Frank Isola says Lowry for Irving is a real possibility. I would assume at least 1 1st would go to the Nets given Lowry's massive contract. That would be an interesting trade for both teams assuming Durant stays in Brooklyn. If Durant is traded, then Lowry to the Nets makes no sense at all and they'd be better off keeping Irving or getting Westbrook and a 1st from the Lakers, but I do kind of like the fit of Lowry as the leader of the Nets with Durant being the best guy.
I wouldn't want Lowry with or without Durant. He's old, broken down, and is owed $29.7 million in 2023.
To have that trade make sense, they'd have to get back more than just one #1. The Westbrook trade isn't great because it costs them a ton in luxury tax, but at least he's an expiring contract.
Yeah, Lowry looks pretty cooked these days.
I believe the thinking in Brooklyn is they get off of Irving and they get a real an actual leader. Part of Brooklyn's issues is the only leader on the team is Irving and he is unreliable at best. Lowry is a real and genuine leader. He'd provide a stabilizing force. And I know he was hurt in the playoffs, but he did play 63 games at 33.9 mpg and averaged 13.4 ppg, 7.5 apg, 4.5 rpg, and 1.1 spg. Clearly not worth 30 million a year production, but also not unplayable production. But you get Lowry to fill the leadership void, to have a guy that can run a team, and to pass the ball to Durant and get out of the way. He is also still a capable outside shooter who can hit the open shot. You pick up another 1st and/or other assets as well.
If that's the thinking, I wonder if there's a way to make a three way with Utah work for Mike Conley.
Here's a very simple iteration that could be adjusted:
http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=24cjdyjq
Utah picks up Strus for facilitating; Brooklyn saves a ton of money this year off its luxury tax payment; Miami gets a "superstar" that would drive them nutso.
Lowry is better than Conley. I don't see why Brooklyn would rather have Conley.
Conley is younger, more durable, scores more (in fewer minutes), shoots from outside better, has fewer turnovers, gets more steals and blocks, fouls less, and has a better net rating despite playing on an inferior team. He's got a significantly better VORP, BPM, and PER, and he leads in WS and WS/48, as well. He's also cheaper.
Agree Conley is better.
3-way trade:
Heat receive: Conley, Clarkson
Lakers receive: Lowry, Bogdanovic
Jazz receive: Westbrook, Strus, Heat 1st, Lakers 1st
Heat upgrade at two positions.
Lakers get a team-first PG and a quality roleplayer in Bogdanovic.
Jazz get an expiring + picks and a young-ish player.