NBA rumors: Lakers had ‘internal discussions’ about Trae Young trade
After being swept by the Nuggets, the Lakers are focused on the offseason. According to NBA rumors, that includes mapping out a possible Trae Young trade.
According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers are already looking to upgrade their team after losing to the Denver Nuggets in four games. He reported that L.A has had internal discussions into trading for Trae Young this offseason.
The Hawks could be open to making Trae Young available in trade discussions after barely making it to the postseason and then losing to the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. The Hawks will be at least listening to offers after failing to reach expectations this season. Young reportedly could be the next superstar to request a trade.
NBA rumors: Could the Lakers actually trade for Trae Young?
With another year passing, the Lakers have more draft picks available in trades. They did use a 2027 first-round pick to upgrade their team mid-season. A huge problem that could prevent L.A. from making a substantial offer for Young during the offseason is that the Pelicans have the rights to their 2024 first-round pick with the option of receiving their 2025 pick instead.
This particular term of the deal was not something that has been used in trades before and severely limits L.A trade capital in a possible Young trade. The Lakers can offer two unprotected first-round picks and three first-round swaps in any deals this off-season.
Trae Young was sitting courtside during the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to Denver. This will only increase speculation that the All-NBA player will end up in a Lakers uniform. Additionally, Kyrie Irving was spotted courtside and has attended other Lakers playoff games in the same seats. Young may be out of the Lakers’ price range due to the limited picks that L.A. has but Irving could be on their radar as well.
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