The trade rumors have been swirling around the NBA over the last few weeks with the Los Angeles Lakers mentioned as a team that could be active. Although Goran Dragic appeared to be a trade target, which seems to kicked high gear with the Lakers being on his preferred list, Los Angeles may not make a move before Thursday’s deadline.
According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers appear more inclined to stand pat rather than make a move before time expires tomorrow afternoon:
But the Lakers are “unlikely” to make a deal prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, according to a league source familiar with the front office’s thinking. The Lakers have and will still make calls regarding possible trades. Yet, the Lakers are also aware that any moves could compromise a few variables they deem important.
All signs pointed to the Lakers making a serious run at acquiring Dragic this week. Even Miles Plumlee was rumored to be involved in a trade package with the veteran point guard, but the team may not have the assets to make a deal possible with the division rival Phoenix Suns.
With Dragic making it clear that he wants to be traded before the deadline, the Slovenian will almost certainly be headed elsewhere. Dragic mentioned Los Angeles as a preferred destination along with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat.
Dragic will hit the free agent market this summer after opting out of his current deal. Los Angeles are expected to try and sign him to a long-term deal once he’s officially an unrestricted free agent.
Although the Lakers are unlikely to make a deal, it still doesn’t mean something won’t go down before 12:00 PM PST on Thursday. Plenty of players around the league are rumored to be on the move and GM Mitch Kupchak may ultimately decide to pull the trigger on a deal.
Notable players mentioned in trade rumors so far include Reggie Jackson, Joe Johnson, Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, Norris Cole, Arron Afflalo, Wilson Chandler and Jamal Crawford.
The Lakers have yet to be linked to any of these players, but that could quickly change from now until time expires at the deadline.
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