NBA 2016 Rumors: Lakers to Trade Nick Young for Cavs' Iman Shumpert? Swaggy P a Deal or Waive Option
Nick Young is not getting any younger. At 30 years old in his 10th year with the NBA, Swaggy P had been more of a celebrity in Hollywood than a player who can win the Los Angeles Lakers back into playoff contention.
Amid numerous issues on and off the court, in the entertainment scene and in the locker room, it is no longer alarming to see Young get packing from LA. That might just happen this season or even before it as the Lakers are already looking into possible trade deals for the veteran guard.
Iman Shumpert
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Iman Shumpert had been a serviceable guard for the New York Knicks and, more recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is still with the latter team on a four-year contract deal and had won his first championship ring playing behind LeBron James and J.R. Smith on the wing.
However, Shumpert gets little to no pivotal role in getting titles for King James' hometown team. He only appeared in 54 games, missing the first weeks due to a wrist injury. Primarily a bench player, he averaged only 5.8 points on 37.4 percent shooting. He would probably still lack significant minutes on the floor next season as the Cavs would want to keep J.R. Smith's streaky shooting or reward offseason standout Jordan McRae.
Rumor has it that Shumpert might be getting a change of scenery with Los Angeles. If he does move to the Lakers, chances are he would be on the starting lineup, mentoring young guns D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram, and providing a much-needed defensive presence.
As for Young, he may have a lot of attitude that can stifle his play, but the Cavs have done well to keep Smith in line. They might be able to do that with Swaggy P.
Trade or cut
If he does not get traded, things look dire for Young. The Lakers are reportedly planning to waive him instead, should they not find a suitable offer.
They still have potential scenarios with the Rockets, who might offer Corey Brewer. They could also deal him to the Sixers, who may accept Young for cash and draft picks.
Wherever Young goes, it would be smart for the Lakers to unload him. He is currently the seventh highest-paid player on the roster, with the franchise still owing him $11 million. Young does little more than scoring off the bench nowadays and with a recent feud with potential superstar D'Angelo Russell, he may not be a viable option moving forward.
