It was rumored that the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets were discussing a deal for Lakers’ forward/center Jordan Hill.
Hill is averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season, but has had his numbers drop significantly drop due to inconsistent playing time. The Nets are looking for front court help after losing center Brook Lopez earlier this season.
According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, the chances of a deal being done are slim at the moment:
Although the Lakers engaged in preliminary talks about a trade that would send Jordan Hill to the Brooklyn Nets, the deal likely will not happen, according to a league source familiar with the situation.
In the latest trade rumor, the Nets were going to use their disabled player exception from the Lopez injury, but that would not prevent the team from having to pay the luxury tax from Hill’s contract. Hill’s remaining $3.5 million would incur a $17 million luxury tax penalty that the Nets would rather not have to pay.
After starting the year struggling to win games, the Nets have played better have are currently 24-27 and in the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are 13 games out of a playoff spot and are buyers at the trade deadline. Talks could heat up again if the Nets are willing to pay the penalty, but it seems as if Hill will not be heading to Brooklyn this season. Any deal would have to be done before Thursday and that is not enough time for the Nets to make a desperation move for a second-half playoff push.
Hill began the year strong for the Lakers, including a stretch in November where he had four double-doubles in a six-game span, including a 24-point, 17-rebound performance in a victory over the Detroit Pistons. Lately, he has fallen victim to a reduced role in head coach Mike D’Antoni’s rotation that prefers big men that can stretch the floor, rather than post scorers.
It is possible that Hill may be on his way out of Los Angeles; however, it will likely not be to the Nets.
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