Boston Celtics: 4 possible trade ideas

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Julius Randle

Why the Celtics complete this trade:

The Celtics would love to have a player like Julius Randle because of his young age, talent and work ethic. He’s only 23 years old, and will continue to only get better. After suffering a heart-breaking injury minutes into his first career game, Randle has only gotten stronger and faster.

The Lakers have decreased his minutes by 6.6 a game, and he still has found ways to contribute just as much as years past. This season he is averaging 12.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Plus, Randle is a by far a better defender than Marcus Morris. If you look at the trade from a larger lens… you’re basically just losing a second round pick. Plus, you’re getting a player who practically has the same stats, someone who is six years younger, and is a better defensive player.

There have been talks that the Lakers would like to move the young power forward, so this is a perfect time to do so. His trade value now is higher than ever, and he’s going to continue to get better. So, it would be wise for the Celtics to pounce on this trade now before the value of Randle grows even larger.

Randle’s defense is a lot better compared to Morris, and it’s not even close. For one, Randle’s defensive rating this season is 100.2, compared to Morris’ 105.4. Now envision the fact that Morris also plays on a team with the best defensive rating in the NBA. This tweet shows how good Randle has been on defense.

Why the Lakers complete this trade:

It would seem foolish that they would rather have Morris over a young talent in Randle. But, Randle is set to become a free agent this offseason, and will likely draw a good chunk of money. Los Angeles has made it their mission to cut salaries and make space for a big run at All-Stars this offseason. They are rumored to go after players like Paul George, LeBron James and a few others.

Instead of keeping everyone on their seats as to whether or not they are going to trade Randle, they can ease the tension by getting rid of him now. This will benefit the locker room for the Lakers and for Randle.

Morris is a veteran player who knows how to play the game, which will be important if they are able to sign an All-Star players. He is still just 28 years old and could continue to put up the same numbers. Plus, his contract is only $5 million a season, which would be a great deal for the Lakers. They would know that instead of losing a player for nothing, they can instead gain a player that posts similar numbers, is a veteran and has a cheap contract.

Hypothetically, if the Lakers are unable to sign big free agents this offseason, they can still use Morris’ veteran presence to help some of the other younger players develop into better NBA players.