buddy Hield, Kyle Anderson, and are looking to add more. The hottest name on the market is currently Utah’s Lauri Markkanen. After the Mikal Bridges trade, however, it will be a big asking price for Danny Ainge to send off his most valuable asset. That’s why the Warriors are in one of the best situations to acquire the big wing. To do this, they would have to get rid of Andrew Wiggins’ contract, and part ways with one of their young prospects. If they include two first-round picks, they could probably get away with only getting rid of Moses Moody and not Jonathan Kuminga. Once again, the Jazz stockpile picks for their rebuild.
