Jonas Valaniunas Would Head To Lakers in 3-Team Trade Proposal

The LA Lakers are seemingly in need of a traditional center, which would allow Anthony Davis to play more at power forward. This has been discussed all summer, and the name Jonas Valanciunas often surfaced in rumors. In fact, LeBron James even reportedly named him as one of the players he'd be willing to take less money for in his new extension, in order for the Lakers to bring him in.

The big Lithuanian eventually signed a free agent deal with the Washington Wizards, but that doesn't mean he'll finish the season in DC.

JV would be eligible to be traded as of January 15th, and if the Lakers have come to the inevitable realization by then that they really need a true 'five', talks with Washington will pick up steam.

Insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report has proposed a three-team deal that would get Valanciunas to Hollywood.

Lakers get:

Malcolm Brogdon (from Wizards)
Jonas Valančiūnas (from Wizards)
Jevon Carter (from Bulls)

Wizards get:

D'Angelo Russell (from Lakers)
Gabe Vincent (from Lakers)
Jalen Hood-Schifino (from Lakers)
Christian Wood (from Lakers)
Cam Reddish (from Lakers)
2029 first-rounder (top-five-protected)
$9.9 million trade exception (Jonas Valančiūnas)
$5.3 million trade exception (Johnny Davis)
$3.8 million trade exception (Malcolm Brogdon)

Bulls get:

Johnny Davis (from Wizards)
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (from Wizards)
$1.2 million trade exception (Jevon Carter)

In addition to the big man in the middle, this whopper of a trade would also see Malcolm Brogdon going to the Lakers, who'll add some floor spacing to help out LeBron and AD. He'd also add some toughness on defense in the backcourt (for those times when he's actually available and not on injured reserve). They'd also receive Jevon Carter from the Bulls to replace one of the guards they're giving up.

In return for this package, the Lakers would have to give up nearly half their roster in this proposal, and they'd all be going to the Wizards. The gem of the deal for the Wiz would be the Lakers' first-round pick in 2029, well after LeBron is retired, meaning it could be a nice lottery-level selection. They could even also flip D'Angelo Russell, who has an expiring $18.7 million contract.

As for the Bulls, they get a couple of young players to take a look at, plus get out from the $6.8 million Carter would be owed next season. He is redundant on the Bulls' roster that already features a returning Lonzo Ball (hopefully), as well as Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu as point guards.

Again, a deal like this couldn't take place until closer to the trade deadline due to Valanciunas's contract, but perhaps it'll be something to have a longer look at at that time.