Spurs: Could DeMar DeRozan be traded to the Lakers?

San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Lakers: The Trade

Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2027 first-round pick (top 5 protected) for DeMar DeRozan

A sign-and-trade could be worked out between the two sides that could be mutually beneficial. The Spurs have been linked to Kyle Kuzma in the past. According to Kuzma himself, they seemed prepared to draft him ahead of their actual selection, Derrick White, in 2017.

Kuzma has turned into a solid rotational player for the Lakers, averaging 15.2 points and 5.6 rebounds over the course of his career. At 25 years old, Kuzma had a career year shooting the ball in the regular season, connecting on 36.1 percent of his 5.6 three-point attempts.

In addition, Kuzma has shown real improvement defensively and could fit nicely with the Spurs young core as an off-the-bench scorer. He will also be entering the first year of a reasonably-priced three-year extension, making him more appealing.

The inclusion of the Lakers protected 2027 first-round pick (their first available tradeable pick), could further entice the Spurs. Receiving a future pick that's only top 5 protected increases the chances of it conveying and that it will be higher than a late first.

Caldwell-Pope would also be included in the trade, though he doesn't fit the Spurs' long-term plans. That said, he could either be bought out or have his contract used as a matching salary in a later trade.