A Los Angeles Lakers trade for Bruce Brown is getting more complicated by the day.
The Toronto Raptors' management has been very savvy with its trade decisions, while Lakers' players, who are supposed to be available for trade, are starting to play well.
Most notable is D'Angelo Russell, who, on Sunday, played his most aggressive game, probably his best game in the last two seasons, against the Portland Trail Blazers.
He has been aggressive in the last five games, averaging 25.8 points per game.
There is a possibility that the Lakers will not use him for trade with the Raptors to get Brown anymore.
The Lakers' interest in Brown is well-documented. The 27-year-old guard landed in Canada after being traded there by the Indiana Pacers for All-Star Pascal Siakam.
He is expected to go elsewhere soon as Raptors President Masai Ujiri announced that the wheeling and dealing is not yet over for them.
It is understandable for the Raptors to unload Brown aside from the fact that they are not about winning the title this season.
Brown has just started his two-year $45 million contract with the Pacers. He has a team option worth $23 million.
He knows his worth, and he is ready to prove himself.
He said he is all about playing hard for his current team as trade rumors continue to circulate.
"Try not to pay attention to it and just hoop, control what I can control," Brown said. "I can't control if I get moved again or not, it's out of my mind."
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He is just coming off an NBA Championship win in 2023 with the Denver Nuggets. He could be a significant asset for any team that wants to contend. The Raptors can receive a lot of assets by trading him.
Lakers' trade for Bruce Brown
"The Raptors' asking price for teams interested in acquiring Bruce Brown has been described as a future first-round pick and a quality player ... at a minimum," NBA Insider Marc Stein wrote.
Given his struggle, D'Angelo Russell was one of the first names quickly thrown into a mock trade with the Raptors. However, that is no longer a probable scenario.
Trading him away could also cause an imbalance in the lineup, as the Lakers will lose a playmaker.
So, how can the Lakers pull this off?
The best asset they can trade right now is Rui Hachimura. The 25-year-old, who is on his first year of a 3-year $51 million deal, could be used for salary matching purposes.
The Lakers should also throw in their first 2029 first-round pick and Gabe Vincent.
Even with these assets, the trade might still be declined. A third team should be pulled in. Rob Pelinka pulled off a wild trade to get significant players before. This is a job for him.
Regardless of who the Lakers let go for Brown, they will see improvement in the roster. He is a tested 3-and-D guy who rarely spends time on the injured list. He will be a great compliment to Anthony Davis and Lebron James.
Related article: Where Should Raptors Trade Bruce Brown to Get Best Return?
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