NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers most likely to be traded right now

3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Initially, this seemed like the perfect spot for Larry Nance Jr. The young forward was recently mentioned as a potential trade candidate, but there was also a caveat involved.

Here’s this from Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler:

"“Sources close to the situation caution that the Lakers would rather not trade Nance, Jr., but in order to move off the contract money they are trying to shed, it will take inducement, and Nance seems to be that.”"

So instead, I’m going with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope here at No. 3. Why? Well, there are a number of reasons. The first is that, he’s on an expiring contract and is making big bucks. If the Lakers try to make a deal for someone like DeMarcus Cousins or George, it’s going to take another sizable contract to make the money work.

On top of that, Caldwell-Pope has started to play well since his jail sentence ended. He was looking lost for about a month there, but has gotten it together and is playing more efficient basketball. As his play improves, his stock will continue to rise.

Caldwell-Pope isn’t a superstar, but is an above-average starting 2-guard who can shoot from deep and defend. If a contender is looking to make an upgrade in the backcourt or bring more perimeter defense to their roster, KCP could be a pawn in the Lakers’ long-term plans.