Lauri Markkanen, Darius Garland headline list of Lakers potential trade targets: NBA Insider
The LA Lakers are yet to make a move this summer. Their free agency has been quiet after missing out on landing seasoned veterans Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan, both of whom went on to join the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings respectively. Latest developments on the Purple and Gold's trade front see them target a potential list of players, with some of them being familiar names.
According to NBA Insider Jake Weinbach, the Lakers are still interested in adding Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen to their fold. Darius Garland, Bruce Brown, Collin Sexton, Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith and Wendell Carter Jr. have been looked at as the other major names.
Weinbach added that he didn't "foresee" anything happening immediately, but believed these names would be linked to LA in the days to come.
It's worth noting that most of these names, including Brown, were linked to the Lakers well ahead of last season's trade deadline. The surprising omission is that of Chicago Bulls guard and 2x NBA All-Star Zach LaVine, who was recently rumored to have piqued crosstown rivals LA Clippers' interest.
As for the Markkanen addition, the Golden State Warriors have been the most engaged side as there have been discussions on a deal centering around Moses Moody, multiple first-round picks, multiple pick swaps and multiple second-round picks. But the Jazz have been looking at more talent in Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski along with the picks, something the Warriors aren't willing to part with.
Lakers and Darius Garland trade developments will be one to watch out for
Earlier, The Athletic's Zach Harper mentioned Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland as one of the big names the team might trade this offseason. While the player has maintained his desire to play with Cleveland, the fit with Donovan Mitchell who recently inked a three-year, $150 million extension was looked at as the likely reason.
While the Miami Heat have already been linked to Garland, it's interesting to see what the Lakers can offer for the versatile guard. To add, his trade value is low at the moment, and it shouldn't come as a surprise if the Cavs decide to ship him if the right deal comes along. From a contract standpoint, he enters into the second season of a five-year, $197.2 million max contract.
If LA is indeed serious about adding Garland alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the possible deal options will likely include both Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell, along with a pick. For now, it's all trade rumors and theory, as the Lakers continue to play the waiting game.