NBA Free Agency 2017: One trade every team should make

May 21, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) reacts after a three-pointer during the first half against the Boston Celtics in game three of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 10, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers already fired off one of the young asset bullets loaded in their chamber to clear long-term cap space. Dumping Timofey Mozgov’s onerous contract opens the floodgates of future possibilities. Paul George has done everything short of standing outside of Staples Center with a boombox raised over his head to make his desires known. Still, plenty of contenders inquire about the star forward.

Sure the Lakers are the frontrunner, but they can’t afford the risk of him landing with Cleveland and never wanting to leave LeBron’s side. (THE CAVS CAN TRADE KEVIN LOVE FOR HIM STRAIGHT UP RIGHT NOW.) That’s not a chance the new management wants to take as they try to bring the Lakers back to prominence as quickly as possible.

Lakers Get

F, Paul George

Pacers Get

PF, Julius Randle; G, Jordan Clarkson; F, Larry Nance Jr.

Yes, this is the same base for the trade I listed for the Pacers to make as well, only because it’s the best for both parties. Indiana trading for Love makes no sense if they’re trying to rebuild (and rebuild they should).

More than the starry hills of Southern California already does, a core of George, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball bursts with potential and will entice free agents to flock to L.A. Magic knows this better than anyone and is ready to make a splash. Stop prolonging the inevitable already. DO IT.

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