The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to several trade targets, and one of them has been New York Knicks forward Cam Reddish.
The Lakers badly need functional depth in the frontcourt, especially at both forward positions, and Reddish at least fits that profile, as he is 6-foot-8 and weighs 218 pounds.
With the NBA trade deadline about three weeks away, it will soon be time for them to decide whether to trade away at least some of their assets in an attempt to win now or to punt the rest of this season and hope for a miracle this summer.
According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, L.A. is “pushing” to land Reddish in return for guard Kendrick Nunn.
Via Heavy.com (h/t Lakers Daily):
“The Lakers have been pushing to acquire little-used Knicks wing Cam Reddish, and word is that Nunn would be a chip in that deal, with a third team potentially involved.”
Reddish is a player some fans have badly wanted for a while. He hasn’t played since Dec. 3, as head coach Tom Thibodeau has removed him from the rotation, but in three prior seasons, he has shown some potential to be a productive 3-and-D wing.
Interestingly, the Knicks have taken off without him, improving from 10-13 to 25-20.
Reddish may cost little draft compensation
Just about every rumored Lakers trade has required them to part with at least one future first-round draft pick, something they have been extremely reluctant to do.
But the Knicks may not make the same demand for Reddish, according to Marc Stein.
Via Stein Line:
“Despite the price it paid to bring Reddish in, league sources say New York is seeking only second-round draft compensation now to move Reddish on in addition to the contracts required for salary-cap-matching purposes,” he wrote. “Reddish’s salary this season is nearly $6 million.”
Getting Reddish may be a gamble, as he hasn’t put it all together yet, and it may do little to placate a frustrated LeBron James, but it could at least be a first step.
After all, L.A. would still have Patrick Beverley and his $13 million expiring contract, as well as its 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to dangle in a potential second trade.
