Raiders Could Trade Disappointing Former First-Rounder for 44-Game Starting OL
The Las Vegas Raiders have had some serious woes in the first round of the draft in recent years. Last year, Brock Bowers was a hit, and this year, Ashton Jeanty looks like the real deal.
Prior to that, the Raiders had a run of very disappointing first-round picks. While it’s not fair to call 2023 No. 7 pick Tyree Wilson a total bust yet, he hasn’t come close to living up to his draft status. With left tackle Kolton Miller likely out for the season, the team has a need at left tackle.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell pitched a trade that would send Wilson to the Chicago Bears for left tackle Braxton Jones.
“Let’s make bets on two frustrating players. Jones entered the season with a potentially massive contract riding on his performance at left tackle for the Bears, but the Ben Johnson regime quickly soured on the player it inherited on Caleb Williams’ blind side,” Barnwell wrote. “Jones split time in practice at left tackle during preseason. Though he was the Week 1 starter, Jones didn’t last long in the lineup. He was pulled in the first half against the Raiders in Week 4 and didn’t play a single offensive snap against the Commanders on Sunday night.
“Even mediocre young left tackles can be valuable, as Dan Moore Jr.’s free agent contract showed, but Jones’ future is likely elsewhere. The Bears will go with Theo Benedet as their left tackle for now, and second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo is entrenched as Chicago’s swing tackle and the next man up. Tackle depth is always nice to have, but the Bears could use help elsewhere.”
Why Would Raiders Want to Trade Wilson?
As Barnwell noted, Jones isn’t the starter and hasn’t proven to be an impact player. However, he’s simply not very high on Wilson and thinks the opportunity to add a left tackle with 44 career starts could be the wise play.
“Even a below-average left tackle like Jones would be a massive upgrade on what the Raiders are likely to run out over the next couple of months, and they could potentially land a compensatory pick if Jones leaves after the season,” Barnwell wrote. “Adding what might be essentially a short-term tackle could seem odd for a team out of playoff contention in the AFC, but the Raiders just need to be able to reliably run their offense right now.
“Las Vegas would simultaneously move on from another of their former disappointing first-round picks in Wilson, who simply hasn’t developed into a starting-caliber player since being drafted with the seventh pick in 2023.”
Pete Carroll Praises Wilson
The hope when the Raiders drafted Wilson was that he could be a superstar running mate for Maxx Crosby. He’s been a decent player, but he seems like he’ll never be a dependable starter.
That said, head coach Pete Carroll just spoke about how the Raiders still have plans for him.
“We’re planning on him in the middle of the rotations,” Carroll told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s doing well. He’s playing really hard. His effort has been consistent. He’s such a great physical athlete that it shows up. You see the big hits, and you see the overwhelming plays that he can make coming off blocks and things like that.”
LeBron, Bronny James, 3 More Out as Lakers Finish Preseason
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their final tune-up before the regular season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night — a de facto dress rehearsal for JJ Redick’s new-look roster as they prepare for next week’s season opener.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, nearly the entire Lakers roster will be available except for LeBron James (sciatica), Bronny James (ankle), rookie Adou Thiero (knee), and training camp invitees Chris Mañon (ankle) and Augustus Marčiulionis (foot).
James, who turns 41 in December, will miss the start of the season and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to
“The Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him,” Charania said on NBA Countdown before the Lakers’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. “A source told me [Wednesday night], LeBron will be taking a patient approach with his rehab.”
LeBron’s Absence Creates Early-Season Uncertainty
But while James is sidelined, his absence has left the team searching for rhythm after an uneven preseason.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,”
McMenamin’s remarks, combined with the Lakers’ 1-4 preseason record, have rekindled speculation about James’ future in Los Angeles, especially as he enters the final year of his $52.6 million expiring contract.
Trade Buzz Resurfaces Amid Injury and Uncertainty
According to Bovada, the Dallas Mavericks are the betting favorites to acquire James before the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, listed at -120 odds. Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns at +900.
The Lakers have already shifted their long-term focus, handing Luka Dončić a three-year, $165 million extension this offseason to make him the franchise cornerstone for the future.
Dončić Era Takes Shape as Lakers Struggle for Rhythm
Los Angeles enters Friday’s finale with a 1-4 preseason record, with Dončić appearing in just one game after leading Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Friday’s matchup will mark only his second preseason outing ahead of next week’s season opener against the Warriors.
“This is his team now,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Friday’s NBA Today. “Until LeBron comes back, he’s got the ball in his hand. The Lakers are his future, his present. They’ve got to step up collectively and learn how to play with Luka.”
Shelburne added that Dončić still needs time to build chemistry with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, all key offseason additions aimed at giving the Lakers more versatility and toughness.
JJ Redick Plans for LeBron and Non-LeBron Lineups
With James sidelined, first-year head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with rotations that prepare the team to play both with and without their veteran leader.
“Yeah, that’s something that’s certainly crossed my mind in the last couple of days,” Redick told reporters last week when asked about developing separate ‘LeBron’ and ‘non-LeBron’ units.
The Lakers’ preseason finale will offer a final look at those lineups — and perhaps a glimpse into how Los Angeles might look in a post-LeBron era.
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