One NBA writer is proposing that the Brooklyn Nets trade for Los Angeles Lakers center Mo Bamba this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Nets send small forward Royce O’Neale to the Lakers for Bamba.
“The Nets are suddenly loaded with wings but thin in the frontcourt. The Lakers could use another three-and-D perimeter option and have a big to spare. A swap to satisfy both needs makes sense,” Swartz wrote. “Brooklyn gets Bamba, a mobile 7-footer who can start at power forward or play either post position off the bench. The 25-year-old knocked down 38.7 percent of his threes last season and has proved to be an effective shot-blocker.
“O’Neale fits nicely into a starting lineup featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves with his defensive versatility and floor spacing. He’s as consistent as they come from the outside, shooting between 38.5 percent and 38.9 percent from three in each of the past three seasons.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Los Angeles Lakers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Bamba split time with the Orlando Magic and Lakers this season. He averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 49 games while shooting 48.5% from the field, 38.7% from beyond the arc and 66.1% from the free-throw line. Los Angeles traded guard Patrick Beverley to Orlando for Bamba at the February trade deadline.
Meanwhile, O’Neale averaged 8.8 points, 5.1 boards and 3.7 assists for the Nets while shooting 38.6% overall, 38.9% from 3-point land and 72.5% from the charity stripe. Brooklyn acquired the 29-year-old from the Utah Jazz in June 2022.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba, Los Angeles Lakers & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Lakers got swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, while the Nets were swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. Bamba’s contract for next season is non-guaranteed at $10.3 million, while O’Neale has a partially guaranteed contract. Only $2.5 million of his $9.5 million salary is guaranteed.
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