The Los Angeles Lakers made a trade few saw coming, which will be completed Thursday, by sending D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for former All-Star Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Lakers are trading Tim Mozgov and D'Angelo Russell to Nets for Brook Lopez and 27th pick Thursday, sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017
The move comes as whispers emerged that the Lakers were preparing to try to trade for former All-Star Paul George, securing his final destination in free agency next year with Los Angeles amidst speculation he could play one season and enjoy a new home with the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Lakers shed $54M left on Mozgov deal, Nets get gifted young guard in Russell. Nets needed to flip Lopez expiring contract. https://t.co/KxfdEuAUO0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 20, 2017
The move clears cap space for the Lakers, with $48 million remaining on Mozgov's monstrous contract and $54 million total shed. It also gives the Nets a blossoming guard in what is currently a miserable New York situation.
Lopez is a solid fit for the Lakers, who appear closer to win-now mode than any year in recent memory. He fits both the Lakers' ideal system should they keep him, but also stands as a valuable cap filler should the Lakers opt to flip Lopez and his $22 million expiring contract.
And if there was any confusion, it also clears the way for the Lakers to take Lonzo Ball at No. 2 overall Thursday night in the 2017 NBA Draft.
You Might Also Like
NBA
Lakers reportedly "trying" to flip assets of prior trade into 4-time All-Star
By Raj PrashadNBA
Magic Johnson says only one Los Angeles Laker is “untouchable”
By Cole FrederickNBA
One team reportedly confident it can sign Paul George, "encouraged" not to trade for him
By Raj PrashadNBA
Report: Indiana Pacers are working trade deadline on two Paul George fronts
By Raj PrashadncG1vNJzZmiekaOvtsbZZ5qopV%2Bjr6J7w5qloJ2cpHqzwdKsnKWkXam%2ForDEnWSbqp%2BkuG64zqmcs2WSp7ywt8uypWamlanAbrjOrGSappeauaa%2FjKWYpJ2iqHq1vsCdnGaqpaK8s7%2BMnamanqRif3F9lmg%3D