With the trade deadline quickly approaching, we look at who the Los Angeles Lakers could be shopping and whether or not that player will be dealt.
Will the Lakers trade Jordan Hill by the trade deadline? For what?
Hannah Kulik – Many just assume Hill will be traded by the deadline since he is the Lakers’ most attractive trade asset and could play a meaningful role on a playoff team. I’m not sure this will happen, however. Hill is one of the players who could contribute to an improved Laker squad next season. He is overpaid, but he will have a guaranteed expiring contract next season which is attractive if he were to stay. Hill must approve any trade during this season, and he may prefer to start for a bad Laker team then come off the bench elsewhere. If the Lakers could get a top 15-20 pick for him, or a player whom the Lakers are sure could start for them next season (e.g., one of Phoenix’ three point guards, Draymond Green, or Greg Monroe), he will be traded. Otherwise, I expect Hill to stay.
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Matt Patterson – Hill’s stock has definitely gone up over the last few weeks, as he has proven that he is capable of playing a big role on a playoff team. Although his improved jumper is what has gotten the attention of other teams, many people are forgetting his non-stop motor that originally secured him a spot in the NBA. However, his two-year, $18 million contract may be too much for a playoff team to afford. The Houston Rockets would be a perfect fit for Hill, as Dwight Howard is expected to miss some time with a knee injury. From the Lakers perspective, keeping Hill is not a bad thing at all. He isn’t good enough to prevent them from getting a top five pick, but good enough to be a valuable piece in the future.
Harry Burden – Hill is a relentlessly energetic talent trapped within a body that looks lost and lethargic. Whilst his play is slowly beginning to pick up, Hill currently isn’t the jewel that he once was. 2014 did not end well: difficulties with fitness and form have drastically lowered his trade value, with consistency being his main bane. His latest two-week spell on the sidelines basically rules out any chance of a trade occurring at the deadline. Whilst I’d say that he’s worth a late first-round pick to a title-hunting team in need of some depth at the four (I’m looking at you, Oklahoma City), I struggle to see him being moved with ease.
Brendan Gilbert – God willing. It has been reported that teams are still interested in Hill despite his recent injury, so it would make no sense for the Lakers to keep him given that the tank is officially on, evidenced by the starting lineups the Lakers have been going with lately. They will likely aim for a future first round pick, but if that’s not going to happen then they should settle for a second rounder.
Valerie Morales – Because he can veto any trade, only a playoff team will work. Why trade him when he is on a one-year deal with a team option? Because the Lakers are in desperate need of a 2016 first round draft pick. Their first rounder in 2016 goes to Phoenix now that it seems likely that the Lakers will keep their top-5 pick this year. Hill can net a first round pick for a playoff team that is desperate for a rebounder as the Toronto Raptors are. The Raptors are 25th in defensive rebounding. Hill would be their best power forward scorer/rebounder and the Raptors would have an impressive front court with Hill and Jonas Valanciunas. Add in the expiring contract of Tyler Hansbrough to complete the deal.