The Brooklyn Nets are building (or, rebuilding) a team for the future. But, so is Rob Pelinka, with the Lakers; for the Lakers. In the past, LA has missed too many opportunities to find the trades they’re looking for. But not anymore. Because their rebuilding process has already begun, starting with acquiring Dorian Finney–Smith and Shake Milton. Besides, don’t you think Pelinka is looking into the big picture for the upcoming days?

Well, the GM should, in fact, make plans keeping the future in mind. But to find that much-needed cap space below the second apron? Rob Pelinka really did something brilliant out there! Especially for the restless fans who wanted to know when the so-called “blockbuster trade” will happen for the Lakers. And now, here we are, with a world-class power-forward DFS.

Rob Pelinka’s secret vision ahead

In return for the star recruits, Ron Pelinka is helping the Nets in their revamping process. They already traded Dennis Schroder to the Warriors for De’Anthony Melton and Reece Beekman. And now, they’re acquiring D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks.

The Lakers made a bold move, trading expiring contracts to Brooklyn in exchange for stability and potential. Russell’s $18M and Lewis’ $1.891M (team option) contracts head East as Brooklyn rebuilds. In return, they land Dorian Finney-Smith ($15M this season, with a player option) and Milton ($2.875M annually for two more years). This deal gives them a $3.5 million flexibility below the second apron.

If you think about it, the $3.5M relief is huge for Rob Pelinka & Co. as they could at least look into venturing for a possible name for the team, to add the depth they’re looking for in their wing. They’re anyway getting the depth on the perimeter with Shake Milton and DFS, 3-point shooting, and defensive help. Throw in the financially flexible model and boom! The nearly perfect recipe for future success.

Besides, they are giving away their second draft picks of 2027, 2030, and 2031 to the Brooklyn Nets. Also, here’s a catch: ESPN’s Bobby Marks reveals a fascinating twist in the Lakers’ 2027 draft dealings. If their 2027 first-rounder goes to Utah, Brooklyn gets their second-round pick. But if that first lands in the top four and stays with L.A., Utah takes the second. So, it’s a delicate domino effect tied to future fortunes.

Moreover, this trade that Rob Pelinka has agreed to, is more like D’Lo’s homecoming to Brooklyn. He’s already been a part of the Nets in the 2017-18 and 2018-19 NBA seasons. Besides, his exit will leave a $36 million void in the Lakers which of course the front office will fill up smartly. Moreover, the team is eyeing another star from Brooklyn– Cam Johnson, who could be a great addition to the team.

So, now we know how the Lakers and Nets are working in symphony to make their team’s future bright. Now, let’s look at the grades of the trade and what it’d mean for both teams.

Finding out what the deals mean for Rob Pelinka and Sean Andrew Marks

The Los Angeles Lakers struggle from deep, ranking 27th in 3-pointers made (11.8 per game) and 18th in accuracy (35.3%). Defensively, they’re 21st, giving up 114.9 points per 100 possessions. It’s a glaring gap for a team chasing championship contention. However, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, are going to address the shooting and defense gaps. Finney-Smith, a 6’7″ 3-and-D forward, brings 10.4 PPG, 43.5% from deep, and solid defense on a $55.5M deal with a player option. Milton, a 6’5″ guard, adds 7.9 PPG and 38.9% from 3s on a $9.1M contract. Both fit seamlessly with LeBron and AD, while Rob Pelinka and Co. gain cap flexibility for more moves.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets gain D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract and extra second-round picks, boosting their future flexibility. ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlights their staggering 31 picks over seven years—15 first-rounders, 16 second-rounders—and $59M in cap space for 2025. With four firsts and one second in 2025 alone, Brooklyn’s rebuild is stacked. For the Nets GM, Sean Andrew Marks, the cap space and draft haul open doors for bold roster moves. Their flexibility sets the stage for aggressive rebuilding. The grade remains fluid, hinging on smart decisions that could reshape their future.

As easy or cool as it may sound, these trade deals are done meticulously. First, it’s not just a short-term strategy but a long-term one. Second, monetary factors play the most important role in these. But now that Pelinka and Co. will have a cap space flexibility they could try and explore the trade market for other possibilities. This simply means, the GM has and is planning something big and he’s surely not going to stop at this.