I looked at the CP3 to LA scenario too but the Lakers don't have enough players/salaries to send out to fit both CP3 and AD ($65 million combined). Plus, CP3 AD and LeBron would account for $115 million which would put them over the cap just for three players. EDIT: My bad, it wouldn't put them over the cap though $103 million committed to three players is quite a bit.
I don’t think they would have to send out salary if they’re trading into cap space. Also, they would still have the MLE and I don’t think they would have much of a problem finding vet min guys to fill out the roster around them three.
There's not a feasible way to move Paul without sacrificing one of Clint Capela, Eric Gordon or PJ Tucker in order to get Holiday. If Phoenix moves Tyler Johnson and TJ Warren then that would work but that means New Orleans would have to take Tyler and his $19 million owed. At that point, it would be up to New Orleans on whether or not they crave cap space by trading away Holiday for Tyler's 1 year deal.
Right now if they renounce all of their FAs, the Lakers would have $38.1 million. That would give them enough to trade for Chris Paul. AD's salary for next season ($27.1). From a salary matching perspective, Ball/Ingram/Kuzma collectively ($17.9) isn't enough. You can throw in Josh Hart and that's still not enough.
Looking into this even more....maybe it's possible. 1. Lakers renounce the rights to all of their free agents. $38.1 million cap room generated. 2. Lakers trade for Chris Paul. Roster now has $99.3 committed (LeBron, Paul, Ball, Ingram, Kuzma, Wagner, Hart, Bonga). With $5 million from stretching Deng counting against the cap, that's $104.3 million. The cap for next year is $109. If they traded EVERYONE except for Paul and Lebron, that totals to be $23.4 million. The ~$5 million where they're under the cap would be enough to get Davis on this team. Apologies to you, @DM'sVP as you are right. This, in theory, can be done. It would make for one crazy team to have to fill out 12 roster slots all with vet mins but it can be done.
I'm clearly off my game but I thought of a way to do so after sitting at my cubicle for a while: 1. Phoenix renounces all of their free agents' rights except for Oubre. This generates about $17 million in cap space ($92.3 in commited salaries plus Oubre's cap hold). 2. Houston trades Paul to Phoenix. Phoenix now has to move $21 million (Pauls' salary is $38.1 - $17 capspace) out. 3. New Orleans sends Jrue Holiday to Houston. Holiday makes $26 million next year. Houston can now take as much as $11-12 million (Paul's $38.1-Holiday's $26) back if they choose to. 4. Phoenix could send New Orleans Tyler Johnson ($19 million), Josh Jackson ($7 million) plus their #6 So in this scenario: Phoenix receive: Chris Paul New Orleans receive: Tyler Johnson Josh Jackson #6 pick Houston receive: Jrue Holiday $11-12 million generated trade exception Houston might need to pepper a couple of picks going to Phoenix but, ultimately, there's a scenario out there where we can get Holiday while shipping Paul out. lol
They would also have the tax payer MLE and 2nd picks but you’re right. It would be tough for them to fill out the roster.
Speculation: Lakers are not offering both Kuzma and 4th pick after they knew that Clippers and Knicks are davis preferred lists and Celtics are not willing to offer Brown because of big tax concern. Knicks and Clippers have little valuable assets. Suns are willing to offer 6th pick for Ball.
Pelicans want 3 things to beat Lakers deal 1. One Young promising player: like Tatum, Lauri, Russell 2. One Veteran leadership 3. Two first rounders - did not say top 5 picks or 30th pick Capela and Gordon package is not competitive, Morey is working a deal to find another team to involve.
If thats the case, I would trade CC, PJ, and all four of our 1st round picks. Those 4 1st rd picks will last them for 8 years.
Griffin doesn’t consider cc and pj as right players to Zion. They want another vet same level of jrue holiday if they can’t get what they want, They take Lakers offer.
What about those draft picks? Because Ingram has blood clots and the rest of the potential Lakers trade pieces don't want to be in NOLA.
