NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Top Names on the Trade Block
With most of the biggest free agents now off the market, NBA teams looking to improve going into next season will have to rely on trades.
At this point in the offseason, the majority of organizations fit into one of two categories. They are either desperate to add talent and catch up with opposing squads or they need to figure out how to fit under the cap and are willing to make trades.
These two sides can come together to complete some intriguing deals over the coming weeks. Although nothing is certain, here is a look at some players who could possibly be on the move.
.png?w=256)
Nick Young, Los Angeles Lakers
Fans love watching Nick Young, but Swaggy P may no longer have a role with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported they could deal the player in a move to clear some cap space before the start of next season:
This comes as a response to Roy Hibbert, Lou Williams and Brandon Bass all reportedly set to join the team.
It's understandable for the Lakers to no longer be interested in keeping Young around. Both Kobe Bryant and Williams represent better options as true scorers, especially considering the 30-year-old guard only averaged 13.4 points in 42 games last season.
This also doesn't even include young guards D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, each of whom possesses loads of upside and should get adequate playing time next year.
The question is whether any other team will be willing to take on the inconsistent player. While he does have two different seasons averaging at least 17 points per game, he often tends to force too many shots.
If a team does need a quality scorer off the bench, however, he could be a valuable addition through a trade.
Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets need some salary relief, and a lot of that can come from dealing Joe Johnson. They owe the veteran guard almost $25 million next season, and it would be a lot better if someone else was paying that salary.
Fortunately, the Cleveland Cavaliers could be willing to take on the cost in order to bring an elite scorer to a squad that was so close to winning a title last season. They even have a trade chip that could make this beneficial for the Nets.
ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst discussed the possible parts of the deal:
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering trading for Brooklyn Nets star Joe Johnson with their Brendan Haywood contract chip, sources told ESPN.com.
Haywood has a $10.5 million nonguaranteed contract if waived before Aug. 1, an asset that has gained value over the last several days as other teams use up their cap space. The Cavs have been looking for perimeter help, and Johnson would certainly provide a major boost as an additional scoring and shooting option.
"
This would obviously be great for the Nets, who likely won't contend next season and could clear a bunch of cap space in the meantime.
On the other hand, this would be a whole lot of money for the Cavaliers to spend, per ESPN.com's Marc Stein:
Johnson isn't quite the scorer he used to be, with his 14.4 points per game last season being his lowest since 2003. Still, he represents another go-to perimeter option who could help LeBron James and company finally bring home a championship.
Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
If the Cavaliers can't work out a deal for Johnson, they have their eyes on another perimeter scorer in the form of Jamal Crawford.
"It's very possible that general manager David Griffin has better options for the $10.5 million Haywood contract. I've heard rumors about the Cavs and Jamal Crawford of the Clippers," wrote Terry Pluto of the Plain Dealer.
This makes a lot of sense considering Crawford averaged 17 points per game over the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. He showcased his ability to contribute off the bench for a perennial contender, something the Cavaliers could desperately use going forward.
Of course, Cleveland isn't alone in the pursuit of the veteran guard. Chris Haynes of the Northeast Ohio Media Group reported the Miami Heat could also be involved.
"The Miami Heat also reached out to Clippers management to gauge what it would take to pry Crawford away, a league source informed NEOMG," Haynes wrote. "His services are being courted to South Beach for scoring assistance and insurance in the event Dwyane Wade misses a game or two."
While the Clippers seemingly aren't shopping the 35-year-old player, the loss of DeAndre Jordan to free agency could shift the squad's plans going forward. If Los Angeles does become more aggressive on the trade market, Crawford could become a hot commodity.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Offseason Moves for Every Team 👉")