Hassan Whiteside (Photo : Getty Images)
Less than two weeks before the trade window closes, the Los Angeles Lakers are already showing signs that they are going to be a big player on the trading front in the coming days.
Bringing Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant to Hollywood apparently remains the no.1 priority for general manager Mitch Kupchak, despite the fact they are facing a slim chance of getting the max-level free-agent, according to latest report by Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical Yahoo Sports.
So to give them more financial leverage for summer's free-agency bonanza, the Lakers are almost sure to make moves involving several players on their roster.
Keep in mind these moves will likely be minor ones, and there's almost no chance the Lakers will trade for a star player, unless they are willing to package D'Angelo Russell.
If the Lakers will eventually misses on the alpha-dog of another free-agency class again, then there should be a plan B, right?
Miami Heat's Hassan Whiteside and Warrior's Harrison Barnes are emerging as the two likely targets, if Durant is too much out of reach for the Lakers.
Whiteside is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Award, swatting 4 blocks per game and providing the Heat a much improved interior defense this year. Barnes, on the other hand, is putting steady numbers (12.1 ppg on 46 percent shooting with 4.4 rebounds rpg) for the talent-stacked Warriors in his final year before he hits the market as an unrestricted free-agent.
Steve Kyler of Basketball Insider believed Los Angeles has a good chance of landing Whiteside, especially if the Heat offers a below max level. This is relatively true as the Lakers certainly have an appeal for game-changing big men like Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain.
For those people believing in the rumor about the Lakers getting Whiteside at trade deadline, sorry guys, it's not going to happen. The Heat are in the thick of a playoff race in the East and they are relying too much on Whiteside on the defensive end. Pat Riley ain't that crazy folks.
As for Barnes, well like Whiteside, he could be up for grabs in free-agency. Since the Warriors look determined to unload more cash for Durant, Barnes will be most likely the odd man out. But lucky for him and a ton luckier for Lakers fans, Barnes could play his prime years in purple-and-gold uniform.
Factuality Meter: Hassan Whiteside via trade 0000.1%, on free-agency 80% / Harrison Barnes on free-agency 80%
