What would the Nets need to make a fabulous LeBron James trade? – Reading the Eagle

Kevin Durant, Caira Irving and LeBron James enter the Barclays Center. What sounds like the makings of a bad dad’s joke could be a dream if LeBron ever made his way to Brooklyn through a trade, and the “King” would turn the wheel of trade if he suggested he’d like to play with the Nets’ two-star social networks.

It’s fun to dream about and even more interesting to model on NBA 2K22. In fact, the cost of running a Nets business with the Lakers would be too great.

And unrealistic.

An agreement involving LeBron would mean a significant failure for the Lakers franchise, which went all-in on its talents four years ago, paving the way for the team to win the NBA on Orlando’s “bubble” in 2020.

No matter how bad the Lakers were last season – they failed to qualify for the tournament with three future Hall of Fame members – all indications are that Russell Westbrook’s departure from the team was much more likely than a deal involving LeBron.

But it’s interesting to think about.

The King gave Nets fans a reason to dream when he responded to a tweet asking which teammate (past or present) he would like in his team in a hypothetical two-on-two match against Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scotty Pipen in full swing . He gave three answerss: the late, the great Kobe Bryant, Irving and Durant. LeBron’s son, Bryce, was recently spotted wearing a Kevin Durant T-shirt.

Run the rumor mill.

So what will it take for the Nets to add LeBron to this offseason? Ben Simmons, who has three years left on a contract worth about $ 114 million.

Simmons ’unique combination of size, athleticism, and gaming ability evoked strong enough comparisons with LeBron that his early nickname in the NBA was“ Prince ”. Simmons, however, is not LeBron. Not even close. Becoming a consistent shooter in jumping increased LeBron’s game. Simmons, meanwhile, continues to have difficulty generating an individual offense, only moving away from lower back surgery and not playing NBA games for more than a year.

So, sweeteners to this deal? The two choices the Nets won from Philly in a deal with James Harden – Philly’s first round this year or next, and their eight best-backed choices in 2027 – Cam Thomas, excellent sophomore guard and sniper Seth Curry, who earned a paycheck match. The Lakers could use their trade exemption from the agreement with Mark Gasol to completely absorb the salary of newcomer Thomas.

Given the history of the Simmons restrictions, the Nets may need another sweetener deal: their next available pick in the first round in 2028. This choice is the most valuable element of this deal after Simmons. After Durant’s contract expires in 2026, that means there is a greater chance that the choice will be in the lottery.

And this is the best offer of the Nets. Simmons, Curry, Thomas, both Philly’s election and their own participant in the 2028 first round. They can add protection to the top three or four to this 2028 choice, but that’s the cost of doing business. If the Nets want to add LeBron to a team that already includes Durand and Irving, they will have to pay a dollar.

This hypothetical scenario also suggests that LeBron will primarily want to be in Brooklyn.

Imagine for a second you were transposed into the karmic driven world of Earl.

LeBron will take the position of playmaker, pushing Irving away from the ball into his natural role of scorer. Durant will play a point forward, equally capable of creating his own shot from a high bar or initiating an attack by raising the ball to the floor. The Nets will continue to be Joe Harris on contract, and Nick Claxton is a restricted free agent, meaning the Nets reserve the right to match any offer he receives this offseason.

It’s a tough starting five, and if Patty Mills decides, he’ll still be off the bench.

However, it should be noted that James is 37 years old and he is entering his final year of contract. If you thought age would slow it down, you’re only half right. Last season in Los Angeles, James averaged 30 points, eight rebounds, six assists, blocked and blocked for the game, but the third year in four seasons at the Lakers due to severe injuries limited him to less than 60 games.

Should further lay the future of the franchise to put LeBron, K.D. and Kairi to one team? LeBron accidentally thinks that he and any of the Nets stars can defeat Prime Minister Jay and Scotty Pipen. If you put it on the floor with both, it’s impossible to say the Nets can win the season … or beyond.

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