We can imagine a three-team blockbuster coming together that could see the Los Angeles Lakers land two of the league’s most intriguing young talents, while the Golden State Warriors reload with frontcourt versatility and the Utah Jazz fortify their future draft firepower.
While specifics will be discussed more below, we suggest that Los Angeles acquire Jonathan Kuminga and Walker Kessler, two budding stars with All-Star upside, alongside the steady Chris Boucher. Meanwhile, Golden State reportedly gains a rugged two-way wing in Rui Hachimura, the stretch-big Maxi Kleber, and Duke draft gem Kyle Filipowski.
And Utah? They’d emerge from this deal with Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, and a pair of prime first-round picks as early as 2028 and 2031.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Walker Kessler, Chris Boucher
Golden State Warriors Receive: Rui Hachimura, Kyle Filipowski, Maxi Kleber
Utah Jazz Receive: Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, 2028 first-round pick (GSW), 2031 first-round pick (LAL)
At its core, the trade could change basketball in the Western Conference: the Lakers chase athleticism and length, the Warriors shore up spacing and shot creation, and the Jazz double down on youth and assets. But with restricted free agents in the mix and the Jazz notoriously protective of their core, especially Kessler, expect sharp negotiations if this deal were to commence.
Stay tuned: the talking points about draft capital, salary structure, and fit could fuel heated punditry for weeks. With this proposed trade idea, let’s break down how it could play out for each team involved.
Los Angeles Lakers Complete A Haul To Win The Western Conference
The Lakers, already a powerhouse, would turbocharge their championship odds with the addition of Jonathan Kuminga and Walker Kessler. Kuminga brings a dynamic 15.3 PPG on 45.4% shooting, showcasing growth in the playoffs with four 20-plus point games behind 48.4 FG% and 40% 3PT .
His versatility across wing and forward spots fits seamlessly alongside LeBron and Luka, giving L.A. athleticism and scoring punch off the bench. Walker Kessler towers as one of the league’s premier rim protectors, averaging 12.2 RPG (5th in NBA) and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting a stunning 66.3% .
His interior defense would anchor the Lakers, particularly vital come playoff time when paint dominance matters most. And with established spacing threats, Kessler’s presence would force opponents into uncomfortable interior matchups.
Let’s not overlook Chris Boucher (10.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG); his 3-and-D skill set adds veteran depth. He stretches the floor and brings playoff familiarity, an underrated luxury for title contenders. For the Lakers, this trio isn’t just a trade; it’s a strategic chess move aimed squarely at reclaiming Western Conference supremacy.
Golden State Warriors Add Size To Their Frontcourt
Golden State addresses its Achilles heel, contested two-man lineups and interior mismatches, by landing Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Kyle Filipowski. Hachimura injected toughness last season, averaging 13.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, with the Lakers, and consistently defended elite wings. He brings rugged mid-post spacing at a position of need.
Maxi Kleber (while undrafted) provides deadly shooting and size, spacing the floor with 35.4% 3PT for his career at 6’10”, and is playoff-tested. Filipowski, though young, averaged 9.6 PPG and 6.1 RPG with Duke efficiency and is poised to make the leap to a stretch big role. His 35% shooting on 1.1 threes made per game hints at a steady rotation piece.
This trio reframes the Warriors’ frontcourt, melding spacing and toughness with the Curry-Podziemski backcourt. It’s a solid rebalance, inside coverage meets outside threat. For Golden State, the long-bellied roster transformation comes just in time to combat rising contenders.
Utah Jazz Continue Their Rebuild
Utah leans into youth with the acquisition of Moses Moody, Dalton Knecht, and two hefty first-round selections (2028 from GSW, 2031 from LAL). Moody, at 23, flashed 9.8 PPG flashes last season with elite athleticism and defense upside. Knecht, their draft gem, averaged 9.1 PPG last season (on 37.6% 3-PT FG) and projects as a modern combo guard with backcourt promise.
Their king move is asset stacking, picking up Utah’s already formidable haul of draft currency. The 2028 Warriors pick likely falls in the mid-teens, while the 2031 Lakers pick represents an unprotected golden ticket. That kind of future flexibility fuels rebuild momentum.
On-court, they shed wings (Hachimura, Moody swap places) to solidify cap flexibility and timeline clarity. It’s a classic tank-to-pay-off blueprint: gather youth, draft dreams, and smart reversibility. The Jazz are resetting, full tilt.
A Blockbuster Trade Idea: But Are The Lakers The Biggest Winners?
In this deal, the Lakers grab flexibility and star power; the Warriors plug frontcourt leaks; the Jazz double down on future riches. But let’s ask, are the Lakers truly the big winners?
Their haul is immediate and top-heavy. Kuminga could blossom into a 20 PPG wing with All-NBA upside, and Kessler might become a defensive anchor, giving MVPs another layer of protection. That’s championship-level balance.
Yet, Golden State’s pivot realigns them with size and spacing, no longer a shooting-heavy, fragile lineup. If they maximize Hachimura’s consistency and Kleber/Filipowski thrive, the Warriors could sneak back into contender status. Meanwhile, the Jazz’s long game might be the biggest sleeper; they’re metamorphosing into true draft land, ready to pounce on future trade or draft opportunities.
In short: the Lakers get the splash, Warriors get solidity, Jazz get tomorrow, everyone wins, but let the headlines decide who truly struck gold. The Lakers would become the team to beat in the Western Conference, and it is by a clear margin, with two starting-caliber players joining up with LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves.
