The Los Angeles Lakers have been aggressively shopping big man Jordan Hill as of late.
His suitors believe Hill can provide depth in the back court that so many teams desperately need and covet.
On Tuesday morning, a report surfaced the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans were the front runners to land Hill. Both teams have a Disabled Players’ Exception, the Nets from center Brook Lopez’s foot injury that ended his season and the Pelicans from Ryan Anderson’s back issues.
Another team with a Disabled Players’ Exception is the Atlanta Hawks (from the injury to big man Al Horford), who have also inquired about Hill (and disgruntled Lakers’ center Chris Kaman).
The Pelicans have apparently backed out of the race and because of the large interest in Hill, the Lakers are now asking for a 2nd round pick in addition to a team’s exception.
New wrinkle in Jordan Hill trade talks: Word is Lakers are seeking second-round pick as part of deal on top of dumping Hill's salary
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
All three teams (Nets, Pelicans and #eventhehawks) possess Disabled Player Exception to take Jordan Hill without sending Lakers player back
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
Lakers must be confident they can move Jordan Hill to ask for second-rounder. Cause it's usually team going under tax that gives up the pick
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 20, 2014
Hill is averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season.