New Orleans Pelicans Receive: C Marc Gasol
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Wenyen Gabriel
This is not the big splash move that the Los Angeles Lakers have seen over the years but it would include a relatively big name. Marc Gasol would be the player sent to the New Orleans Pelicans.
It was assumed that Gasol would return to the Lakers for a second season but that might not be the case. If Gasol is available, he would benefit a team looking for help in the frontcourt.
With Zion Williamson being such a dominant interior force offensively, there is real value in the Pelicans making a move to acquire a veteran stretch-five with playmaking skills like Gasol. It could help even if it’s just for a short-term arrangement.
The Lakers do not need to land much in return for a trade involving Gasol. Instead, solidifying their flexibility in terms of being able to create an extra roster spot should be the priority in a potential NBA trade scenario.
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That goal would be accomplished by the Lakers as Wenyen Gabriel has a non-guaranteed contract. The Lakers could waive him and sign a different player to reinforce their supporting cast.
Let’s take a closer look and see how this NBA trade scenario centered around Marc Gasol would impact both the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.