Basketball Insiders has reported that general manager Mitch Kupchak is willing to trade the teams top pick this summer and add rookie point guard D’Angelo Russell. It was also reported that Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler is the target. A closer look at the situation shows it makes sense for both teams to talk and try to make this trade happen.
There’s no doubt the “purple and gold” need a new face of the franchise and with little luck in recent years in adding a big name free agent, making a trade now could have the impact Los Angles needs to begin rebuilding and once again become a force in the Western Conference.
Chicago has suffered through numerous injuries to star point guard Derrick Rose and the time is now to make a change. Russell improved tremendously as the year moved on, but off court issues with fellow team mates could make it difficult for the youngster to gain the trust he needs moving forward.
Butler is one of the best players in the league and a legitimate 20+ point per game scoring threat. He would become the new leader of the young Lakers and the type of player that could attract another veteran free agent, something this franchise needs if they want to start winning basketball games next season.
Its not often a trade can work in favor of both sides, but a new point guard and a top-3 pick in the NBA Draft would help Chicago and with the Bulls likely losing Pau Gasol this summer, adding a big man to take his place makes sense.
For the LA Lakers, its time to move on without Kobe and begin a new chapter in the franchises history and this trade would create a buzz with the fans and let the league know this team is ready to retake its throne as the top team in basketball, even if it takes another five years to reach that success.
