Hello, Former No. 1 Pick! Lakers Rumored to Sign Fultz Amid Potential Major Trade

The NBA rumor mill is buzzing with what might be one of the final moves of 2024. The Miami Heat have reportedly traded big man Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for the right to swap future second-round picks. While some fans were expecting news about Jimmy Butler potentially joining the Suns, Warriors, or Rockets, this smaller move might still have broader implications.

As the centerpiece of this trade, Thomas Bryant, 27, stands 6'10" and has played for the Lakers, Wizards, Nuggets, and Heat. A second-round pick in the 2017 draft (42nd overall), Bryant won an NBA championship with Denver during the 2022-23 season. This year, he has appeared in 10 games, averaging 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game. The Heat's decision to move Bryant will generate a $2.1 million trade exception and save the team $4.7 million in luxury tax payments.

Could the Lakers Be Next?

The Miami-Indiana deal has sparked speculation about whether the Lakers might also pull off a transaction before the year ends. According to recent reports from team insiders, the Lakers are actively exploring potential trades and free-agent signings to bolster their roster. Their primary target? Jonas Valančiūnas of the Washington Wizards.

The Valančiūnas Plan

The rumored deal would send Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, and three second-round picks to the Wizards in exchange for Valančiūnas. A proven veteran center, Valančiūnas is averaging 12.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in just 20.3 minutes per game this season. His presence would allow Anthony Davis to shift back to his preferred position at power forward, alleviating some of the physical burden Davis faces as a center.

Completing this trade would also free up $4.1 million in space below the Lakers’ second luxury tax apron. This additional flexibility could pave the way for another key move: signing Markelle Fultz.

Fultz: The Comeback Story

At just 26 years old, Markelle Fultz remains a fascinating figure in the NBA. Selected first overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, Fultz’s career has been derailed by injuries and inconsistent play. Despite these setbacks, he has averaged 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over his career, shooting 47.2% from the field. While his three-point shooting remains a weakness at 27.4%, his ability to create plays and attack the rim could make him a valuable addition.

Since becoming a free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season, Fultz has surprisingly remained unsigned. Reports even surfaced earlier this year claiming that he had received offers from teams in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). However, the Lakers appear to have renewed interest in the former No. 1 pick, and internal discussions about signing him to a veteran minimum deal have reportedly taken place.

Fultz’s Fit with the Lakers

If the Lakers were to acquire Valančiūnas and sign Fultz, it would represent a significant shake-up. Fultz would essentially replace Gabe Vincent, who has struggled mightily since signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lakers this past offseason. Vincent’s performance has been labeled as one of the most disappointing in the league, with his statistics taking a nosedive compared to his tenure with the Heat.

By contrast, Fultz could provide the Lakers with a dynamic backcourt presence to pair alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The potential trio of Fultz, LeBron, and Davis—all former No. 1 overall picks—would not only be historically unique but also strategically compelling. Fultz’s playmaking could ease the burden on LeBron, allowing the Lakers’ offense to flow more smoothly.

The Stakes for the Lakers

The Lakers are no strangers to midseason adjustments, and with the Western Conference as competitive as ever, every move matters. Adding a skilled rebounder like Valančiūnas could stabilize their interior defense, while Fultz’s athleticism and versatility could bring much-needed depth to their guard rotation.

Time will tell whether the Lakers can finalize these moves, but the prospect of ending 2024 with a revamped roster certainly adds intrigue to their season. Fans eagerly await official announcements, hoping the team’s gambles pay off in their quest for championship contention.