Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: Randle, Clarkson, Nance Jr, Caldwell-Pope
Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: Randle, Clarkson, Nance Jr, Caldwell-Pope
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers are expected to be active over this period. While Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson are negotiating trades, fans can only speculate what moves they will make to get the team on track.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lakers are expected to be active over this period. While Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson are negotiating trades, fans can only speculate what moves they will make to get the team on track.
While the Lakers are riding their current hot streak, the front office is busy making calls to discuss trade options. With one eye on this season and the other on free agency this summer, the Lakers have tough decisions coming up. With key pieces on the trade block like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who could all help other teams, the Lakers have opportunities to get some value back in return.
We'll take a look at the hottest rumors surrounding the Lakers and see if there is any substance to them.
Adrian Wojnarowski reports Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. are for sale
"The Los Angeles Lakers, needing to shed salary for summer free agency, had been hopeful of waiting until the end of the season to move Jordan Clarkson -- owed $26 million beyond this season -- but there's a mutual desire to find something sooner than later. The Lakers have made it clear that Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance are available."
For many Laker fans, this news is not a surprise. The talk of the season has been all about making moves, and these are the names who have been brought up in the past. This news just confirms that. With Clarkson on a relatively expensive contract and Randle becoming a restricted free agent next summer, the Lakers would like to get some value back as they free up cap space. Larry Nance has not been mentioned as much as the other two, but there is still substance to the rumors surrounding him. His contract runs until the 2019-20 season, but the Lakers want cap flexibility now. With Kyle Kuzma replacing Nance in the starting lineup, the Lakers may look to trade him to a playoff contender in exchange for a pick or two. They would like to prioritize trading Randle and Clarkson first, but if a good offer comes, the Lakers might as well make a move.
Source: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/Woj22002854/nba-trade-deadline-biggest-storylines-potential-deals-watch-adrian-wojnarowski
Brian Windhorst reports Lakers and Cavs have made contact about a trade
With the Cavaliers in total disarray, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka may look to take advantage of the situation. Jordan Clarkson could be the player the Cavs are targeting. The Cavaliers hold 2 1st-round picks (Brooklyn's and their own), which could be in play here. Kevin Love might be involved as well, but that would require the Lakers to send more assets back in return to Cleveland. Be it a player or a pick, the asset the Lakers will get in return will be huge.
NY Daily News reporter, Stefan Bondy, reports the Knicks are interested in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
"One of that ilk who has piqued New York’s interest is Lakers forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Caldwell-Pope certainly fits the ideal at just 24 years old with potential as an elite perimeter defender. He does carry some baggage, however, after serving a jail sentence this season for violating probation."
Many Lakers' fans will rejoice when they see this news because KCP has not impressed with his play. (His game is similar to Kobe Bryant's, only much worse). Though he is on an $18 million contract, it is only a one-year deal. The Lakers may try to get some value back in a trade before KCP hits free agency. With his 12 PPG and 40% FG, it is unlikely the Lakers will resign him for next year. Moving KCP could make Rich Paul (the agent for KCP and LeBron James) happy. And LeBron James is a major target for the Lakers next summer.
While the Lakers are riding their current hot streak, the front office is busy making calls to discuss trade options. With one eye on this season and the other on free agency this summer, the Lakers have tough decisions coming up. With key pieces on the trade block like Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who could all help other teams, the Lakers have opportunities to get some value back in return.
We'll take a look at the hottest rumors surrounding the Lakers and see if there is any substance to them.
Adrian Wojnarowski reports Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. are for sale
"The Los Angeles Lakers, needing to shed salary for summer free agency, had been hopeful of waiting until the end of the season to move Jordan Clarkson -- owed $26 million beyond this season -- but there's a mutual desire to find something sooner than later. The Lakers have made it clear that Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance are available."
For many Laker fans, this news is not a surprise. The talk of the season has been all about making moves, and these are the names who have been brought up in the past. This news just confirms that. With Clarkson on a relatively expensive contract and Randle becoming a restricted free agent next summer, the Lakers would like to get some value back as they free up cap space. Larry Nance has not been mentioned as much as the other two, but there is still substance to the rumors surrounding him. His contract runs until the 2019-20 season, but the Lakers want cap flexibility now. With Kyle Kuzma replacing Nance in the starting lineup, the Lakers may look to trade him to a playoff contender in exchange for a pick or two. They would like to prioritize trading Randle and Clarkson first, but if a good offer comes, the Lakers might as well make a move.
Source: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/Woj22002854/nba-trade-deadline-biggest-storylines-potential-deals-watch-adrian-wojnarowski
Brian Windhorst reports Lakers and Cavs have made contact about a trade
With the Cavaliers in total disarray, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka may look to take advantage of the situation. Jordan Clarkson could be the player the Cavs are targeting. The Cavaliers hold 2 1st-round picks (Brooklyn's and their own), which could be in play here. Kevin Love might be involved as well, but that would require the Lakers to send more assets back in return to Cleveland. Be it a player or a pick, the asset the Lakers will get in return will be huge.
NY Daily News reporter, Stefan Bondy, reports the Knicks are interested in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
"One of that ilk who has piqued New York’s interest is Lakers forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. Caldwell-Pope certainly fits the ideal at just 24 years old with potential as an elite perimeter defender. He does carry some baggage, however, after serving a jail sentence this season for violating probation."
Many Lakers' fans will rejoice when they see this news because KCP has not impressed with his play. (His game is similar to Kobe Bryant's, only much worse). Though he is on an $18 million contract, it is only a one-year deal. The Lakers may try to get some value back in a trade before KCP hits free agency. With his 12 PPG and 40% FG, it is unlikely the Lakers will resign him for next year. Moving KCP could make Rich Paul (the agent for KCP and LeBron James) happy. And LeBron James is a major target for the Lakers next summer.