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

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To do what exactly as a short term fix? Lift us to homecourt advantage for the play-in?  

All trades should be made with a simple premise:

1. Set yourself up better for the future!!!

2. Try not to sacrifice too much on-court talent in the process short term.

That´s it. I have absolutely no interest in any 30+ player, unless he´s a star that elevates us into title contention. Call it the DeRozan line. Though I could get on board with DeMar depending on the price tag for his extension. He´d also provide some much needed veteran leadership.

I think Batum or Covington would both work well here.  Either would serve as a bridge to either OMax developing or until we could trade for a better 4.  As both are expiring contracts, we could either re-sign them this offseason or let them walk and that might allow us to re-sign DJJ.

If we could obtain Covington or Batum in exchange for Holmes and our two 2nd-rounders, I think that would be a winning move.  The 76ers would presumably be targeting a player from a third team as they wouldn't be willing to take on the Holmes contract directly.

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There is no way Caruso fetches an OG package i.e. two good young starters and 2nds. 

I checked in on Barrett and Quickley and they're both putting up big-time numbers. Barrett in particular looks like an entirely different player, which speaks a lot to the context of stats. He didn't all of the sudden learn how to score efficiently and rebound. Same player, different context.

If the Mavs want in on Caruso, there's no denying he is a defensive force though. Is he worth two good young players who could start? Is Caruso worth Green and Hardy? I'd probably do that deal if Caruso were more durable. I don't think you can count on him for more than 24 MPG and he misses too many games.

Caruso is an elite role player on a great contract.  He is one of the league's best defensive players and is hitting over 40% from 3.  He is shooting more than ever before and hitting on excellent efficiency.  He can actually handle the ball a bit.  He's absolutely worth two first round picks.  

I would gladly trade our 2027 1st and OMax for Caruso and worry about fit later.