A 3-Team Trade Idea to Land Los Angeles Lakers Malcolm Brogdon, Jonas Valančiūnas

While Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick downplayed his franchise's need for a traditional center, the team privately confirmed that it could use a big man with girth. Top basketball executive Rob Pelinka also indicated the Lakers would be open to moving future first-round picks for a marginal (one pick) or more significant (two) upgrade.

Of the potential targets previously covered by B/R, one stands out as slightly more realistic than the others—the combination of Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valančiūnas from the Washington Wizards.

As a more defensive-minded ball-handling guard, Brogdon would replace D'Angelo Russell, who is needed in the deal for salary-matching purposes. Valančiūnas would give the Lakers a sized option at center.

The Washington Wizards acquired Valančiūnas over the summer, so a deal wouldn't be legal until close to the trade deadline (February 6). Add the Chicago Bulls, who get out of an expendable backup guard for their trouble to make everything come together, and the following three-team trade could make sense for all parties:

Full Trade Scenario

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 31: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at the Smoothie King Center on December 31, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

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)

Note: The Bulls and Wizards both need an open roster spot for the trade. At this early stage, Chicago has 14 players on guaranteed contracts; Washington has 15. Other teams can be brought in for low-salaried players, or others can be waived outright (Anthony Gill, Julian Phillips, etc.).

The Lakers' 2029 first-round pick has top-5 protection (converting to a 2030 second-rounder).

Why the Los Angeles Lakers Do It

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SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: Malcolm Brogdon #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers warms up before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on April 14, 2024 in Sacramento, 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. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

The Lakers' relationship with Russell is long and tenuous. The 2023 trade that brought him back to L.A. (where he spent his first two seasons) helped the franchise return to the Western Conference Finals. But Russell's best skill (shooting) hasn't translated well to the postseason, and the Lakers have hoped to upgrade defensively at the position.

Valančiūnas was on the list of names LeBron was willing to take less for in free agency, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin in late June.

Is Valančiūnas capable of playing playoff minutes at this stage of his career? That's debatable, but the Lakers have a history of going after players on James' various lists (including Russell Westbrook), and Valančiūnas certainly ticks the "girth" checkbox at 6'11", 265 pounds.

Brogdon is a career 39.1 percent three-point shooter with more defensive skill than Russell. He's struggled to stay on the court consistently over his career, but that's why the Lakers would be able to get him for what they're giving up.

Since the Lakers would have a hard cap at the second apron ($188.9 million) by aggregating contracts, several others, including Vincent, Reddish, Wood and Hood-Schifino, would need to go. L.A. must also add an additional player via free agency to a pro-rated minimum contract earning no more than about $900,00 to get to the required 14.

The Lakers give up depth but fill positions of need, including Carter from Chicago to replace Vincent. The 6'1" guard lacks height but has experience, can fight defensively and has proved to be an excellent shooter on good teams and a poor shooter on bad ones.

Why the Washington Wizards Do It

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El Segundo, CA, Monday, September 30, 2024 -D'Angelo Russell attends Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The Wizards have one of the NBA's odder rosters, with a mismatch of veterans (Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, Marvin Bagley III, Brogdon, Valančiūnas and Richaun Holmes) and young prospects who need seasoning (Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George). The team also owes its first-round pick to the New York Knicks unless it's a top-10 selection.

Many around the league believe the Wizards will steadily tank for draft position while focusing on player development and seeking trades for many of their veteran players.

Getting a first-round pick from the Lakers, probably after James retires, for Brogdon and Valančiūnas may be enough for Washington. The one requirement is taking on an extra year in Vincent ($11.5 million for 2025-26), but the Wizards also get a look at the Lakers' No. 17 pick from 2023 (Hood-Schifino).

Russell can be re-routed, but he (along with Reddish and Wood) isn't the point of the deal for the Wizards. The current leadership didn't draft Davis, and he hasn't shown enough to stand out in Washington. Roster space may be a minor issue, which may cost Baldwin and perhaps Jared Butler, but rebuilding is often a messy business.

Why the Chicago Bulls Do It

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Jevon Carter #5 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the 2024 Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2024 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Bulls don't need Carter, with Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and the hopeful return of Lonzo Ball (knee). Carter struggled on the team last year; Chicago would be happy to get out of his $6.8 million player option for 2025-26.

Instead, the Bulls get some young players to test in Davis and Baldwin. The major players in the deal are the Lakers and Wizards, but if Chicago can benefit, why not?

Email Eric Pincus at [e-mail] and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.