The NBA trade rumors continue for the Lakers, Wizards and Celtics-teams with different needs.
The Lakers are definitely looking towards the future and their veterans are have become expendable. The Celtics have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs-they need a trade that will make them slightly better without compromising their flexibility for the possible blockbuster.
The Wizards still have a shot in the playoffs but they have to improve and gain something useful with Nene.
In an ESPN Insider feature, the Lakers were seen as a team who needs to prioritize the future. "While Lakers vets like Lou Williams, Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert aren't exactly setting the world on fire, there could be a market for their services as the trade deadline draws near, and the organization should strive to extract some value from them," Insider Amin Elhassan said.
In the Real GM trade forum, a Roy Hibbert for David Lee swap has long been proposed. Hibbert would be more useful for the Celtics because he is a center and better defensively. If Boston wants a playoff run, battle-tested Hibbert is an asset.
But taking it a step further, a three-way swap conceptualized by user 'Texas Chuck' was suggested.
Boston trades David Lee and Tyler Zeller and they will get Roy Hibbert/Brandon Bass from the Lakers in return.
Los Angeles trades Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass while they will acquire Nene and DeJuan Blair as well as a 2017 2nd round pick from the Washington Wizards.
Washington trades Nene and Blair and their 2017 2nd round pick to grab Lee and Tyler Zeller.
Some reactions have the Lakers supposed to be taking two 2nd round picks as they get the worst combo of players. However, the Celts would not give any more as Zeller is a young, useful player for the Wizards (probably the best player in this transaction for the long term). That's a negotiating point that may be brought up if and when this type of trade ever becomes a reality.