Trade Idea
Caveat, I'm a Blazers fan that just so happens to be a giant NBA fan and as such hypothesizes rebuilds for most teams. So here's what I've got for ya:
This trade is assuming LA is in win-now mode and lands PG13.
LA gets: CJ, Swanigan, 2019 2nd
POR gets: Ingram, Hart, Deng, #24, 2020 lottery protected 1st.
My Breakdown:
POR does this because it gives them a roster balance that they have little to no way of obtaining if they keep both Dame and CJ. Additionally, this is a retool rather than a rebuild, which likely appeals more to Paul Allen who is very hands on. My preference here is a blow it up rebuild, but I digress.
LA does this because CJ is a good compliment for Lonzo and, all things conidered, is one of the most efficient scorers in the league. A backcourt of Lonzo and CJ is well balanced, and between PG and Lonzo CJ's defensive liabilities can be minimized. The trade breaks down as Ingram, Hart, #24 for CJ and a future first for Deng, which I think is more than reasonable. By converting Deng to CJ, you essentially open the possibility to add three stars this offseason, as your cap space still remains in tact (CJ being a lower tier star lol).
The path forward for LA would be:
Lonzo/CJ/PG/Kuz/?
FWIW, I propose Boogie/DJ as option #1, Kuz/Randle for Whiteside as option #2, and random defensive journeymen for option #3 at center. My personal unpopular opinion is a swing on Noel, but Dedmon and Ed are other possibilities.
Anyways, let me know what y'all think about the trade itself!