Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[omahen]

Ayton just doesn’t work financially at $35m. Way too much of your cap used up by a marginally productive player.

Ayton at $10m? I could see that, maybe.

He’s got one year left before the market renders a new opinion of his value.

Lakers are one of rare teams that could afford to eat such a contract. Vincent and Kleber alone are over 22 mil, and both are expandable for Lakers. I am in no way enthusiastic about Ayton, but I would consider a one year fligher in a contract year for him. Also a big enough name for Lakers fans to be satisfied about the offseason. Portland has Rob Williams and Clingan at center, so they don't really need Ayton. 

I would try something like:
Por: Hachimura (best player in the trade), Knecht, Maxi, Vincent, FRP swap
Lak: Ayton, Thybulle 

All players in the deal other than Knecht are expiring.