Multiple reports are suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers might try to trade for Phoenix Suns swingman Gerald Green. While Phoenix might be willing to part with Green's expiring contract, it seems unlikely he will land with the Lakers.
Green is one potential name who could be on the Suns' trading block, according to Bleacher Report columnist Alec Nathan. There's no league insiders reporting Green might be traded, but Nathan's reasoning makes it seem likely Phoenix would at least consider moving the 28-year-old journeyman.
"First, and perhaps most importantly, his contract is expiring after this season and he's due a meager $3.5 million during the 2014-15 campaign," Nathan wrote Sept. 14. "Second, the Suns have T.J. Warren waiting in the wings at small forward and recently re-signed P.J. Tucker to a three-year, $16.5 million deal. With Tucker and Warren possessing a nice combination of shooting, raw scoring ability and perimeter defense, Green could be expendable once the season gets underway."
Although Nathan's report is almost two weeks old, the idea of the Lakers trading for Green hit the Internet with a report Friday from Rant Sports suggesting Los Angeles could be a good fit for Green. The report, which said Los Angeles would want Green to add perimeter shooting to the 3-spot, picked up steam over the weekend.
Green has been in and out of the D-league since being drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2005 draft. While his one great season - last year to the tune of 15.8 points per game - opens some doors for him, it seems unlikely the Lakers would give up much for him.
Los Angeles does need a small forward, and Green fits that criteria. With the Lakers seemingly passing on free agent Michael Beasley, Green could be an option - if the Suns don't demand a king's ransom for him.
The Lakers wouldn't give up a first-round pick for Green, but they do have a crowded frontcourt. It's just a matter of if anybody - Xavier Henry, Jordan Hill, Ryan Kelly, Robert Sacre and Ed Davis to name a few - interests Phoenix enough to give up Green.
