Just a few hours away from the NBA’s trade deadline and Los Angeles Lakers’ forward/center Jordan Hill has been one of many teammates involved in rumors.
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Hill has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns and a few other teams as the Lakers are listening to offers for the 26-year-old. Before the game tonight, point guard Steve Blake was traded to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN LA, Hill took questions about the rumors and gave his take on the matter:
Jordan Hill: “I think I fit in anybody’s system. Everybody needs an energy guy”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 20, 2014
The fourth-year player is known for his energy and rebounding, but has fallen out of favor in the rotation because of head coach Mike D’Antoni’s preference for forwards that can stretch the floor. On the season, Hill is averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in just under 20 minutes per game.
Interest for Hill has skyrocketed the past few days and the team may get some value, rather than just cap relief. If Hill is traded, the Lakers would be getting closer to getting under the luxury tax and avoiding a penalty. The Nets have been rumored to be strong candidates to land Hill, even though it would cost them $17 million in luxury tax.
Along with Hill, fellow Lakers Pau Gasol and Chris Kaman have also been rumored to be heading out of Los Angeles. Some of the teams interested in Hill are the same teams interested for Gasol and Kaman. The Lakers are currently on a four-game losing streak and an eight-game home losing streak, placing them dead last in the Western Conference. They are sellers and could make at least one more move before the 12:00 PM Pacific Time deadline tomorrow.
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