Former Lakers teammates Jeremy Lin and Nick Young. (Photo : Getty Images)
The new NBA season has just begun and already there are numerous trade rumors swirling in the air. While some are obviously dubious and does not make sense, there are also those that has a lot of potential to really take place.
One of the most interesting trade predictions in the coming season is that envisaged by Bleacher Report's NBA senior writer Kevin Ding saying that Los Angeles Lakers guard-forward Nick Young will be dealt to the Charlotte Hornets before the February trade deadline.
Ding mentioned that "with Byron Scott playing Lou Williams 27 minutes a night", making the 2007 draft 16th overall pick expendable, the Hollywood team could "send Young to the Hornets for a future second-round pick."
The prediction makes sense because both teams are bound to benefit from the deal.
First, the Lakers has the opportunity to unload Young's almost $5.5 million salary to create more space in preparation for their rumored bid for Kevin Durant next summer. Also, Scott would be able to focus more on developing Williams and keeping him happy with his playing time rather than having to juggle the minutes of both volume shooters.
As for the Hornets, Young would be a welcome addition to backup an already strong Charlotte starting unit.
Reportedly, head coach Steve Clifford's first five will be Kemba Walker, Nicolas Batum, P.J. Hairston, Marvin Williams (or Cody Zeller), and Al Jefferson. Young could be a reliable shooter and scorer off the bench who could also drain clutch baskets for Michael Jordan's team when needed.
Plus, he would be happy to join former teammate Jeremy Lin as the two unmistakably get along with each other during their time with the Lakers.
With Young, Lin, and Williams or Zeller starring the Hornets' bench, the team has the potential to go deep in the playoffs this season.
Speculations of the Hornets' interest in Young had been reported as early as January this year, via Hoops Habit. No discussions between the two teams regarding the rumor had happened since then.
