The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore ways to improve around the margins, and there are a few different ways to look at what could happen.
Dan Woike of The Athletic recently floated a trade that would reunite the Lakers with a familiar face while helping another team clean up its books, a trade that would make sense for both sides.
Lakers receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, two second-round picks
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber
“I’ve spoken with people around the league about a deal similar to this, with the Lakers sending out expiring money for Caldwell-Pope, who has a proven past as a postseason difference-maker.
“At this stage, he’s more solid than anything else, and because of the $21 million player option he has for next season, a team might grab an asset or two if it helps Memphis get off some cash. I like the general idea of a trade like this, with one big caveat: I’m not sure a second or two is worth eating into the cap space I’d preserved for the summer, when I’d have up to three first-round picks to acquire a player into that space,” he wrote.
Caldwell-Pope has done a lot of good throughout his career, but he hasn't been the same player that he once was, especially during his days with the Denver Nuggets. During his time with the Nuggets, Caldwell-Pope was one of the better 3-point Shooters in the NBA, shooting over 40% in multiple seasons.
Now, he's about a 35% 3-point shooter.
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- LeBron James' friend Rich Paul gets associated with controversial Washington QB
- Lakers predicted to trade $53M, 26.6 PPG scorer for Grizzlies' $240M anchor, Luka Doncic lob threat