Lakers predicted to trade for $50M generational shooter in Rockets-Kevin Durant 3

Story by

Hunter Cookston
Sat, July 18, 2026 at 7:08 PM UTC·2 min read

Lakers predicted to trade for $50M generational shooter in Rockets-Kevin Durant 3-team blockbuster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred

The NBA offseason is always full of surprises, with blockbuster trades, free agency moves, and plenty of rumors. While the biggest storyline this summer has centered around where LeBron James will sign, there have also been several notable trade rumors circulating around the league

Advertisement

One player to watch is Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson, who could reportedly request a trade sooner rather than later

“Thompson should be angling for a trade to a desirable destination rather than a buyout, albeit he holds less control in the former scenario. The complicated aspect is the 4x NBA champion is still set to make $17.5 million next season, and there might not be too many teams eager on him at that price point,” Blue Man Hoops’ Peter O’Keefe wrote

Another player who could emerge as a trade candidate is Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant

“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don’t view him as an “untouchable” talent in trade talks on their roster. Houston viewed the opportunity to acquire Durant as a way to upgrade from Jalen Green and bridge the gaps in their lineup to contend in the West, but by no means was this addition viewed as a long-term commitment,” NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote

Advertisement

Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmed predicts a three-team blockbuster involving Thompson and Durant could ultimately come together

“In a potential three-team trade idea including the Houston Rockets, the Lakers get their hands on Thompson while the Mavericks land Durant. The Rockets receive P.J. Washington, Jarred Vanderbilt, Naji Marshall and two first round picks,” Ahmed wrote

The proposed deal would be a blockbuster. The Lakers would acquire one of the greatest shooters in NBA history in Thompson, while the Mavericks would pair Durant with Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, the Rockets would receive Jarred Vanderbilt, P.J. Washington, Naji Marshall, and two first-round picks, giving them multiple assets to build around for the future

Thompson is entering the final season of his $50 million contract, meaning the Lakers would not be taking on a long-term financial commitment. While the trade would certainly come as a shock, it has the potential to benefit all three franchises by addressing different roster needs

Advertisement

1. Heat predicted to pass on LeBron James, sign $305M future Hall of Famer, 17-year veteran All-Star

2. Ex-Laker superstar LeBron James just gave Warriors, Heat, Cavs blueprint to land him in free agency

3. Lakers reportedly still interested in $46M disgruntled ex-Warriors NBA champion amid roster moves

4. Lakers reportedly interested in $45M disruptive 3-and-D wing not named Jonathan Kuminga