RJ Barrett To Los Angeles Lakers?
Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL via NYK), 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Derrick Rose, G/F RJ Barrett, F Rudy Gay, G Jared Butler
New York Knicks Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
In all likelihood, the New York Knicks would rather not part with RJ Barrett in order to add Donovan Mitchell. At the same time, if this were the only viable path to landing the star guard, it would still be one worth exploring.
Plus, there are benefits for the Knicks here. With the Los Angeles Lakers surrendering two first-round picks and two swaps, the Knicks have to part with far less draft capital than expected in order to land Mitchell.
Meanwhile, Lakers fans probably didn’t envision themselves landing Barrett this summer in their wildest dreams. The cost is not cheap – the Lakers will probably have the thinnest reserve of draft capital in the NBA following this trade.
At the same time, they’ll have LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Bringing in Barrett, Rose, and Gay to complement them is worth the price. If sophomore Jared Butler takes a step forward, he could be a nice addition to this core as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Major From Lakers-Knicks-Jazz Trade Talks Involving Donovan Mitchell, Russell Westbrook
Consider this the least likely arrangement of the three we’ve outlined here. Regardless, if the New York Knicks were open to it, the Lakers would have to give it some serious consideration.