The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly interested in trading for Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill. One holdup for the potential deal is it would cost Brooklyn $17 million in taxes, Yahoo Sports reports.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported on Monday that Brooklyn and Los Angeles discussed a trade for Hill.
"The Los Angeles Lakers have had discussions on a deal to send forward Jordan Hill to the Brooklyn Nets, league sources told Yahoo Sports," Wojnarowski wrote on Monday. "The Nets have a $5.25 million disabled player exception that they can use in a trade or free-agent transaction until March 10, and could use a portion to absorb the remaining $3.5 million on Hill's expiring contract."
Still, signing soon-to-be free agent Hill would cost the Nets nearly $17 million in luxury tax penalties for a bench player.
While the Nets appear to be debating whether to take on the additional salary, Hill's future with the Lakers is likely finished after the season.
"(Hill) has never been a favorite of Lakers coach Mike D'Antoni and struggled to find minutes in his system," Wojnarowski wrote. "It is doubtful that Hill would re-sign with the Lakers as a free-agent this summer with D'Antoni still the coach, sources told Yahoo Sports."
Hill, 26, is averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season. His contract with the Lakers expires after the season.
Brooklyn was also reportedly exploring a trade involving veteran Jason Terry for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jarrett Jack.
The NBA trade deadline is on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET.
