LA Lakers Trade Rumor: GM Rob Pelinka eyes $48.8 million Heat star linked to potential 3-team trade involving the Detroit Pistons
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jan 29, 2025, 04.23 AM IST
The Los Angeles Lakers could be making a major move as they re-enter the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. With the Miami Heat reportedly lowering their asking price for the star forward, the Lakers are among several teams now back in the mix, including the Golden State Warriors. The possibility of the Lakers landing Butler is gaining traction, and it may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed.
Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor revealed on Tuesday that “Sources: The (Golden State) Warriors are one of several teams back in the mix for Jimmy Butler now that the Heat have lowered their asking price.” This news opens the door for the Los Angeles Lakers, whose General Manager, Rob Pelinka, could now be tempted to push hard for a deal. However, acquiring Butler is a complex task due to his substantial $48.8 million cap hit this season. To make the deal work, the Lakers would need a third team to help absorb some of that salary. Enter the Detroit Pistons.
A potential three-team trade has been suggested, which could see the Los Angeles Lakers bringing Jimmy Butler to Los Angeles. According to the proposed deal, the Lakers would receive Butler, while the Heat would get a package of Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Gabe Vincent. The Pistons would receive Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood (expiring), and a 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers, along with a 2031 second-round pick from Miami via Indiana.
Detroit's involvement in this deal hinges on their willingness to take on Vanderbilt’s $37.3 million contract, which has three years remaining. Although not an ideal situation for the Pistons, the draft capital offered could be enough to convince them to participate. If Detroit agrees, the Los Angeles Lakers could bolster their roster with Jimmy Butler, while the Heat would receive a mix of young assets, including Hachimura and Christie, both of whom are viewed as promising.
If Miami pushes for a more immediate impact player, another version of the deal could include Isaiah Stewart heading to the Heat, along with Hachimura, Christie, and Vincent. The Pistons would receive Vanderbilt’s contract, Wood, Burks, and two first-round picks from both Miami and Los Angeles.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumor: Milwaukee Bucks predicted to bag $94.5 million Nets forward in blockbuster multi-team trade, Khris Middleton serves key asset
This trade could benefit all parties involved, but it hinges on Detroit's willingness to part with Stewart and Miami's eagerness to move Jimmy Butler. While the Los Angeles Lakers would love to add a star like Butler, this deal is still in the early stages, with no certainty on whether it will come to fruition. The next few days will likely reveal more about the potential for this blockbuster trade to unfold.
Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor revealed on Tuesday that “Sources: The (Golden State) Warriors are one of several teams back in the mix for Jimmy Butler now that the Heat have lowered their asking price.” This news opens the door for the Los Angeles Lakers, whose General Manager, Rob Pelinka, could now be tempted to push hard for a deal. However, acquiring Butler is a complex task due to his substantial $48.8 million cap hit this season. To make the deal work, the Lakers would need a third team to help absorb some of that salary. Enter the Detroit Pistons.
A potential three-team trade has been suggested, which could see the Los Angeles Lakers bringing Jimmy Butler to Los Angeles. According to the proposed deal, the Lakers would receive Butler, while the Heat would get a package of Rui Hachimura, Max Christie, and Gabe Vincent. The Pistons would receive Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood (expiring), and a 2031 first-round pick from the Lakers, along with a 2031 second-round pick from Miami via Indiana.
Detroit's involvement in this deal hinges on their willingness to take on Vanderbilt’s $37.3 million contract, which has three years remaining. Although not an ideal situation for the Pistons, the draft capital offered could be enough to convince them to participate. If Detroit agrees, the Los Angeles Lakers could bolster their roster with Jimmy Butler, while the Heat would receive a mix of young assets, including Hachimura and Christie, both of whom are viewed as promising.
If Miami pushes for a more immediate impact player, another version of the deal could include Isaiah Stewart heading to the Heat, along with Hachimura, Christie, and Vincent. The Pistons would receive Vanderbilt’s contract, Wood, Burks, and two first-round picks from both Miami and Los Angeles.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumor: Milwaukee Bucks predicted to bag $94.5 million Nets forward in blockbuster multi-team trade, Khris Middleton serves key asset
This trade could benefit all parties involved, but it hinges on Detroit's willingness to part with Stewart and Miami's eagerness to move Jimmy Butler. While the Los Angeles Lakers would love to add a star like Butler, this deal is still in the early stages, with no certainty on whether it will come to fruition. The next few days will likely reveal more about the potential for this blockbuster trade to unfold.