utah jazz Fans may have been shut down on the Donovan Mitchell front, but that doesn’t mean executive Danny Ainge has closed a deal this summer.
According to NBA Insider Jeff Zirgit United States of America today, los angeles lakers I’m interested in the jazzman trio of Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson.
“I’ve heard that the Lakers are interested in potential trade potential Jazz veterans (Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Bojan Bogdanovic). wanting to secure cap space for 2022-23 and are less interested in signing beyond 2022-23.Expired Bogdanovic.There will be some talk about Conley’s Westbrook/first rounder, but Conley’s The contract runs through 2023-24 and is partially guaranteed.Clarkson has a player option for the 2023-24 season.”
Former League MVP Russell Westbrook’s days in LA may be numbered, but the Lakers will need a contract that expires in 2023. This puts the Lakers on the road to signing Kyrie Irving and setting up a last-ditch effort to add LeBron James to the four rings.
Clarkson and Conley may not meet the standards the Lakers are looking for. Conley’s contract runs through 2024, and Clarkson can opt-in for the 2023-24 season. Bogdanovic is a perfect fit for his expiring contract and perfect as a three-pointer for his shooter to solve the spacing issues the Lakers had last year.
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Newly acquired Jazzman Malik Beasley makes sense as his deal has a $16 million team option for 2023-24. If the Lakers’ endgame is Irving’s deal, Beasley, Bogdanovic and Rudy Gay (whose contract expires in his 2023) could be part of the deal.
Utah’s goal would be to go for an unsuspecting first-round draft pick long after James has been gone. At this point, it may be the Lakers’ turn to rebuild, but the question is, can the Jazz put together a package that guarantees one or two unsuspecting picks?
Also, the Jazz are looking to create opportunities for a young roster that needs live rep to grow. If Jazz can move the remaining veterans who don’t fit the plan, everyone will benefit.
Jazz fans can expect at least one more roster reshuffle before the season opener. Denver Nuggets October 19th.
Follow Patrick on Twitter @pbyrnesNBA.
