3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is another interesting name. He hasn’t been linked to any buyout rumors and it’s quite possible he could be traded. But if the deadline passes and he is still on the Charlotte Hornets, they should look to recover some cash and end the MKG era in Charlotte.
For many years the Hornets tried to run a lineup that people knew weren’t going to win. The only one who seemed to think it was a good idea was Michael Jordan. They stashed bad contract after bad contract and are nearing the end of that disaster.
When Kemba Walker dipped the last offseason it was a wake-up call to the franchise to change the formula. With MKG, Marvin Williams, Bismack Biyombo and Cody Zeller all set to expire, they can look towards the future. To the Lakers’ benefit, a weak free-agent class isn’t sending teams into trading picks for cap flexibility.
With that comes the possibility MKG won’t be traded as he may of in the past with teams loading up on expiring deals. He isn’t an explosive player, he has his negative traits such as a broken shot, but he’s found ways to be effective. He has years of averaging double-digit points and is above average on defense.
At worst he could provide another body to help guard bigger wings. He also has good cutting abilities and knows how to fill tight pockets on the floor. Who knows, maybe he gets better playing with LeBron on the wings and his catch and shoot numbers from deep translate?
He is still 26 years old and is out of the Hornets’ main rotation. If they look to save a little money this year he could become a buyout candidate. One the Lakers could take a look at to help their team this year and could possibly help down the road as well, given his age.