NBA Trade Rumors: Big names most likely to be dealt before deadline

NBA Trade Rumors: Big names most likely to be dealt before 2018 deadline

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Julius Randle NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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2. Julius Randle, PF, Los Angeles Lakers

On the surface, it would seem like the Los Angeles Lakers would have plenty of reason to keep Julius Randle. He’s been a sensation off the bench this season, currently averaging 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while providing an emotional spark for the second unit.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem his play is going to sway Magic Johnson when a final decision must be made. As it so happens, Randle is allegedly someone “whose future is very unlikely to continue with the Lakers,” according to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski.

So here’s the issue. Randle is a restricted free agent in 2018, and will likely be looking for a significant pay raise. With the Lakers’ hopes of landing two superstars during free agency, it seems less than ideal to spend big bucks on the former No. 7 overall pick.

If that truly is the case, why not move him for a first round pick and be done with it? Especially without their own 2018 first round pick, the Lakers are likely eager to get back into the mix on draft day. There’s the potential for them to do so by unloading Randle, who’s only going to cause financial difficulties by sticking around.

It’s looking like Randle’s days in Los Angeles are numbered. Don’t be surprised if he’s calling a different city home before the NBA trade deadline has passed.