Before we even begin, yes, I know this is an article about a D’Angelo Russell trade in November. A good chunk of the league can’t even be traded until Dec. 15 if they signed as a free agent this summer.

However, given JJ Redick’s comments about Russell following the team’s loss to the Grizzlies, it definitely feels like the Lakers are set for another season with D’Lo trade rumors.

So, here we go again.

The difference between this season and last is that Russell is an expiring contract, which should give him more value. However, the more restrictive CBA with the first and second apron makes it harder to work out a deal.

For example, the Lakers were reportedly interested in Brook Lopez during the summer. However, because Milwaukee is a second-apron team, trades must be a 1-for-1 match, which is basically impossible, and the Bucks can not aggregate players in a trade.

Basically, they’re screwed. And the Lakers, nor really any other team, can take advantage of it without taking on more mone in the deal. The Lakers also can’t do that because they’re right up against the second apron themselves.

Got all that? If not, join the crowd. If so, let’s dive into some trades.

Brooklyn Nets

Lakers get: Dorian Finney-Smith
Nets get: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 first round pick

Could you imagine the Lakers trading D’Angelo Russell to the Nets? And in a deal that gives them more cap room?

Dorian Finney-Smith has been a player the Lakers have been linked to for a couple of seasons now. Is this the season they finally pull the trigger?

The Nets were reportedly one of the teams that has had interest in JHS. Adding Russell is more salary ballast than anything.

It also clears up their salary cap future as a rebuilding team with DFS holding a player option for the 2025-26 season. Even then, this deal saves the Lakers nearly $7 million on this year’s payroll, giving them the cushion to waive and sign players to restructure their roster further.

Utah Jazz

Lakers get: Jordan Clarkson, Walker Kessler
Jazz get: D’Angelo Russell, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 first round pick, 2031 first round pick

One of the other names linked to the Lakers is Walker Kessler, who much of the league is interested in. The hold up for most of the trade talks has been the asking price from the Jazz.

Two first round picks is a lot of equity to part with. For the Lakers, it would signify the final significant move of the LeBron James-Anthony Davis era.

But it would also be a move for the future. Kessler is just 23 years old and, on paper, is a great fit alongside AD moving forward.

Getting Clarkson back would help the Lakers’ bench-scoring woes. Granted, if the team is trading it’s starting point guard, they probably should be looking for one in return, but Clarkson is one of the best sixth men in the NBA and the Lakers have no bench.

Portland Trail Blazers

Lakers get: Jerami Grant, Duop Reath
Trail Blazers get: D’Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, 2029 first round pick

Of all the players linked to the Lakers in recent seasons, Jerami Grant has felt like the one who comes up most often. His links to the Lakers date back to his time with the Nuggets and through his time in Detroit but has been loudest now that he’s on the Blazers.

One of my holdups in a Grant trade has been that I don’t think he’s a better player than Rui Hachimura. Is there a way to trade for him while keeping Rui? Unlikely, but that’s the route I aim for first.

The second hold up has been the asking price for Portland. Grant is not worth multiple first round picks and I’m not sure I’d comfortably give up one first round pick unless it’s in the right deal.

If you can keep Rui, I think you can part with a first rounder.

Getting one of the centers back from the Blazers would be imperative, too. While Robert Williams III is a name lots of fans like, his huge contract makes it hard to find a trade.

This feels the least likeliest of the three trades, though.