Philadelphia 76ers 2018 NBA Draft picture post NBA Trade deadline

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 16: The lottery drawing begins inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Lakers first round pick

The Los Angeles Lakers had not been the slouches we had once known. Already at 23 wins, the team is better than any previous Lakers team since their 45-37 season of 2012-2013. And they are not doing it with a superstar, but with a balance on the roster which had eluded them in recent years. But a fragile balance. You see, the Lakers roster is nearly as young as that of the Philadelphia 76ers. They have Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball as two of the five starters on that roster. But the team relies heavily upon veterans to add both defense and offensive oomph for the team.

Now let’s summarize that trade deadline deal which has everyone buzzing. In this deal, the Lakers traded Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance to the Cavaliers in return for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and the Cavaliers 2018 1st round pick.

What does this deal accomplish?

Bullseye for both teams

The Lakers are not a playoff bound team, so they are happy to take on expiring contracts, take a 1st round pick in a draft where they held only a 2nd round pick, and lose salary. The Cavaliers sought a means to toughen up the team, and get a legitimate point guard in the process. But what about that Lakers balance?

Well, the Lakers starting five are intact. And they ended a four game winning streak, with an easier segment of their schedule fresh ahead. So from a timing perspective, this was a great time to make a deal. From the Cavaliers perspective, they are fighting through an 8-10 streak, and need help on a defense which surrendered 148 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder. So the timing for the Cavs is equally optimal

Lets examine the deal more closely.