Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Trade Destinations For Lou Williams
By Jason Oliver
Oklahoma City Thunder
After Enes Kanter‘s altercation with a chair, the Oklahoma City Thunder bench is going to be without his 14 points per game for 6-8 weeks. With no other genuine scorer coming off the bench the Thunder are going to be wanting for points.
Insert Lou Williams.
It’s already been mentioned his ability to score the ball but his experience helps the Thunder here too.
If Russell Westbrook ever slows down and requires a veteran to run the point, Williams is more than capable. His $7 million a season doesn’t match up with Payne’s $2.1 million, but using the trade exception from the Jerami Grant/Ersan Ilyasova trade, this move goes through.
According to ESPN’s Trade Machine, this move results in 13 additional wins for the Thunder. If all they are giving up is a young player who is more commonly known for his pre-game dance moves than his moves on the court, it’s a no-brainer.
For the Lakers, it’s an attempt to shake an older player to take a risk on a younger one. They aren’t in demand for guards — and all things going well, they pick another up in the draft — but it’s a move worth making.
Worst-case scenario, Payne provides some pre-game entertainment for the fans at Staples Center.