Why Terry Rozier Trade May Not Be Best Move for Lakers amid Latest NBA Rumors
Trade rumors continue to swirl surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers. Considering they're off to a 1-5 start to the 2022-23 NBA season, those are unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
One player who's been linked to the Lakers is Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Los Angeles has had a "fondness" for Rozier dating back to April, and the 28-year-old guard was part of trade discussions with the Hornets that included Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook. Now that Westbrook is struggling again, Los Angeles may be looking to make moves down the line, so the buzz is picking back up.
Don't put Rozier in purple and gold and Westbrook in Charlotte's teal quite yet, though. There appears to be a reason why a trade didn't happen earlier this year, and it's an issue that could pop up again this time, per Stein.
"The deterrent for the Lakers, since the idea of dealing Westbrook to the Hornets emerged as a concept months ago, has been concern stemming from the prospect of also absorbing Gordon Hayward’s contract," Stein wrote.
While Westbrook has an expiring contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, that isn't the case with Hayward. The 32-year-old forward, who is making $30.075 million this season, has another year on his contract after this one.
In the 2023-24 season, Hayward is set to earn $31.5 million. And that may not be appealing to the Lakers, as the 13-year NBA veteran has played more than 52 games only once in the past six seasons. because of injuries.
Over seven games this season, Hayward is averaging 18.9 points per contest and shooting 49.5 percent from the field. But will he continue to play at that level? Can he stay healthy? And then can he do it again for another season after this one?
Rozier is a great player, and he would be a great fit in Los Angeles. The eight-year veteran has been a tremendous scorer since arriving in Charlotte prior to the 2019-20 season.
Among the players who the Lakers could land in a trade that sends out Westbrook, Rozier is likely high on the list (if not at the top). But is it worth acquiring him if they also have to bring in Hayward and his huge contract? After all, Los Angeles is already in a position in which it will be getting rid of one big salary (Westbrook's) after this season.
It's not worth it. If the Lakers can bring in Rozier without also acquiring Hayward, they should do it, even if that means having to part with some significant draft capital. Rozier, who isn't set to become an unrestricted free agent until after the 2025-26 season, is a player who Los Angeles could build around over the next few years.
If the Hornets insist that the Lakers must take Hayward's contract in any possible deal, Los Angeles should find another trade partner. But, either way, the Lakers should likely make a move at some point during the season to part with Westbrook and try to improve their roster by bringing in a player or two who will better complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
