How the Boston Celtics could get involved in Kyle Kuzma trade talks

Fans of the NBA know the deal when it comes to how teams led by LeBron James operate. If your style doesn’t fit his–and more recently, if you are too young to win now–you end up on the trade block. Here’s how the Boston Celtics could get involved.

As a Boston Celtics fan, it is both funny and slightly infuriating to see how LeBron James’ teams cunningly send away players that he doesn’t like playing beside. Kyrie Irving became collateral in 2017, when the C’s were able to get the point guard of the (immediate) future.

When James took his talents to Los Angeles, many figured it was only a matter of time until he became sick of playing alongside the team’s young core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma.

Hence the lack of surprise when all but Kuzma were shipped off to New Orleans to acquire Anthony Davis. With half a season now in the books, it is no surprise that the lone remaining member of the 2017-18 team is now on the trading block.

What started the idea of a Kuzma exodus out of L.A. was some interesting remarks from his trainer:

Not long after this report came about, rumors were swirling about a potential deal with the Sacramento Kings.

Then a further report stated that Kuzma alone wouldn’t get a deal done for Sacramento.

So while there is traction, the Lakers simply don’t have enough to move Kuzma for a wing that better fits the current Lakers’ roster. But, there is a way for Lakers and Kings to get what they want in a potential Kuzma swap.

The Boston Celtics need to be involved.

You see, when it comes to assets, few teams around the league are better armed in trade talks than the C’s. You want a future star? Try Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on for size. How about a do-it-all wing that can elevate any dark-horse contender into a favorite? Gordon Hayward says hello.

If you want defense, Marcus Smart has that covered. If you want offense, Kemba Walker is a one-man offensive system that dragged the Hornets to respectability for years.

The thing is, that’s just the beginning. *Side-note, none of them are being dealt this season.

If the Kings pivot from contending this season to rebuilding for next, Kuzma is a good starting point, but giving up Bogdan Bogdanovic alone is not getting fair value back in return. Where the Boston Celtics come in is giving up the draft assets Los Angeles lacks.

The Memphis pick continues to fall in the draft because of the continued winning the Grizzlies are enjoying this season. That said, first round draft picks are still among the best assets available. Rebuilding teams can turn late first-rounders into contributors like…Kyle Kuzma.

What we know about the Lakers’ expected return is that they would want a player back in return that can help the team win this season. Remember, this year is somewhat of an all-in situation for the Lakers with Anthony Davis’ impending free agency.

So instead of the team fetching Bogdanovic in return, the Lakers could acquire a player who perfectly compliments the James-Davis duo in Nemanja Bjelica. Bjelica may not be a splashy name, but he does his fair share of splashing in the form of a 40% career conversion rate from the 3-point line.

For those questioning Los Angeles dealing a high-upside player in Kuzma, remember that Bjelica is just one year older than the 24 year old Kuzma. Bjelica is a better short-term fit, and could prove to be a better long-term fit as well.

The Kings’ primary return in this deal is future-thinking. They get Kuzma and a first round draft choice. They also get a 2019 first round pick in Romeo Langford plus salary filler from L.A.

The Boston Celtics come out of this deal with a sharp-shooting wing in Bogdanovic that admittedly wasn’t cheap to acquire. That said, with the team set to have Jaylen Brown’s extension kick in next season and Jayson Tatum’s likely extension the following year, this could be their chance to cash in on the non-core players that have value.

As an added bonus, the team fills their backup point guard need with a Celtics legend in Rajon Rondo. Rondo’s days in Los Angeles could be numbered if he can’t find a fit next to James. So far, the two have lacked the James-Wade-esque connection–or anything close.

The final deal would look like this:

Boston Celtics get: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Rajon Rondo

Los Angeles Lakers get: Nemanja Bjelica

Sacramento Kings get: 2020 Memphis Grizzlies pick, Kyle Kuzma, Romeo Langford, DeMarcus Cousins, Quinn Cook, Semi Ojeleye, Vincent Poirier

And for those who like visuals:

Comment on what you feel about this deal below!