There were plenty of rumors floating around this past summer about potential trades on the horizon in the NBA. One player that was rumored to be dealt at some point was former Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Apparently, Carter-Williams was on the trading block heading into the 2014 NBA draft with the 76ers fielding offers. Although it was no secret Carter-Williams was on the block, no deal was made, but Philadelphia did everything in their power to make a deal, according to Zach Lowe of Grantland:
They tried hard during the draft, but they couldn’t draw the trove they envisioned or guarantee that the player they wanted with an acquired pick would be there, per several league sources. Expect Philly to repeat the exercise. It’s not a shot at Carter-Williams, or even a signal that the Sixers are dying to trade him. He may well end up a long-term cog in Philly.
The team knows point guard is the most replaceable position in the league today, and it will seek out any deal that adds to its stockpile of high-value draft picks.
Before deciding to keep the seventh overall pick and draft Julius Randle out of Kentucky, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be seriously considering trading their pick. Not only were the Lakers said to be gauging interest in trades for their lottery pick, but there was a rumor floating around about Carter-Williams potentially heading to Los Angeles along with Thaddeus Young.
Obviously, no deal was made between Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The Lakers held onto their pick and the 76ers eventually ended up sending Young to the Minnesota Timberwolves. If a deal did come to fruition, many believe it would’ve sent Steve Nash to Philadelphia.
Only time will tell if the Lakers should’ve pulled the trigger. So far, Randle has shown promise while Nash may already be dealing with health issues, but it is only the preseason with much more basketball yet to be played.
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