Home/NBA

With the NBA trade deadline right around the corner, like always, the market is peaking with wild rumors and blockbuster trades from around the league. However, this time around, the league has witnessed a significant shift in the dynamics of the turbulent market. Consequently, LeBron James and Co have not found much success in acquiring big names. Other teams are also suffering a similar fate.

Many fans point to the historic trade that took place in the off-season between Minnesota Timberwolves and the Utah Jazz. Likewise, the NBA world recently showered scathing criticism on 3x Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert after the Los Angeles Lakers hit a major roadblock.

LeBron James’ Lakers at a standstill before the trade deadline

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

In the offseason, the Timberwolves and the Jazz got in bed for one of the biggest trades in NBA history. The Timberwolves traded away Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2023 first-round pick (unprotected), a 2025 first-round pick (unprotected), a 2026 first-round pick swap, a 2027 first-round pick (unprotected), a 2029 first-round pick (top-five protected) for acquiring the All-Star center from Utah. That’s undoubtedly a hefty price to pay for just one Non-MVP player. However, it changed the dynamics of the trade market for the worse.

In today’s market, teams around the league are demanding more for exchanging assets. Moreover, teams in desperate need of making moves, like the Los Angeles Lakers, are getting the shorthand of the stick in the worst way possible. Rob Pelinka and Co, who have been under immense pressure to shake up the roster, managed to pull off an impressive trade with the Washington Wizards to acquire talented forward Rui Hachimura.

However, at the same time, their bid to acquire Croatian forward Bojan Bogdanovic from Detroit hit a major roadblock when the Pistons demanded an unprotected first-round pick as the minimum.

Read More -?$104 Million Worth All Star, Linked with Lakers, Set to Join LeBron James and Anthony Davis Making NBA Fans Candid: ?Most Overrated Player?

Moreover, the Lakers may meet a similar fate when facing the windy city, as the Chicago Bulls are also raising the stakes.

Fans destroy Rudy Gobert

Lakers fans were recently treated with an exciting development when rumblings surrounding former Laker Alex Caruso hit their feeds. However, according to sources, the asking price for the NBA champion is similarly inflated to that of Bogdanovic. According to Jake Fisher, the Chicago Bulls are seeking two first-round picks for trading away Caruso. This comes off as a big disappointment for King James, who ‘badly wanted’ the Lakers to resign Caurso in 2021.

The Bulls’ hefty ask ensued a social media storm. Moreover, some fans directed their rage toward Gobert for the inflated market.

Here are some fan reactions on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/absolutegarb_/status/1618969385791795201

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Only time will tell if the Lakers will be able to acquire a player in this inflated market with limited assets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch the Story – LeBron James chucks aside Lakers trade questions with 5 words

What are your thoughts on Lakers’ this season? Let us know in the comments below.