The Los Angeles Lakers‘ offseason has been largely fruitful, marked by the addition of stars and role players alike. Unfortunately, in their pursuit of another roster upgrade, the Purple and Gold were met with disappointment, as Jonathan Kuminga chose to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves instead.
While this could be viewed as a moderate setback, it can also be perceived as an opportunity. With Kuminga off the Lakers’ list of priority targets, the Purple and Gold have the luxury to redirect their energies toward other signings. To that end, some low-cost options have been floated. But given the team’s needs, L.A. may see merit in revitalizing their efforts to acquire P.J. Washington from the Dallas Mavericks.
Washington has long been on the Lakers’ radar, with Luka Doncic even voicing his preference for the forward. While Dallas hasn’t been in favor of trading him, NBA insider Jake Weinbach shared a three-team trade framework that could convince the Mavericks to entertain negotiations. Here is Weinbach’s trade proposal for the Lakers to acquire P.J. Washington:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: P.J. Washington
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jaden Hardy, Adou Thiero, 2032 first-round pick swap (LAL), 2032 second-round pick swap (WAS via LAL)
Chicago Bulls Receive: Jake LaRavia
It is worth noting that a three-team trade appears to be the only viable approach in this case. While the Mavs are well below the tax line with a payroll of $184.9 million, as a rebuilding team with several players on their roster, Dallas would not want to absorb more contracts. Hence, roping in a third party with ample cap space, such as the Chicago Bulls, may be the only way of completing this trade.
For the most part, the Bulls primarily serve as a mediator in this trade. However, acquiring Jake LaRavia could be a low-cost addition to solidify their wing depth, which could be in their best interest.
In many ways, Weinbach’s proposal looks convincing on paper. Still, given the finer details of this trade scenario, we will examine how it impacts each team further.
Why Would The Lakers Make This Trade?
For the Lakers, acquiring P.J. Washington isn’t just rational; it is downright ideal. Barring Luka Doncic’s preference for the 28-year-old forward, there are several qualities that indicate he could be a great fit in the Purple and Gold’s rotation.
Despite L.A.’s efforts to strengthen its wing depth, one could argue the team is still lacking a starting-caliber wing. With the departure of players like Rui Hachimura this summer, the Purple and Gold have a rather significant hole to fill. Given Washington’s profile, he could even be viewed as an upgrade.
P.J. Washington has positioned himself as a reliable wing with rebounding upside and two-way capability. While possessing the size to battle for rebounds against other frontcourt players, the forward also boasts the athleticism to guard players on the perimeter and serve as a reliable lob threat.
Last season, Washington averaged 14.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Although his perimeter shooting was slightly underwhelming last year (32.5%), his career average of 35.4% from beyond the arc could be more promising.
Even on paper, Washington provides exactly what the Lakers need from their starting power forward. Now, when you factor in his pre-existing chemistry with Luka Doncic, Washington’s addition seems even more enticing.
Why Do The Mavericks Complete This Trade?
As mentioned earlier, the Dallas Mavericks are in the middle of a franchise-wide rebuild. From the front office to the coaching staff, the Mavericks have seen large-scale changes. Now, with the roster in question, Dallas seems geared to build around the core of Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving.
For the most part, Dallas does not seem inclined to part with P.J. Washington, and neither does the forward intend on leaving. However, given the Mavericks’ outlook on the future after drafting players like Morez Johnson Jr. and trading for Zaccharie Risacher, one could argue that Washington’s position may not be as secure as expected.
If the Mavs decide to part ways with Washington, they must ensure their returns are solid. On that note, the Lakers’ offer seems intriguing.
Other than two future pick swaps, the Lakers would send Jaden Hardy and Adou Thiero over to the Mavericks. Hardy, who was with the Mavericks before the Khris Middleton trade earlier in the year, has built a reputation as a reliable scoring guard (9.2 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 39.7% 3PT). With Brandon Williams leaving the team this summer, Dallas may see value in acquiring Hardy as a low-cost replacement on an expiring contract.
Along with Hardy, the Mavericks would also be acquiring a promising young wing in Adou Thiero. While Thiero is still a little rough around the edges, the 22-year-old possesses remarkable athletic ability, strength, and defensive instincts.
Since he received limited playing time during his rookie season, it is difficult to gauge his potential. Still, when examining last season’s G League stats of 15.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, Thiero’s two-way upside may be worth investing in.
Realistically, both Thiero and Hardy could be developmental pieces for the Mavericks. From a rebuilding perspective, this could have merit.
Why This Deal Would Not Work
Although there is some reason to believe this trade scenario has the potential to come to fruition, there are factors that would prevent the Lakers from making this deal.
Currently, the Purple and Gold have a payroll of $207.2 million, which is roughly $1.8 million below the first apron. Since Los Angeles is already hard-capped at the first apron after making their transactions earlier in the summer, L.A. would struggle to absorb Washington’s $19.8 million contract without clearing more cap space.
In this proposal, the Lakers are sending out $14.1 million. Even though Dallas may benefit from absorbing only $8.1 million of that, allowing them to shed nearly $11.7 million in salary, the circumstances would force the Lakers to waive and stretch some players to afford Washington.
Thus, realistically, it doesn’t seem plausible for the Lakers to acquire P.J. Washington in the summer. However, an acquisition at the February trade deadline may not be out of the question. If Los Angeles can successfully offload Jarred Vanderbilt‘s $12.4 million contract by then, the Purple and Gold may have the flexibility to reunite the 28-year-old and Luka Doncic.
Leave a Comment