New trade idea sends four players to the Lakers, including top centers from the Eastern Conference strong teams

According to reports from Vishvisha Kumar, a contributor to US sports media F/W. A new deal proposes to send the Cavaliers’ Allen to the Lakers, while the Cavaliers cut their salary and the Hawks gained roster depth. A new blockbuster trade proposal sparked discussions in the NBA offseason, with the Lakers, Cavaliers and Hawks struck a three-team deal that would send four players to the Lakers, including top big-selling All-Star center Allen from the East. The ambitious deal idea was conceived by Sports Illustrated Jackson Calder to meet the urgent needs of all three teams while addressing the financial complexity of the new labor-management negotiation agreement.

, while speculative, paints a realistic scenario where the Lakers strengthen their inside abilities, the Cavaliers cut their pay to avoid a second luxury tax line, and the Hawks add quality bench depth. The specific plan is:

Lakers get: Allen, Mann, Okoro, Nian, 2027 and 2029 Hawks/Cavs second-round draft picks

Cavaliers get: Hachimura, Kneckett, Melton, Kleber, 2030 first-round draft pick exchange from the Lakers, unprotected 2031 first-round draft picks and three 2031 second-round draft picks

The Hawks get: Van Debiao, Struz

This deal may help the Lakers show their strength

The Lakers lose to Wolves in the playoffs exposed an obvious loophole in their frontcourt rotation, and they lack a stable, athletic and protective center. Allen will solve this problem immediately. The 26-year-old is one of the NBA's premier blockers and rebounders, and his ability to paint the defensive end will fit perfectly with East Chan. He is also an efficient mover, perfect for pick-and-roll with Doncic. The addition of Okoro and Mann provides the Lakers with defensive versatility on the wing, while Nian provides valuable cap space in the upcoming trade.

Essentially, the Lakers will upgrade their rotation multiple positions without losing any core players, and although they will give up on key future draft assets, it seems worth it. The Cavaliers may be willing to make financial decisions to reduce financial investments. With total revenues expected by Mitchell and Mobley next season, the Cavaliers face a second luxury tax that will undermine their trading flexibility. By trading Allen, they can bring Mobley to the center position, a position that many believe can maximize his potential and start over with a more financially manageable rotation. Hachimura, Knector and draft picks aren't equal to Allen and Okoro in terms of talent, but financial mitigation and future flexibility may be worth it. If the team’s stars trade or fall at that time, the 2031 unprotected first-round pick from the Lakers could have significant long-term value. The Hawks' roster depth will be improved

The Hawks adds Van Debiao, a tenacious outside and inside defender, and Struce, a tried-and-tested shooter with playoff experience. The two will upgrade the Hawks’ bench and provide the defensive strength and space needed next to Trae Young.

As all three teams are currently under pressure to reshape the team's future, the mock deal could be the most creative blockbuster deal for the 2025 offseason. What do you think?