Rumors about a potential swap involving Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle and Phoenix Suns big man Markieff Morris have spread like wild fire over the weekend, triggering debates among NBA fans as to how really valuable the former Kentucky Wildcats standout for the Lakers.
But at this stage of Randle's career, it's safe to say that he's going to stick around with the Lakers for next season, unless the team receives an offer that is hard to resist. Other than that, Randle will have the opportunity to make his case for the entire 2015-16 season.
That doesn't mean the Lakers won't pull off a trade at some point between now and February trade deadline. General manager Mitch Kupchak has done a pretty solid job in forming a competitive unit despite missing on big free-agents this offseason. Yet, he still thinks the Lakers need another trade or two to survive the brutal Western Conference regular-season battle.
If there's one player the Lakers are willing to part ways, then it would be Nick Young.
The former USC standout will be entering the second year of the four-year contract he signed a summer ago, and yet he has already become the no.1 trade candidate for the Lakers largely because of his issues with head coach Byron Scott. And while Kupchak considers him a valuable piece for the team's upcoming campaign, the itch of trading him for an upgrade at the wing position will always be there.
The Case for Nick Young-Marvin Williams Swap
The Lakers were able to add depth in their backcourt by adding D'Angelo Russell (no.2 overall pick) and Lou Williams (free-agency), while they also beefed up their interior through the acquisition of Roy Hibbert (trade with Indiana) and Brandon Bass (free-agency). That left the small forward as the most bankrupt position on the Lakers roster.
Former no.2 overall pick Marvin Williams seems to be nice acquisition for the Lakers in terms of filling that gaping hole at the SF spot. Williams is coming off a rough year with the Hornets after averaging 7.4 points and 4.9 rebounds in 26 mpg, but shot 35 percent from three-point area.
The Lakers expressed their intent to adapt the small ball philosophy this season by starting Kobe Bryant at small forward; however, Williams will give them the size to match up well with bigger wing players. The Hornets currently have a logjam at both forward position and Williams appears to be the odd man.
Meanwhile, the Hornets could also benefit from Young as part of their high-octane second unit. Young, who averaged 13.4 ppg on 36 percent FG shooting (37 percent from beyond the arc) last season, has carved out a reputation as a streaky shooter and explosive scorer off the bench - just what the Hornets need to sustain what will likely be a fast-paced, high-scoring offense under Steve Clifford next season.
Aside from getting a legit small forward in Williams, the Lakers will also gain more financial flexibility by trading Young ($16MM and three years left in his contract) because they will be getting Williams' $7MM expiring contract.