NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on Lakers PGs and More Buzz from Around the League
The 2012-13 NBA season is just two weeks from tipping off, but that doesn’t mean that every team—or any team, for that matter—is satisfied with its current roster.
Even powerhouses like the Los Angles Lakers have made it clear that certain players are available for the right price. If anyone knows how to build a championship roster in the modern NBA, it’s Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak.
While it’s unlikely that a team will pull the trigger on a training-camp deal—because their respective GMs are still trying to evaluate their own new talent, among other logistical problems—there is a chance that trades start getting done a few weeks into the season.
Let’s take a look at some whispers around the NBA concerning who might be traded and more.
Lakers Backup Point Guards on Block
Chris Duhon and Steve Blake are both looking for minutes behind Steve Nash as the Lakers' backup PG, but one could be gone in the coming weeks.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, if there is an interested party out there that is willing to absorb salary, the Lakers will gladly oblige and send them a point guard.
Here’s what Stein had to say about the contracts: "Blake has one season left on his contract after this one valued at $4 million, but Duhon's $3.75 million salary in 2013-14 is unguaranteed, which makes his contract a more attractive acquisition."
Duhon is currently penciled in as the No. 3 PG on the depth chart. Getting cap relief at this point would be incredible value for Kupchak.
Nuggets Holding on to Chandler
The Denver Nuggets just re-signed Wilson Chandler to a five-year, $37 million contract in March, but that hasn’t stopped rumors concerning a potential deal for the swingman.
However, Lang Greene of Hoopsworld.com says the Nuggets are not going to attempt any trades involving Chandler, as his value as a defender is too great and he figures to pair well with Andre Iguodala and the team’s new commitment to defense.
We’ll keep you updated if anything changes, but expect Chandler to stay a Nugget for at least the 2012-13 season.
