Nick Young (Photo : REUTERS)
The Los Angeles Lakers won't have any second thought trading Nick Young and Jordan Hill at draft night, especially if they are offered a high pick or even a flat-out star.
The Los Angeles Lakers will have the cap space to sign at least a couple of high-impact free-agents this offseason. Yet, it won't be enough to turn the tables around for the once pride franchise.
In order to get back to contention quickly, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchack has to pull off other transactions such as trades to fill in other holes on the roster. This is where Nick Young and Jordan Hill enter the picture.
Young, who is coming off the worst shooting seasons in his career after going 36 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point territory, has already been mentioned as a trade bait just after the conclusion of the 2014-15 season.
Despite signing a four-year, $21 million contract in 2014, Young clearly wasn't on the same page with head coach Byron Scott, as his crazy antics and 'lack of focus' in the game often created tension between them.
Meanwhile, Hill was fresh from a breakout year as he averaged 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds while shooting 45 percent from the field and 75 percent from the line. Hill, who signed a two-year, $18 million deal in 2014, is eligible for another $9 million next season, though the Lakers have to pick up that option.
The Lakers have expressed their interest in keeping the 27-year old Hill. However, many analysts don't buy it since his contract is perfectly constructed to give the team leverage for future trade transaction.
Young and Hill might have had a rough season with the Lakers last season, but they are far from being washed out. Both players are capable of providing solid numbers either as a starter or off-the-bench player. Add the flexibility of their contracts to the equation, and the Lakers can make something out of them through trades.
In fact, it is speculated that the Lakers might use Young and Hill or both of them as trade chips to acquire another high pick or use them in a package to land a bonifide star at draft night. Teams looking for depth at the shooting guard or power forward spot, or one trying to create cap flexibility might be interested in these players.
The Lakers is off to a hectic offseason with a series of players transactions expected to take place every now and then. Although both Young and Hill had some bright moments in Los Angeles, it's also clear the Lakers won't hesitate shipping them elsewhere when the right offer comes.
