Another bench player for the Los Angeles Lakers may be on the move this summer with veteran forward Troy Murphy receiving interest in his services from a team overseas according to David Pick of Sportando.net:
“Sportando sources inform that Troy Murphy, the former Golden State Warriors’ first round pick in 2001 NBA Draft who played 63 games last season for Los Angeles Lakers, was suggested to Maccabi executives.”
As of right now, a lot of veteran talent remains unsigned with the 2012-13 NBA season drawing near. With big-name players like Kenyon Martin, Tracy McGrady, Leandro Barbosa, Derek Fisher and Michael Redd still without a team, it’s no surprise that Murphy hasn’t inked a new deal with the Lakers or any other team looking for veteran with the ability to be a three-point threat.
Currently, the Lakers have no plans to bring back Murphy. Matt Barnes is also unlikely to return, but has expressed interest in wanting to stay with the Lakers.
Although Murphy potentially has a few good years left in him and could be useful for a contender with need for a good shooter from beyond the arc, no NBA team is knocking down his door or has even shown interest in signing him for the veteran’s minimum.
With that being said, Murphy may be one of many veteran players that sign with a team overseas due to lack of interest in the NBA.
Last season, Murphy averaged 3.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game for the Lakers. Even though those numbers aren’t all that impressive, the 32-year-old shot 41 percent from long distance.