On December 15, the Los Angeles Lakers completed a significant trade, acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Lakers sent D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets. This trade marked an unusual move as it coincided with the first day players, like Milton, who signed as free agents this offseason, could be traded.
The Brooklyn Nets opted for the Lakers' offer over a competing proposal from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies aimed to acquire Finney-Smith but were unwilling to meet the Nets' demands, which included Luke Kennard, John Konchar, and a 2025 first-round pick. The situation was further complicated by uncertainty surrounding Ja Morant's shoulder injury, leading the Nets to prefer a deal that did not bring back guaranteed salary beyond the current season.
By acquiring Finney-Smith, the Lakers secured a quality two-way role player without surrendering a first-round pick. This move not only strengthens their roster but also alleviates some financial pressure by reducing their luxury tax bill. Finney-Smith's versatility allows him to start at both forward positions and defend larger opponents in switch-heavy defensive schemes, making him a valuable asset for the Lakers.
Conversely, the Nets received D'Angelo Russell, a full-time starter who has the opportunity to significantly contribute to their statistics. Russell's previous performance with the Lakers includes impressive averages of 22.7 points per game and 46% shooting from beyond the arc in January of last year. As he joins the Nets, he may replicate or exceed those numbers during this upcoming stretch.
Additionally, the Nets added Maxwell Lewis, a promising young player who may play a pivotal role in their rebuilding efforts. The inclusion of Lewis reflects the Nets' strategy of accumulating young talent as they navigate their roster transformation.
The trade is noteworthy not only for its immediate implications but also for the detailed insights it provides into alternative offers. The rarity of such transparency regarding competing packages adds an intriguing layer to this transaction.
Analysts have graded the trade favorably for both teams: the Lakers received an A- for their strategic acquisition, while the Nets earned a B+ for their efforts in gathering assets and addressing their long-term goals. This transaction is part of a broader trend in the league where teams are increasingly focused on accumulating draft assets. The Nets are building their stockpile of draft picks while the Lakers bolster their bench depth.
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