2. Gabe Vincent
Things have not gone as planned for Vincent since signing a three-year $33 million contract with the Lakers in the offseason. He struggled in his first four games before suffering a knee injury that has kept him out of action since Oct. 30. Vincent is rumored to be nearing a return (subscription required), but could be on the trade block if the Lakers decide to add a third star.
The 6’3 guard was a starter during the Heat’s NBA Finals run last season. He averaged 12.7 points, 3.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in 30.5 minutes per game during the postseason. Vincent proved he could sink high-pressure shots and impact the action on both ends of the floor.
A rebuilding team will have little interest in the 27-year-old. If the Lakers decide to move on, Vincent may land on a third team in a trade. Every contender would love another ball-handler and playmaker who just helped his team win their conference. No team needs a point guard more than the Suns.
The Lakers are not trading Gabe Vincent directly to Phoenix. This would have to be a Jrue Holiday scenario. The Bucks traded him for Damian Lillard only for Portland to flip him to the rival Celtics just before the season. Vincent may be traded and likely lands on a contender, even if it takes a reroute.