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
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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.
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:
Rudy Gobert ruined the trade market
— quentynr (@quentynr02) January 27, 2023
https://twitter.com/absolutegarb_/status/1618969385791795201
What is up with the trade marker this year???
— Dee (@DWash_) January 27, 2023
So you are saying no one is getting traded at the deadline?
— NYKnicksPodcast (@NYKnicksPodcast) January 27, 2023
Gobert really ruined the trade market
— 🌼 (@PR3CIOUSKOLOKO) January 27, 2023
We seriously need another decently big trade to happen to reset trade value lol.
— KENO👁🗨 (@AkenoAsia) January 27, 2023
Inflation really hit the NBA Trade market like a MF this year 😂😂😂 https://t.co/0Ax0I8N5Y5
— HTB ♨️ (@HenryTheBlasian) January 27, 2023
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The Gobert trade may have ruined deals for the next decade. I can’t even believe these FRP/player trade valuations anymore. https://t.co/5XGyOhcvpK
— Dr. Pablo Pistola (@drpablopistola) January 27, 2023
Only time will tell if the Lakers will be able to acquire a player in this inflated market with limited assets.
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Watch the Story – LeBron James chucks aside Lakers trade questions with 5 words
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