When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade plans, it’s clear that the idea of landing a two-way wing is on their mind.
One of the most popular candidates linked to the Lakers is New Orleans Pelicans forward, Herb Jones.
This year, the 27-year-old veteran has appeared in 19 games for the Pelicans. He is shooting 39 percent from the field, knocking down 33 percent of his threes (4.2 attempts per game).
Jones is posting averages of 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
The Pelicans are struggling after entering the season with a win-now mindset. Unfortunately, a 5-22 start to the year suggests they should be hitting the rebuild button.
Since Jones carries plenty of value in New Orleans, he would certainly be viewed as a popular target if the Pelicans decided to go in that direction.
Mock Trade Reveals the Potential Cost for the LA Lakers
If the Lakers could get the Pelicans’ front office on the phone to talk shop, what might that trade framework look like?
In a hypothetical scenario crafted by Bleacher Report, the Lakers would ship out Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, and a 2031 first-round pick. In exchange, they would land Jones on his own.
“This is, without question, a move the Lakers would make right now—if they could,” BR’s Zach Buckley wrote.
“Their seventh-ranked offense is ready to compete at the highest level, but their 21st-ranked defense is in dire need of a lockdown defender like Jones.”
Here, the Lakers get a bargain. The two players going out don’t seem to be valued all that highly in LA. For starters, Knecht was famously traded to the Charlotte Hornets last year before the deal shockingly fell through. The Lakers attempted to assure the public that they still thought highly of Knecht, but the truth was already out there.
This year, Knecht has played in 20 games, averaging 6.4 points on 36 percent shooting from three. He is seeing the court for roughly 15 minutes per game when he does play.
Kleber, who came over alongside Luka Doncic from Dallas, has just 10 appearances for the Lakers this season. It’s clear he’s not an everyday rotational player in JJ Redick’s system.
As for the draft pick that goes out, that’s years from now. Plus, with the Lakers investing big in the future of Luka, while always maintaining a “win-now” mindset, they are always going to prioritize pieces for the present.
Would the Pelicans Make This Deal?
I would be shocked if the Pelicans would be satisfied with this type of offer from the Lakers.
While Jones doesn’t fall under the star-caliber category the Lakers typically pursue, he’s a clear standout role player in the league. In this trade, there is a clear winner, and it’s not New Orleans.
Read More: Lakers Get Brutal Update on Highly-Coveted $68 Million Trade Target
The word around the league currently suggests that Jones is not available. More struggles from the Pelicans could change that before the February deadline.
Jones might not be available now, but he’s a name to keep in mind for the Lakers.
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