Trade & FA 2023-24: Stein-Ingram Trade Inevitable| LAL Want Lebron Back On Any Terms

[DanSchwartzgan]

Matej Sportinfo (@MatejSportinfo)
Luka was asked at the press conference if there's a chance of him and Jokic playing together in the future... his answer: "Anything's possible."

This has always been my biggest fear.

And our biggest opportunity.  Luka has a PO in the summer of 26, which means he will take his first Super-Max extension in the summer of 2025.

Jokic has a PO in the summer of 27 on his current Super-Max.  So, he will be extension eligible in the summer of 26 (after Luka has already committed to his).  Dallas has the contracts of Kyrie, PJ, Gafford and Kleber all ending that summer.  I think from a timing standpoint it more likely Denver would consider a trade if Jokic won't sign the extension (for his second 35% of the cap contract) than it is to think Luka will pass on his first Super-Max to become UFA.  Obviously anything can happen and either could demand a trade.  But Luka is younger and surrounded by a younger group of players than Denver has around Jokic.

One wild card in all of this is Lively.  Do you really need both Lively and Jokic?  If Lively is the star we think he will be, do you give him up?  His Rookie extension is that same summer meaning he'd be PP if we traded him after he signs.