Los Angeles Lakers: 3 waive candidates that can help the team
1. Nicolas Batum
This is the most interesting name of the group here and also an odd story as the offseason plays on. Nicolas Batum continues to be a member of the Charlotte Hornets even after multiple reports that he would be waived.
As the Hornets look to add Gordon Hayward through a sign and trade, they would like to find another team for Batum. They would like to go this route instead of outright waiving him.
His salary is set to be $27.2 million and there are not going to be many takers for that. The only logical one would be the Oklahoma City Thunder who created a $27.5 million trade exception in the Steven Adams deal. But they will want assets in return for doing that.
So Batum could still be bought out or outright stretched. If he hits the market, the value he could provide on a veteran minimum deal could be enormous. When healthy he is a very solid player.
He can provide a ball-handler and be a solid defender for the team. He is also a career 35.7% 3-point shooter.
Next. 3 free-agent options to space the floor. dark
If all three of these guys hit the market this should be choice number one. A healthy Batum could be a great addition to this team.