As the 2024 NBA draft approaches, speculation around Kevin Durant trade rumors NBA 2024 has intensified, with reports suggesting a possible deal including the Minnesota Timberwolves. Insider Eric Pincus ranks the Timberwolves fifth among teams that could sign the All-Star forward, behind the Rockets, Spurs, Knicks, and Heat.
According to Pincus, the Timberwolves’ proposal involves the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring a center, while the Lakers send a future draft pick to help facilitate the package aimed at bringing Durant to Minnesota.
Details of the Proposed Trade Package
The proposed trade would send Kevin Durant to the Timberwolves. The Phoenix Suns would receive Julius Randle, Rob Dillingham, Terrence Shannon Jr., Mike Conley, Josh Minnott, and the Lakers’ 55th overall pick in the 2025 draft. Meanwhile, the Lakers would acquire Luka Garza, a Bosnian-American center, addressing their need for depth in the paint.
This arrangement depends on the Suns’ willingness to accept Randle, who is on an expiring contract and likely to command a reduced salary, making him a more affordable addition for Phoenix. The Timberwolves, who have limited draft capital, focus on young prospects such as Dillingham and Shannon Jr. to strengthen their roster without involving established players like Jaden McDaniels or Rudy Gobert.
Why Luka Garza Makes Sense for the Lakers
The Lakers would benefit by securing a more immediate contributor in Luka Garza rather than a late draft pick. Although Garza has seen limited playing time during his rookie season with the Detroit Pistons and subsequent years with the Timberwolves, his size and offensive skill set present potential upside.
In Minnesota, Garza was predominantly behind veterans like Gobert, Randle, Naz Reid, and Karl-Anthony Towns in the rotation. The Lakers, facing a lack of depth at center, could provide him with increased opportunity to contribute. His ability as a stretch big aligns with offensive strategies focused on spacing, such as those advocated by JJ Redick.
Garza’s contract, set at $2.3 million for the next season, offers the Lakers a cost-effective option to bolster their frontcourt with a player who could develop into a reliable role player.