Lakers Rumors: Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving In Play With Los Angeles Creating Cap Space

The Los Angeles Lakers are back in the game for a top-tier free agent. By adding another team to the Anthony Davis trade, L.A. has enough space under the salary cap to offer a free agent a max contract.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are sending Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal that will officially send Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans to L.A. on July 6. Wojnarowski also reports that Davis will waive his $4 million trade bonus, giving the Lakers $32 million in cap space.

That should be just enough to offer a veteran that’s been in the NBA for at least seven years but no more than nine years a max contract. Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Kemba Walker and Jimmy Butler all fall in that category.

Leonard is presumably at the top of the Lakers’ list after leading the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever championship and winning the 2019 NBA Finals MVP award. Leonard reportedly plans to meet with the Lakers at the start of free agency.

The Kawhi Leonard Sweepstakes has largely been viewed as a two-team race between the Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers. The Lakers have reportedly believed throughout the year that they would be real players for Leonard, and they now have the available funds necessary to make him part of a Big 3 with Davis and LeBron James.

Butler has been linked to the Lakers throughout the offseason. Los Angeles could have a chance to sign the four-time All-Star if the Philadelphia 76ers don’t offer him a five-year max contract. Philadelphia can guarantee Butler close to $50 million more than any other team.

Thompson is expected to re-sign with the Golden State Warriors for a max contract. Irving is likely headed to the Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks, though nothing is set in stone.

Walker has reportedly been on the Lakers’ radar. Hours before Los Angeles cleared more cap space, the Boston Celtics were pegged as the favorites to sign the point guard. The Charlotte Hornets can offer Walker $80 million more than any team, but The Athletic’s Shams Charania has reported that the two sides are far apart in contract negotiations.

Just because the Lakers have a max salary slot doesn’t mean they will use it all on one star. Los Angeles might be better off splitting the cap space among a few roles players. Patrick Beverley and Danny Green have been speculated as two possible targets that fit the mold.

The Lakers are also expected to meet with D’Angelo Russell, who could command a max contract with a starting salary at just over $27 million for the 2019-2020 season.