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NBA Trade Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies Trading Marc Gasol to Lakers Makes Sense

By AJ Salah

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 23, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 23: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 23, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Returns to Sender

Also conveniently, the L.A. Lakers have treasure trove of assets to lavish the Memphis Grizzlies with.

Obviously there is no avoiding the adjacent discussion of Anthony Davis‘ immediate future, and the Lakers’ tacit motivation to preserve assets should he become available.

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But the Lakers have so much to unload in their coffers. They hold numerous young upside targets, one of whom (Brandon Ingram) is heavily cannibalized by LeBron’s presence. L.A. also has tons of NBA Draft equity; they own virtually all their future picks.

Picks are of particular appeal to both parties. The Memphis Grizzlies have stupidly given away too many of their own, now staring a rebuild in the face. The L.A. Lakers meanwhile can happily part with theirs; LeBron James is the NBA’s safest anti-lottery insurance.

A swap of Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s Bird Rights for Marc Gasol works on ESPN’s Trade Machine. Tweak with a trade exception (both teams have them), add a pick or two for Memphis, and this seems very doable for both sides.

The Memphis Grizzlies get rebuild-geared assets (Caldwell-Pope’s expiring deal among them), and L.A. adds a second star, while retaining the prizes New Orleans would likely covet in any Davis deal.

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