The Los Angeles Lakers are likely to keep Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian on their roster for the sole purpose of using his enticing team-friendly contract as potential trade bait.
Yi signed a one-year, $8 million deal, which is partially guaranteed. Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders explained the value of keeping Yi's contract until the opportunity of trading or waving him arises.
"If Yi does not play in 20 games and is traded on Dec. 15, the Lakers would be able to bring back up to $12.1 million in salary. The incoming team could then waive Yi immediately at $341,737, shaving off $11.8 million off their cap.
If, for example, the Sacramento Kings decided to part ways with DeMarcus Cousins - something they are not currently considering - the Lakers would be required to send out $11,957,900 in salary.
Theoretically, the Lakers would be able to reach that number by sending out Julius Randle, Anthony Brown and Yi ($12,141,756 combined). Sacramento would need two open roster spots to make such a deal legal in-season."
The Skinny: It's clear that Yi will not play that much minutes for the Lakers this season, especially with the surplus the Lakers have in its frontline rotation.
However, Yi is arguably the most important player on its roster if the Lakers want to create some wiggle room on their cap space. As what Pincus stated, the Lakers can create as much as $12.1 million in salary, enough to sign a high-impact player midway into the season.
More Lakers Rumors:
-Speaking of high-impact player, Andray Blatche will be making his NBA return next year after three seasons in Chinese Basketball League.
Blatche, who averaged 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds in 9 NBA seasons, is emerging as potential free-agent option for the Lakers, especially if this young team finds itself in playoff contention around April.
His ability to score baskets and stretch the floor at the four spot would be a huge boost for the Lakers offense.
-Tania Ganguli of The Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers coaching staff are debating which of these three players: Yi, Thomas Robinson and Metta World Peace will make it into the 15-man roster. Again, Yi appears to be the favorite to stay because of his deal.