5 Realistic Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17
Cleveland Cavaliers PG Mo Williams
I know, right? The last thing the Lakers need right now is another aging point guard to back up D’Angelo Russell. They’ve already got Jose Calderon and Marcelo Huertas, which is more than enough veteran presence in the backcourt.
However, the addition of Mo Williams wouldn’t be the worst move if it means adding pieces for the future.
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The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently looking for a trade partner for Williams (via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst), who skipped camp and is currently costing them $2.2 million against the cap. Getting rid of him would save them tax dollars and a roster spot. The Lakers can capitalize on that eagerness to move him.
Realistically, Los Angeles could acquire Williams and a young prospect (like Jordan McRae) or a draft pick for a bag of peanuts. The Cavaliers are desperate enough to trade him that the Lakers could get some future assets in the deal. They have the cap space to absorb his salary, even if they did end up parting ways with him immediately.
The Lakers have made similar moves in the past, somewhat like they did when they acquired Jeremy Lin in 2014. It’s a good move for a team that needs more draft assets moving forward.