Trade Idea: Celtics - Lakers

[slightly biased bias fan]

Celtics: Reaves & Vanderbilt

Lakers: George & 2028 Clippers 1st round pick (protected)

- - -

This could only happen as a mid-season or end of season trade.

If the Lakers struggle defensively with Doncic & Reaves as their star duo, this trade could help both teams.

Paul George offers better front court defence for the Lakers, is an elite catch & shooter 3 point scorer, and is an underrated passer. The idea would be that George opts-out of his player option and sign a much cheaper long term deal. This would then allow the Lakers to upgrade their roster via free agency in 2027.

The Celtics get a great secondary option that offers the team much needed extra playmaking to alleviate the pressure on Tatum & allow Derrick White to concentrate on his defensive role. Although Reaves contract would be more expensive than George going forward, his 2029 players-option is still 20 million dollars cheaper than Tatum.

[hardlyyardley]

Lakers would be crazy to do this

[Roy H.]

Lakers would be crazy to do this

Which once again reminds us how stupid the JB trade was, since this was essentially our return.

[Vermont Green]

Lakers would be crazy to do this

Which once again reminds us how stupid the JB trade was, since this was essentially our return.

Which then begs the question, would LAL have traded Reaves and Vanderbilt for Brown in the first place?  I am guessing that if LAL wanted in on Brown, they could have gotten in on him, everyone in the world knew he was on the market after Giannis fell through.  I am guessing that no, LAL would see Reaves and Vanderbilt as a better fit with Doncic than Brown and even less likely they would want George.

So is Reaves and Vanderbilt for Brown better than George, (2) firsts (equivalent), and (2) seconds?  I think Reaves is over-hyped, but he is a good shooter/scorer.  Vanderbilt may not be any better than Cenac is gong to be this season.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

I'd rather have George and the pick.

[johnnygreen]

I'd rather have George and the pick.

I completely agree. I was never a fan of the Jaylen Brown super max extension. However, that Reaves contract is definitely worse.

[SparzWizard]

I mean Reaves is supposedly the the best #3 man in the NBA? He is a volume scorer but his defense stinks. Def younger than Paul George.