Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players team must trade to sign LeBron James
Luol Deng, SF
Contract Remaining: 3 years, $18 million annually
The second of two huge free agency bloopers a year ago, the Lakers will be looking to find someone willing to absorb Luol Deng’s $18 million annual salary. That, however, is going to be a rather tall task considering his age and declining effectiveness.
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Still, I don’t think he’ll be quite as difficult to move as the next guy on this list. Even at 32 years of age, Deng can still get the job done. He’s a tough, willy veteran who brings versatility and defensive prowess to the floor. The biggest issue recently has been his inability to stay healthy.
Deng played in only 56 games this past season, and is coming off a pectoral muscle surgery. Although he’s expected to be ready by October, it’s anyone’s guess what another year of wear and tear will have done to his quality of play. With that being said, I believe there could be a few teams interested in acquiring him — for the right price.
That means it’s going to cost the Lakers at least one of their top prospects or future draft picks to convince someone to take Deng’s deal off their books. However, if it means getting James and/or George next year, then that’s what it takes.
Magic Johnson came into this situation knowing there would be some tough decisions to make. Now he’s just needs to find a trade partner and pull the trigger.