The NBA trade deadline is only two days away with speculation surrounding the immediate future of Lou Williams with the Los Angeles Lakers.
On Tuesday, after being officially announced as the new president of basketball operations, Magic Johnson talked briefly about the upcoming trade deadline and the team’s activity on that front during a joint interview with Lakers president Jeanie Buss.
Johnson revealed that trade talks the team has been receiving have been for Williams, via Spectrum SportsNet:
Magic Johnson says that the majority of trade calls he’s taken have been about Lou Williams (via @SpectrumSN)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 21, 2017
Along with admitting the trade talks have been mostly regarding Williams’ availability, Johnson claims the team has a high asking price in exchange for the 30-year-old veteran guard, via Spectrum:
“If you’re gonna get him, it’s gonna take a lot to get him” -Magic Johnson on trading Lou Williams (via @SpectrumSN)
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 21, 2017
Over the last week or so, Williams has been linked to a few different teams. The first that was rumored to show interest in acquiring the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year was the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers have been searching for another playmaker to help take the burden off LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Williams may be exactly the kind of player the team is looking for ahead of the trade deadline.
On Monday, the Utah Jazz were said to have interest in Williams as well. Utah, who is currently the middle pack in the Western Conference, may also be looking for some added firepower off the bench.
The Washington Wizards are also rumored to be interested in acquiring Williams. Washington, much like the Jazz, shot up the standings this season and will be looking to make a deep playoff run. Adding Williams to an already talented backcourt led by John Wall and Bradley could give them the added boost need to compete with the Boston Celtics and Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.
