Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Sends Lauri Markkanen, De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus to Los Angeles Lakers
A blockbuster NBA trade idea sending Lauri Markkanen, De’Andre Hunter and Max Strus to the Los Angeles Lakers has been created.
NBA writer Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea between the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lakers, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets.
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, 2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected via Miami Heat) and save $27.2 million
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen, De’Andre Hunter, Max Strus
Utah Jazz Receive: Darius Garland, Maxi Kleber
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Jarrett Allen
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Grant Williams, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2027 first-round pick (top-2 protected via Dallas Mavericks)
This trade idea can only happen if LeBron requests a trade from the Lakers since the NBA legend has a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Lakers are building around Luka Doncic now since the former Dallas Mavericks superstar is only 26 years old.
“Bringing in the Jazz here allows the Lakers to pair Doncic with a frontcourt star in Markkanen while surrounding him with two-way wings in Hunter and Strus,” Swartz wrote. “L.A. gets to keep its future first-round pick and gets off of Vanderbilt’s three-year, $37.3 million deal.”
The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. They haven’t won a championship since 2020.
Markkanen will make $46.4 million next season, Hunter will make $23.3 million and Strus will make $15.9 million.
For the Jazz last season, Markkanen averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
Hunter played for the Atlanta Hawks and Cavaliers in 2024-25. He averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 47.0% from the field, 40.5% from beyond the arc and 84.6% from the free-throw line.
Finally, Strus averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Cavaliers last season while shooting 44.2% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 82.4% from the free-throw line.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Insider Believes Golden State Warriors ‘Will Remain in the Mix’ for LeBron James if He Leaves Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA Insider Believes LeBron James Has ‘Some Genuine Curiosity’ About Playing for Dallas Mavericks
- Blockbuster NBA Trade Idea Sends LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler to Cleveland Cavaliers
- NBA News: Damian Lillard Talks About What It Was Like Playing With Giannis Antetokounmpo on Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors Have Searched for Sign-and-Trades for Jonathan Kuminga but Haven’t Gained Any Traction
