The Lakers have made the first move leading up to Thursday's NBA Draft. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers have traded 2015 No. 2 overall pick, D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall pick.
What does it mean for the Lakers?
This is a surprising move. The Lakers were rumored to making a trade for Paul George, and Russell might have been a part of that package. It confirms that the Lakers do not want to give up last year's No. 2 overall pick, Brandon Ingram, or this year's No. 2 overall pick.
This also confirms that the Lakers will select Lonzo Ball. Ball will be the team's starting point guard next season, a spot that was held by Russell prior to being traded. The Lakers can keep a young nucleus of Ball, Ingram, and Julius Randle for years to come. Then, next season the team can sign Paul George, and possibly make a run at LeBron James.
What does it mean for the Nets?
The Nets are still feeling the effects of the Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry trade that involved many of their first round draft picks. By making this trade, the Nets basically used their first round draft pick on Russell.
Russell is just two years into the league and shows he can be a durable point guard.
The Nets are going to be a bottom dweller in the league for years to come. By making this trade, the Nets at least make an attempt at making their team better for the future.
What does it mean for other trades?
This means that the Lakers are probably not going to make a move for George this season. By trading Russell, and holding on to Ingram and Ball, the Lakers do not possess the assets to make a trade.
This means that the Cavaliers might be more aggressive at acquiring George. The Cavaliers have been linked to Jimmy Butler as well, but Indiana might want to make a run at trading with Cleveland. The Celtics are not confident that they can sway George after this upcoming season. The Cavaliers feel that they can keep George around with their championship culture.
This means that the Celtics are more likely as suitors for Butler. The Celtics need another star player, and if George won't commit to Boston, then the Celtics won't send their assets for a rental. The Bulls make the most sense as a trade partner with the Celtics for Butler. The Bulls are strapped financially as Dwyane Wade has told the Bulls that he will pick up his option and stay with the team confirmed by ESPN's Nick Friedell. The Bulls will pay Wade $24 million this season.
