Around the NBA, some teams need to make improvements. Rebuilding isn’t an option for those teams. They’re built around veterans who get them close enough to a title that they’re forced to remain in win-now mode.
Take the Los Angeles Lakers. Let’s be realistic – this team isn’t going to rebuild at the deadline. It isn’t going to happen. The Lakers roster LeBron James. They’ll try to win games as long as he’s performing at his current level.
Perhaps that’s why they’re rumored to be interested in upgrading their point guard rotation. The Lakers are already linked to some specific names. Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards is one of them. Here’s a deal that sends him to the Lakers.
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Washington Wizards’ Tyus Jones
Washington Wizards Receive: G Gabe Vincent, F/C Jaxson Hayes, 2024 Second-Round Pick (LAC via LAL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (LAC via LAL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Tyus Jones
By contrast, other teams do not need to improve. Some of those teams are dreadful. To some fans, that will feel counterintuitive. Shouldn’t an awful team look to improve?
Don’t be naive. We’re talking about tanking teams. They’d rather be bad – that’s how they’ll maximize their lottery odds. Some teams around the NBA don’t mind their place at the bottom of the league’s standings.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Wizards are one of those teams. This organization will likely look to land near the top of the lottery for years to come.
Should they move Jones for this collection of assets?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
They should move Jones. That much is obvious. The Wizards should trade anyone on this roster who’s outside of their early 20s and can net them some value. The question is whether this is a fair return for Jones.
We think it is. The Wizards could potentially land a lottery protected first for Jones, but at the end of the day, he’s a role player. In all likelihood, a solid young player and a collection of second-rounders is a more reasonable return for Jones.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That’s what the Wizards are getting here. Hayes still has potential as a large, athletic combo big. The Wizards should be happy to add him to their roster.
Should the Lakers part with him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Lakers hardly play Hayes. They should have the opposite view of the Wizards – the Lakers should be moving any young player if it lands them a player that they’ll work into their rotation.
Jones would certainly qualify. He’s a significant upgrade over Vincent. Jones leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio on an annual basis. This is one of the steadiest playmaking hands in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, Jones can space the floor as well. He’s also a solid defender. This is a well-rounded player who will make the Lakers a better team. With James on the roster, what else matters?
