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

[StrandedOnBeauboisHill]

Right now, the only first we can trade is 2027.  Our 2025 is tied up until 2024 conveys to NY (presumably).  2026 can't be traded until 2025 clears.  2028 can't be traded because we gave 2029 to Brooklyn.  2025 2nd is also tied up in the pick we owe NY.

I think the way to look at this is after next year's draft we project to have 2025 and 2027 firsts and a 2025 second to work with.  We will also (presumably) have THJ, Holmes and McGee on expiring deals that summer.  If it were me, I'd shoot for some more improvement at the margins this summer and take the big swing next summer.

We will also have 2031 FRP (and SRP?) as well.

One thing I'm curious about is the remaining TPE.  I know that this asset can not be paired with any player's contract on the roster in a trade but curious if anything has changed with the new CBA in terms of pairing it with other assets.  My understanding is that you can now trade other exceptions like the MLE and BAE, it feels like we probably can't pair the remaining TPE with those but curious if anyone can confirm that?  Would be a nice boost to our MLE to be able to outbid everyone.