Celtics-Lakers blockbuster trade idea would solve massive roster issue for LA
Context:
A proposed blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers could significantly alter both teams' rosters. The deal involves Boston trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Lakers in exchange for Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and Dorian Finney-Smith, provided Finney-Smith exercises his player option. For Boston, this move would provide depth and financial flexibility, adding a stretch big, a 3-and-D wing, and a sharpshooting guard to their lineup. The Lakers would acquire a third star in Porzingis, who offers floor spacing and rim protection, though his injury history and potential conflicts with Luka Dončić from their time in Dallas are concerns. While financially viable, the trade requires the Lakers to consider the cost of losing Finney-Smith's defense and Knecht's scoring potential against Porzingis' fit within their championship aspirations.
Dive Deeper:
The trade between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers would send Kristaps Porzingis to the Lakers for Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and Dorian Finney-Smith, contingent on Finney-Smith's player option being exercised.
Boston would benefit from the trade by gaining financial flexibility and roster depth, with Kleber adding frontcourt spacing, Finney-Smith bolstering perimeter defense, and Knecht bringing scoring potential.
Porzingis is considered a talented stretch five but comes with an injury history that raises concerns for the Celtics.
The Lakers would potentially gain a significant advantage with Porzingis as a third star alongside LeBron James and possibly Luka Dončić, improving their floor spacing and rim protection.
Despite the trade's financial feasibility, the Lakers would have to weigh the loss of Finney-Smith's two-way capabilities and Knecht's potential against the benefits of acquiring Porzingis.
A blockbuster trade between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers this summer could reshape both franchises.
The proposed deal would see Boston send a former No. 4 overall pick and 2018 All-Star to the Lakers in exchange for Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, and Dorian Finney-Smith (assuming Finney-Smith exercises his $15.4 million player option). This trade could address a roster need for the Lakers while easing Boston’s salary cap constraints.
The Trade
Lakers receive…
- Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7M expiring)
- Dalton Knecht (2 years, $10.7M)
- Maxi Kleber ($11M expiring)
- Dorian Finney-Smith ($15.4M expiring)
For the Celtics, trading Porzingis, who has represented a key piece in their vision of a dynasty, would be a tough but strategic move. Porzingis is arguably the most talented stretch five in basketball, but his injury history raises concerns.
Boston would gain depth and financial flexibility in this deal. Kleber, a stretch big, provides frontcourt spacing. Finney-Smith, a rock-solid 3-and-D wing, bolsters perimeter defense. Knecht, a sharpshooting guard, brings a ton of scoring upside and would fit like a glove in Boston’s system of endless three-point attempts. This trio would strengthen Boston’s bench considerably.
For the Lakers, Porzingis would be a game-changer alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić, provided Luka and KP could move past the alleged beef they had with each other on the Dallas Mavericks. KP’s floor spacing and rim protection would make him an excellent basketball fit to be LA’s third star.
However, parting with Finney-Smith’s two-way play and Knecht’s potential is a steep price. The Lakers would need to weigh Porzingis’ injury risks against his fit in their championship window.
Financially, this trade works, and it's deal that could spark intriguing roster evolution for two NBA powerhouses.
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