Rockets offer Ellis? The Lakers are targeting Monk?

The US media Sports Illustrated analyzed the operation and lineup composition of the Rockets management this summer. The media believes that the Rockets can count on Durant to contribute in the future, but general manager Raphael Stone is not in a hurry to renew his contract. Stone already has a competitive plan after Durant leaves. By then, 22-year-old Amen Thompson, 23-year-old Alperen Shinkin, Jabbarri Smith, and 24-year-old Tari Ethan will all enter the peak of their careers. The huge potential contained in Shepard is expected to be fully released. Advances in young players, wise signing strategies and efficient salary use will help the Rockets stay competitive after the end of the Durant era. So general manager Raphael Stone is not in a hurry to reach a contract renewal agreement with him, and Ethan's contract renewal priority is ahead of Durant.

Recently, the US media FW suggested that the Lakers management pursued old player Monk in the early stage of the new season. He had played for the Lakers for a short time, and for his outstanding performance, he received a four-year, $78 million contract from the Kings. The media provided a three-party trading offer to the Lakers, Rockets and Kings. If the negotiations go smoothly, Keon Ellis, who has made a good fortune last season, is expected to land in Houston. The specific trading plan is:

1. The Lakers gave Vincent + Cleber + 2029 Lakers' second round pick + 2030 Lakers' second round pick + Monk;

2. The Rockets gave 2028 Rockets' second round pick + Ellis got Ellis;

3. The Kings gave Monk + Ellis got Vincent + Cleber + 4 future second round picks.

The Lakers' management's reinforcement work this summer is unsatisfactory. Smart, Ayton and Laravia are not enough to help the Lakers win the NBA championship, not to mention that the electric fan was poached by the Rockets. General Manager Pelinka's work is far from meeting expectations. The Lakers are a team with imbalance in offense and defense. It is particularly obvious after Doncic joins. The addition of the best defensive player Smart is difficult to change this situation. Instead of working hard on the defensive end, the Lakers are better at learning from the Warriors at their peak and relying on extreme offense to cover up the problem of defense. Monk, 27, is at the peak of his career. He averaged 31.6 minutes per game last season, scoring 17.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and shooting percentage of 44%. As Reeves enters his contract year, he is no longer willing to continue to play as a substitute, and Monk's joining can enhance the strength of the Lakers' substitute.

ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel wrote an article saying that both Monk and veteran Demar DeRozan will be the Kings' bargaining chips before the trade deadline. After losing Fox, General Manager Perry lacked confidence in maintaining his position in the playoffs, so he hoped to trade veterans and immediate combat power for draft picks. The Rockets have a strong lineup, but general manager Stone needs to be considered in the long run. Durant and Tari Ethan may leave Houston next summer. Ellis is a very cost-effective player. Last season, he averaged 24.3 minutes per game, contributing 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals, and a three-point shooting percentage of 43%. He is a undrafter, with an annual salary of only $2.3 million in the 25-26 season. The Rockets don't have to pay too much for Ellis to get, which is the deal that General Manager Raphael Stone is willing to see.

All views refer to authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and recommend fans first.