The Los Angeles Lakers clearly aren’t heading to the playoffs, and general manager Mitch Kupchak has already admitted he’s been active in exploring options.
The Boston Celtics are currently on the outside looking in, and president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is willing to deal quantity for quality to make a playoff run.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are trying to rid themselves of Chris Andersen’s pricey contract to avoid another luxury-tax hit.
Here is a look at the latest trade buzz.
Lakers Exploring Options But Not Expected to Make Blockbuster Trade The Lakers weathered the worst season in their respected franchise history a year ago, and they are in the midst of a campaign on par with last year’s disappointment.
As a result, speculation has surfaced that the Lakers could move one of their young talents, such as D'Angelo Russell or Julius Randle, though Kupchak indicated prior to Thursday’s game that’s unlikely.
The GM said he’s been active in seeking a potential deal but likely none that would involve any of the team’s top talent, per Harrison Faigen of SB Nation's Silver Screen and Roll:
There was a flurry of phone calls a couple of weeks ago, most of which I initiated … [we] have to be careful with what we do. Most of the teams that would have interest in our players would have interest in our young players and we covet our young players pretty highly right now. So it would be tough for us to move a young player.
Such a strategy seems wise. Once Kobe Bryant retires this offseason, the Lakers will have his $25 million per year off the books and will have the financial ability to add one of the ma...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
