NBA Rumors: Harrell Staying In Los Angeles But Moving To Lakers, Agent Says

KEY POINTS

Montrezl Harrell may win first NBA title with the Lakers
Harrell gets a fresh $19 million deal for two years, a report says
The Lakers net a big fish in Harrell, who beefs up the frontcourt

The Los Angeles Lakers are making their move as they prepare for the 2020-21 NBA season. Fresh from winning their 17th NBA title, the purple and gold are looking to make it back-to-back. For them to succeed, they need the right personnel and it appears they will soon get a big one in Montrezl Harrell.

The 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee is coming off a fine season with the Los Angeles Clippers and would be a big addition to the Lakers for the 2020-21 NBA season. Harrell's agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski the 26-year-old player has been offered a two-year deal worth roughly more than $19 million. The second-year will be optional.

Harrell had a good season with the Clippers. He averaged 18.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Standing 6-foot-7, Harrell held up the fort in the middle for the Clippers and was due for a big pay raise.

Two years, $19M-plus for Harrell, Paul says. Lakers use mid-level exception on former Clippers center. https://t.co/LGgEkDaHN6
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2020

The revelation comes not long after the Lakers lost Dwight Howard to the Philadelphia 76ers. After initially saying that he was returning to Los Angeles, the NBA vet deleted that post. Not long after, it was announced that he was signing with the Sixers on a one-year minimum deal worth $2.6 million, ESPN reported.

As for Harrell, his move would mean that a lot of Clippers fans will be left disappointed. He is one of the beloved players of the franchise, though their 2019-20 season was not spared from issues.

Harrell was one of the players who was deemed unhappy in the team. There was that heated exchange between him and Paul George when the Clips lost to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals, Yahoo Sports reported. Most remember that series as the one the Clippers bungled after leading 3-1 against the Nuggets.

Aside from that, there was the celebrated “bristling” that involved Harrell and Lou Williams against Kawhi Leonard. Harrell lashed out at reporters for creating a big fuss about the issue just to create a story.

Harrell brings a lot to the Lakers, making the reigning NBA champions clear favorites once more. There are more targets ahead, including Marc Gasol who could be another key defensive addition for Rob Pelinka and Frank Vogel this 2020-21 season.