The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the 2024-25 NBA season with eyes on the trade market, as they look to strengthen their roster for the long haul. Free agency did not bring many new faces to the team, with the Lakers seeing more players leave (such as Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie) than join. This puts them in a state of temporary complacency, but it also offers the perfect opportunity to search for a long-term addition via trade. One team that may soon find itself in a financial bind is the Golden State Warriors, and this could provide the Lakers with an ideal trade target: Moses Moody.
Lakers Have An Opportunity To Sign Promising Warriors Guard
Avoiding The Second Apron
The Warriors face a challenging decision regarding two key young players, Jonathan Kuminga and Moody. Both are eligible for rookie-scale contract extensions, and the team must decide how much to invest in them. Kuminga, who has shown flashes of star potential, may be looking for a max contract, similar to the deal Franz Wagner received from the Orlando Magic. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are currently hesitant to offer Kuminga such a lucrative deal. His performance this season could push them toward reconsidering.
Kuminga’s potential contract demands could make things difficult for the Warriors. They are already facing strict salary cap restrictions. If Golden State chooses to prioritize Kuminga with a large extension, Moody could find himself on the outside looking in. This situation could open the door for the Lakers to swoop in and acquire Moody via trade.
Moody Has Struggled To Find A Role On The Warriors
Moody has had trouble finding consistent playing time during his time with the Warriors. His minutes have been limited due to the presence of veteran stars like Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Even though Thompson has since moved to the Dallas Mavericks, it seems that Moody’s path to regular playing time is still blocked. This past offseason, the Warriors signed De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield. Both are likely to receive significant playing time in 2024-25. Additionally, there’s the emergence of Brandin Podziemski as a favored option in the Warriors’ backcourt. This means that Moody might continue to struggle for opportunities in Golden State.
Moses Moody’s Potential Role On The Lakers
This makes the Lakers a perfect fit for Moses Moody. At six-foot-five with a wingspan of over seven feet, Moody has the physical tools to thrive as a 3-and-D specialist. He’s already proven his shooting ability, connecting on 36.2 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc over his first three seasons in the NBA. His consistency is remarkable. Moody shot between 36.0 and 36.4 percent from three-point range in each of those seasons. Even with limited playing time, Moody managed to average 8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 three-pointers made per game in 2023-24.
When adjusted for 36 minutes, Moody’s stats jump to an impressive 16.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 three-pointers made. These numbers highlight not only his shooting ability but also his potential as a versatile scorer and defender. He has the tools to contribute on both ends of the floor. This makes him an attractive target for the Lakers as they search for a player to round out their rotation.
The Lakers are in need of a 3-and-D wing, and Moody could be just the player to fill that role. While the team has plenty of perimeter talent, they lack a solid, long-term asset in this area. Moody has the potential to be more than just a 3-and-D player. With proper development, he could grow into a key part of the Lakers’ future.
The Last Word
Acquiring Moody could help the Lakers not only in the short term, but also in the years to come. He is set to become a restricted free agent in 2025. This gives the Lakers the flexibility to extend him or match any offer he receives. This could make Moody a valuable long-term piece for a Lakers team looking to remain competitive beyond the 2024-25 season.
As the Warriors navigate their contract situations and the Lakers explore potential trade options, Moody stands out as an under-the-radar player who could make a significant impact in Los Angeles.
