Could Lakers acquire Jaden McDaniels in Giannis-to-Timberwolves Deal?
The Minnesota Timberwolves are starting to gain some ground in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes after the Bucks superstar said he was ready to move on.
On Tuesday, Minnesota acted as a third team in a trade that sent Mike Conley to the Chicago Bulls. The move suggests the Timberwolves are attempting to shed salary as they put themselves in a better position for Antetokounmpo.
With that in mind, the Lakers should monitor how trade talks involving the Bucks and Timberwolves play out.
One player the Lakers should keep an eye on is Minnesota wing Jaden McDaniels. His defensive versatility could make him a significant addition for the Lakers moving forward.
How could the Lakers make a push for Jaden McDaniels?
The financial side of a deal like this would be complicated. McDaniels will earn roughly $26.2 million at an annual rate through the 2028-29 season.
To make something like this happen, Los Angeles would need to shed salary of its own. Milwaukee could factor into that process by taking on expiring contracts and additional salary.
Trade speculation has suggested the Lakers are willing to move several contracts, including Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.5 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million), Maxi Kleber ($11 million), and Dalton Knecht ($4 million).
Rui Hachimura could also be in play. McDaniels would likely replace him in the lineup, allowing Los Angeles to clear Hachimura’s $18.2 million they owe him.
Moving two, or possibly three, of these players would help the Lakers remain below the NBA’s first apron while maintaining roster flexibility.
How would Jaden McDaniels fit in the Lakers’ lineup?
Adding McDaniels to the Lakers’ lineup would help improve the defensive game plan for Los Angeles and help establish their name as contenders for the West.
Getting the Timberwolves’ defensive anchor would help the Lakers truly figure out the small forward issue. Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia have filled the role.
Not just this, but McDaniels’s offensive abilities are also very underrated. In 49 games this season, he’s averaging a career-high in points per game (15.2), assists per game (2.9), field goal percentage (51.9%), and three-point percentage (45.6%).
Minnesota hasn’t shown that they’re interested in moving McDaniels. However, they will have to part ways with a significant amount of assets to land Antetokounmpo.
