The 2021 NBA offseason is going to be headlined with blockbuster trades and big name acquisitions, and the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic could chose to partake in the festivities. Both teams could both be very active this upcoming offseason, and a trade between the two sides could prove that further.
The Lakers have established themselves as one of the better teams in the Western Conference this season, as they are in a daily competition for a top three seed in the standings. The Magic, however, have continued to frustrate their fans by not using their star-studded roster to help them stack some wins.
Although the Lakers have one of the better rosters in the Western Conference, that may not prevent them from exploring some trade options this upcoming offseason. One of the teams who could be willing to bargain some talent is the Magic.
Wendell Carter was an NBA trade deadline acquisition by the Magic in exchange for Nikola Vucevic, but his upside could have teams like the Lakers interested in pursuing his skill-set. There isn’t a dire need for Orlando to keep him long-term since they also have Mo Bamba in the fold. If they want to commit to one of those options, moving on from the other is more than justified.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Who could pull off ‘kings ransom’ offseason trade for Bradley Beal?
In this particular scenario, the Magic would be capitalizing on the superior trade value that Wendell Carter Jr. possesses over Mo Bamba. Of course, that’s not something Orlando absolutely has to do, but in the early stage of a rebuild, it’s certainly an option.
Let’s take a look at what it could take to team up Wendell Carter Jr with LeBron James in 2022.
Los Angeles Lakers Receives: Wendell Carter Jr
Orlando Magic Receives: Kyle Kuzma, Marc Gasol
The Los Angeles Lakers would benefit from getting a franchise center in Wendell Carter Jr. with loads of potential to stabilize their starting five. The Orlando Magic would get a very solid return investment for trading away Wendell Carter Jr in Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol, both of which have been more than effective players in the league throughout their careers.
In this particular trade scenario, the Lakers would be prioritizing reconfiguring their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a better fitting piece. Kyle Kuzma is best at the four spot and there isn’t a great need for one of the higher paid players on the team at that spot. Instead, a long-term center option in Wendell Carter Jr. makes sense.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: 4 teams who will regret not being “buyers” at the trade deadline
Meanwhile, the Magic would benefit from a pair of quality players to enhance their rotation. With Aaron Gordon no longer in the mix for Orlando, they would benefit from adding another talented option on the wing in Kyle Kuzma and seeing what he’s capable of achieving in a larger role than he’s ever played before in his NBA career.
This trade gives both sides exactly what they’re looking for in terms of talent, and it’s a very fair deal between two competitive rosters. Let’s take a look at how this trade directly impacts each team directly.
Why This Trade Would Make Sense For The Los Angeles Lakers
This is a favorable trade for the Los Angeles Lakers because they are able to acquire a promising prospect while saving money as well. Losing Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol is a bit of a bummer for the Lakers, but the addition of a center that could hold his own with the best in the league could make this deal too good to pass up.
The Lakers are going to find it difficult to bring back center Andre Drummond following the season and their big man Montrezl Harrell will be entering the final year of his contract with the team. Neither player appears to be a long-term answer at the position either.
If the Lakers follow through with this trade, they would be able to land a young center on a rookie contract that could have some great upside. The fact that Wendell Carter Jr is set to be a restricted free agent following the conclusion of next season could also give the Lakers some additional control over his impending free agent status.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Evaluating 4 biggest winners at 2021 NBA trade deadline
Sure, Wendell Carter hasn’t quite lived up to the hype of being the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, but he has showed some significant improvement in the short tenure he’s had since playing in Orlando. Carter, in 42 games this season, has averaged 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists and could be a hot commodity this offseason.
Why This Trade Would Make Sense For The Orlando Magic
This is a good trade for the Orlando Magic because they would be able to acquire some high impact players who could contribute to the team right away. Sure, the Magic may love the upside they have in Wendell Carter Jr, but the opportunity to land Kyle Kuzma and Marc Gasol may be too much for the Magic to pass up.
Bringing in Kyle Kuzma in this deal is a very good asset, as the 25-year-old forward recently agreed to a contract extension that would keep him under contract through the 2023-24 season.
Considering the Magic will need to give it their best effort to replace their star forward Aaron Gordon, who was traded away at the 2020 NBA trade deadline, adding Kyle Kuzma could be the smart move here.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: Julius Randle wanted to leave the Lakers when LeBron James signed in 2018
Kuzma, this season, is averaging 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 43.6 percent from the floor and 35.0 percent from beyond the arc. The addition of Marc Gasol would give the Magic some good center depth alongside Mo Bamba and he could have a high impact on the development of the young and talented center.
