The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make some big moves on the trading front before the February 19 deadline, and league sources indicated power forward Jordan Hill and point guard Steve Nash as the most viable trade chips for the purple-and-gold.
According to Basketball Insiders writer Jabari Davis, Hill and Nash appear to be the most likely trade candidates for the Lakers because both are attractive target for different reasons.
"Their two biggest and most realistic trade assets are the aforementioned Hill and the expiring contract of Steve Nash. Any number of teams with playoff and title aspirations (Cavaliers, Clippers, Suns, etc.) could inquire about Hill's services before the deadline if he continues producing at this level," Davis stated in his latest article.
"Any team looking to shed contracts for immediate salary cap flexibility could be interested in obtaining Nash's deal."
The 26-year old Hill has become the Lakers' second leading scorer this season (13.5 points along with 9.5 rebounds per game) just behind the league's top point-getter Kobe Bryant.
While his evolution as well-rounded offensive player comes as a surprise to several scouts this season, his motor and willingness to bang bodies inside the paint have really made him attractive for several teams, including contenders that needs some energy off the bench.
The Basketball Insiders analyst believes the Houston Rockets might be interested in adding Hill because of the goods the forward provides. With the Rockets missing the service of Terrence Jones and Dwight Howard due to injuries, Hill would be a nice acquisition to add depth for the team.
Meanwhile, Davis claimed that there's an outside chance that the Lakers might get rid of Nash's contract by trade deadline. Nash, who was ruled out of the 2014-15 NBA season due to back problems, is playing in his final year of his contract worth $9M.
Davis thinks the Philadelphia 76ers or other rebuilding ball clubs might be interested in absorbing a huge expiring deal to give them more flexibility in preparation for a loaded free-agency summer of 2015.
