Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Talen Horton-Tucker, G Max Christie, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Patrick Beverley

On the subject of Patrick Beverley’s trade value, we raise a question: is it high enough to command an unprotected first-round pick?

Obviously, we think not. Recently, the Celtics relinquished an unprotected first-rounder for Malcolm Brogdon. Beverley is distinctly less valuable than him. On balance, a lottery-protected pick feels like a fair return for the defensive dynamo.

Meanwhile, the Lakers get to hold onto Reaves with this deal. He’s no star in his own right, but he and Beverley combined will give the Lakers plenty of defense at the point of attack. Instead, they’re surrendering an undrafted rookie in Max Christie to make the contracts work here.

If the organization is high enough on Reaves, they’ll be happy to hold onto him. At the same time, the Lakers could be justified in setting their sights higher in any transaction.

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If they wanted to, they may be able to negotiate a bigger deal. Of course, they’ll have to part with significant draft capital to do so.