Lakers, Knicks Have Discussed Trade That Would Require Third Team

The Lakers and Knicks discussed a trade within the past week that would require a third team to pull off, according to Ian Begley of SNY.tv.

While no names were mentioned, multiple reports suggest the Knicks have been active in talks and floating names such as forward Cam Reddish, as well as guards Immanuel Quickley, Derrick Rose and Evan Fournier.

The Lakers are believed to long have had an interest in Reddish, for what it’s worth. 

As Begley wrote, they could also use more perimeter shooting, creating a roster spot after waiving forward Matt Ryan last week. Interestingly, it was Ryan who may have hit their biggest perimeter shot of the season, a falling-out-of-bounds 3-pointer from the corner to send a game against the Pelicans into overtime (a game that the Lakers eventually won).

Now, the Lakers continue to look for ways to part with point guard Russell Westbrook, and reportedly are also open to pairing guards Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, and a first-round pick, in a deal.

It’s been said that teams have been seeking both of the Lakers’ next two trade-eligible first-rounders (2027 and ’29) in trade talks, though GM Rob Pelinka has resisted that idea. The Lakers, however, appear willing to do it if they felt a trade moved the needle and put them back into contention.

Now that the Lakers have an open roster spot, they “can acquire a player without giving one up,” Begley noted. “They can also acquire two players in a trade of one player.”

Reddish is said to be widely available after again falling out of the rotation in New York. The Knicks are reportedly looking to attach Fournier to a Reddish deal.

Why a third team would need to be involved to make a trade happen has not been determined — though it sort of makes you think Westbrook would somehow be involved.

The Knicks and Lakers briefly touched base on a Westbrook trade ahead of the season, sources told Hoops Wire.