3 under the radar trade targets the Lakers should look at for the deadline

by Antonio Valle

NBA trade deadline is February 9th, and the Lakers sit at 13th place in the Western Conference but only 3 games back of the 4th spot currently held by the New Orleans Pelicans. LA recently made the acquisition of Rui Hachimura official as they sent Kendrick Nunn and three 2nd round picks to Washington. Hachimura is a 6’8’’wing who was the 9th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, is filled with potential, and is averaging 13/4/1 this season primarily off the bench.

Hachimura is a restricted free agent this summer, but the Lakers acquired him with the intention that he will sign an extension this summer to return to the team.

During Hachimura’s introductory press conference, Rob Pelinka stated that even though Hachimura is a huge addition, “...it doesn’t mean our work is finished. We’re going to continue to monitor the situation with the 29 other teams…”.

With that being said, the team still has some needs that have to be addressed if they are serious about making a deep run in the playoffs. Here are three under-the-radar trade targets that the Lakers should definitely look at as the deadline nears.

1. Saddiq Bey

Bey is a name that should garner interest from lots of teams. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Pistons are willing to trade him for a first-round pick in return.

He is a wing who averages 14 points through his young 3-year career. He is currently making $2.9 million this year and is expected to make $4.5 million next year.

He would definitely fit a need for the roster and potentially would need to add someone else on the Pistons roster to match salaries, but the question remains will Pelinka give up a 1st round pick?

2. Joe Harris or Seth Curry

According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Nets are looking to move Patty Mills, Joe Harris, and Seth Curry as they are expiring contracts and since they are playing lesser roles as of late.

Harris and Curry were rumored to be included in an offseason deal centered around Kyrie Irving to the Lakers and Russell Westbrook to the Nets but eventually did not end up happening.

Harris and Curry are both knockdown 3-point shooters and would definitely help the team since LA is the 26th-best 3-point shooting team in the league. As far as what it would take to get either of them in a deal, there have been no details laid out, but Pelinka should be on the phone with Brooklyn.

3. Gary Trent Jr.

Trent Jr. is the most eye-popping target on this list. He is a well-established scorer averaging 18 points per game with the Raptors. He would likely warrant a 1st round pick. He would fit the mold of a 3&D player, and those types of skill-sets play well alongside LeBron.

The Lakers look to be ready to make the necessary moves to get into the playoffs. The Hachimura trade was hopefully just the start of a busy trade season for the Lakeshow.

1 comment

  • Please Gary Trent!!

    Carlos

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