NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers, Knicks Study Kuzma Deal Sans Morris

For the umpteenth time, a potential Kyle Kuzma trade is in the air. There are reports that the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks are discussing a potential deal for the 24-year-old forward and it remains to be seen what other assets would be included.

This is assuming that the trade talks will push through. Marcus Morris is one player who could make sense but acquiring the 30-year-old hardly makes sense for the Lakers. The 14th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft is one of the popular names various teams are going after. However, it is a fact that the Lakers are prioritizing a playmaker which makes the potential swap illogical.

Shams Charania of The Athletic learned from sources that the Knicks and the Lakers are merely engaged in exploratory talks. Kuzma heading to Gotham makes sense, seeing how he clearly fits in the youth movement of the team.

So if not Morris, who else could be dangled? A former Laker in Julius Randle could be tempting but not an immediate need. Dennis Smith Jr., someone who is expected to be dealt out soon, could make sense. However, the Lakers are unlikely to settle for Smith alone. It may include multiple players to consummate. Among the players who could be packaged include Randle, Bobby Portis or Taj Gibson. As mentioned in a previous report, these are players likely to be dealt away by the Knicks.

However, there is now a monkey wrench in the equation. The Knicks have decided to undergo another major change with Steve Mills stepping down as team president. It appears he will be moved to an undisclosed sports company per the team's statement. While searching for a successor, general manager Scott Perry will oversee the team's basketball operations.

For the second time this season, the Knicks have had another shakeup. It will be interesting if this factors into the rebuilding plans of the Gotham-based squad. If so, this could factor in the player movement/s that the Knicks would do by Thursday, Feb. 6.

The Knicks are 15-36 in the NBA Eastern Conference and are well on their way to missing the playoffs once more. If not by the trade deadline, key changes to the roster are likely to continue by the summer.