Montrezl Harrell was part of the Los Angeles Lakers roster this season. While Harrell showed some signs of being able to be a source of instant offense off the bench during the regular season, coach Frank Vogel elected to reduce his minutes during the playoffs. Montrezl Harrell is a free agent this offseason, and he could potentially go to another team where he’d be able to have a larger role.
The Los Angeles Lakers could potentially lose Montrezl Harrell for nothing this offseason, but there is still a chance that he could accept his player option, and be part of a trade that could help the Lakers acquire Sacramento Kings sharpshooter Buddy Hield. An article by Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype has revealed that Harrell is “50-50” on using his $9.7 million option.
Montrezl Harrell’s decision on his $9.7 million player option is considered a genuine “50-50” either way at this stage, multiple league sources told HoopsHype.
Harrell could exercise his player option and be traded. The Lakers and Kings have discussed a deal centered on Kyle Kuzma and Buddy Hield, as The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported. Multiple league sources told HoopsHype that Harrell and the Lakers’ 22nd overall pick were also discussed in variations of the trade talks centered around Kuzma and Hield.
Harrell’s insertion into trade talks with the Kings is noteworthy as Richaun Holmes enters unrestricted free agency this summer.
Montrezl Harrell’s fit on the Sacramento Kings would be interesting, as he would be a great offensive presence coming off the bench. If the Kings don’t end up retaining Richaun Holmes, then it is possible that he would start, though there would be questions marks about him on defense like there were with the Lakers.
On the Los Angeles Lakers side, this would get them a top-tier shooter in Buddy Hield, who is a former 3PT champion. The Lakers would also include Kyle Kuzma and the No. 22 overall pick in the Hield trade. While this trade is far from a certainty, if Montrezl Harrell finds the Kings a suitable destination and accepts his player option, then the Lakers could potentially use his salary as part of the proposed trade for Buddy Hield.
