Fansided

The 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

By Ian Levy

Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 111-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Tyus Jones (1) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Target Center. The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets 111-108. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Cavaliers 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers

Sending out: Brandon Ingram (DEN), Jordan Clarkson (CHA)

Bringing in: Kosta Koufos (SAC), Rodney Stuckey (IND), Terrence Jones (NOP), 2017 first round pick (TOR via ORL), 2019 first round pick (LAC)

The Los Angeles Lakers now have Magic Johnson at the helm, so imagining them taking a slow burn approach is somewhat far-fetched. However, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.

The rationale here is admittedly thin, at least compared to the rest of the teams involved in this massive 30-team deal. But there is at least something for the Lakers. Koufos is a reliable defender who has two more years on a reasonably priced contract. Stuckey only has to be endured for one season, also at a reasonably low cost. Jones has played well for the Pelicans and could be something the Lakers consider signing. They also get an extra first round pick this season and a future first rounder that could increase in value as the Clippers age.

In exchange, the Lakers give up on two young projects. Ingram has been pretty disappointing this season and for all his potential may not be what Lakers hoped they were getting as a complement to D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Clarkson hasn’t progressed much either and while he’s useful, he’s just not that useful to the Lakers right now. This deal allows the Lakers to go whole hog in focusing on Russell and Randle, and to continue adding talented youngsters around them.

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