NBA Trade Talk: Thunder Equip Lakers with Draft Capital in Exchange for Center Help

Jaxson Hayes could help the Thunder add frontcourt depth, while the Lakers could receive draft capital for secondary moves.

The NBA trade deadline is approaching, which is an exciting time around the league. While it’s easy to think about the blockbuster deals, the reality is most transactions are much smaller moves that don’t shake up the landscape of the league.

One deal that could make sense and mutually benefit two teams next month is a trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers.

Oklahoma City needs frontcourt depth, especially players that have a modern skillset and height. Meanwhile, Los Angeles needs any assets that can help the front office facilitate a trade to turn the season around.

The Lakers have a 7-footer in Jaxson Hayes, who has played in 34 games this season but at less than 10 minutes per contest. On the flip side, the Thunder have a ridiculous amount of second-round picks.

Draft picks are generally more flexible assets than players in trade talks because position, contract size and contract length don’t matter. If the Lakers would find value in swapping Hayes for a few second rounders and salary filler, this could be a deal that benefits both sides. Los Angeles would get more ammunition for a follow-up trade, while OKC would land another 7-footer to play alongside or behind Chet Holmgren.

If the Thunder want to make a marginal move at the trade deadline, this is the type of deal that makes sense. 

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