Los Angeles Lakers: Proposals for 3 expiring contracts before trade deadline

1. Greg Monroe, C, Phoenix Suns

Honestly, this is the deal the Lakers need to make. It’s not perfect, but nothing they do is going to be. However, I believe this deal has a couple of key points that make it a scenario worth considering. Here’s why.

First, the Lakers get rid of Luol Deng. Second, they acquire an expiring in Greg Monroe. Third, they unload Clarkson as well, creating more cap space. Fourth, they find a taker for Randle, who likely won’t be re-signed anyway. Finally, they add an intriguing piece in Marquese Chriss to replace Randle and Larry Nance Jr.

Now there is the concern that they do take on two contracts that aren’t expiring. Jared Dudley is due $10 million next season, but falls off the books after that. Chriss is relatively cheap at just over $3 million, but the Lakers would have his team option to let him walk in 2019 if he didn’t show some progress in 2018.

The real key here, though, is getting rid of the $30.5 million due Deng and Clarkson in 2018-19. They replace it with only $12.7 million, and don’t have to deal with the Randle situation any longer. After, they’d be much closer to acquiring two superstars this offseason, which seems like a big win to me.

Next: Calling BS on stars allegedly on the block

It’s a risky move, but it checks the box next to Magic’s top priority. Winning in the NBA often involves gambling, and this is the gamble the Lakers need to make to have a big offseason.