[Zach Lowe] I am predictably obsessed with the Mark Williams trade. Threw some extended (by social media standards) thoughts on Instagram, including the obvious and fraught links b/w this transaction and the Luka deal

WILDLY interesting trade, partly b/c of how it connects to Luka trade. CHA sold high after a month-ish of MW playing really well, obv concerned w/ durability+learning curve on D. Got Lakers best remaining draft assets (the ones they somehow didn't give up for Luka!) + Knecht. (Specifically -- the Lakers 2031 1st w/o any protections, and a 2030 pick swap. How did the Mavs not get at least one of these and/or Knecht? Ok, I'll stop.)

Yay for a previously short-sighted franchise in Charlotte adopting a long view! Williams is also extension-eligible this summer; cheapo rookie deal will be over in a blink.

But MW is barely 23, super bouncy, good character guy, and maybe very good at the basketball? At some point, you need to build a basketball team, right? Not just an asset collection? What must LaMelo be thinking? What should we be thinking about LaMelo's future?

Fit with Lakers is obvious -- Luka lob threat, needed size, ORB% off the charts (absolutely crazy 2nd and 3rd jump speed), defensive potential. It's an upside bet, and quite a big one given Lakers are now out tons of picks when Luka will be 30-plus.

But that's the key point: Lakers have justified belief getting a pissed off, motivated Luka at FREAKING AGE 25 insulates them from the kind of early 2030s downside -- lottery downside -- CHA would surely hope for in dealing a young player they like (Williams) and who appears to be amidst a big leap.

Dallas bet against Luka's longevity as a super-duper- max superstar player. CHA bet against (to some degree) Williams health/consistency/development. Lakers bet a lot on all that, including Knecht, not an afterthought here.

Both teams can justify the trade. Chances are, one will end up feeling at least a tinge of regret. If I'm a Charlotte fan, I'm a little sad to see a potential developmental success story go to the Lakers of all places. Oh well, nothing to do but...#trusttheprocess

Source: https://bsky.app/profile/zachlowenba.bsky.social/post/3lhjfrktfxk2a