Could Lakers Trade For Spurs' Josh Richardson Amid Kyrie Irving Pursuit?
The San Antonio Spurs are in the early stage of a rebuild after moving Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks earlier this offseason. Ahead of a loaded 2023 NBA Draft class, maximizing their outlook for a top pick is the best option.
There are three veterans the Spurs could move in a trade if they want to get young or add draft capital between Jakob Poeltl, Doug McDermott, and Josh Richardson. As the offseason continues to play out, some potential suitors could become motivated to acquire one of those players.
Richardson, 28, has a strong case as a trade candidate for the Spurs. They have loaded up on perimeter players using recent NBA Draft selections, and maximizing opportunity for them is advantageous. The veteran is entering the final year of his current contract and waiting until the trade deadline could result in diminished trade value depending on how things go.
Richardson is coming off a strong 2021-22 campaign with averages of 10.2 points and 2.8 rebounds. The most important of his statistics is that he shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range on 3.8 attempts per game. There's more to consider about his production as the start of the 2022-23 is still off in the distance.
Without much playmaking talent around Richardson after the Murray trade, the Spurs may want to capitalize on his production before he takes the floor. He shot a combined 34.5 percent over his previous three seasons with annual declining results.
In a recent trade speculation piece, NBA Analysis Network put together a package that would send Richardson to the Lakers in a straight-up swap for Talen Horton-Tucker. There would be no draft picks exchanging hands in this deal.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Josh Richardson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: F Talen Horton-Tucker
Much of this Lakers trade would depend on the Spurs' perception of Horton-Tucker. The 21-year-old is coming off a 2021-22 season with averages of 9.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. His efficiency still needs work as he shot 41.6 percent from the floor and 26.9 percent from beyond the arc.
As for the Lakers, they can make a trade work for Irving without needing Horton-Tucker's salary if they get creative finding a third team to take on Westbrook's contract. Los Angeles would need to be willing to part with future NBA Draft capital.
In a situation where Irving doesn't factor into the equation, the Lakers already have backup plans, including Eric Gordon or Buddy Hield. Richardson is a more cost-effective option than either of those players. For reference, Richardson is set to earn $12.2 million in 2022-23, while Hield ($20.5 million) and Gordon ($19.6 million) have larger salaries.
You can follow Grant Afseth on Twitter at @GrantAfseth.
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