NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Could Trade Jordan Clarkson; Grizzlies Could Deal Tony Allen
We're not even a full quarter of the way through this NBA season, but trade rumors are starting to swirl. A few teams have been involved in trade rumors such as the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
According to reports, the Grizzlies could trade Tony Allen this season. Allen has been with the Grizzlies since the 2010-11 season after a six-year stint with the Boston Celtics. Allen has shown great passing in the past and he's been a good team player, but his free throw shooting is a mediocre 56.5 percent this year. Allen currently ranks eighth on the team in points scored this season.
Next season is the final year of Allen's contract in which he is scheduled to make just over $5.5 million. Many believe the Houston Rockets could be a possible destination for Allen. The Rockets defense has been absolutely atrocious this year, and Allen would only help. James Harden is an elite scorer, but he is being asked to do far too much. Allen could at least bring some balance to the struggling Rockets. Allen turns 34 years old in January, and he would bring championship experience to the Rockets. Let's also not forget Allen did make the NBA All-Defensive First Team last season.
Another Western Conference team that may be making an early splash in the trade market is the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers have won their last three games, but they still haven't performed like we know they are capable of. League reports have shown us that head coach Doc Rivers is not 100 percent satisfied with the current roster.
The Clippers offense ranks fifth in the league, but defensively they rank 19th overall in points allowed. Defense and missed free throws (DeAndre Jordan) have been the biggest issues for the Clippers thus far. The Clippers have plenty of trade to bait offer as they definitely have one of the most talented rosters in the league. Future Hall of Famer Paul Pierce could very well be on the trade block. Don't count on Lance Stephenson getting traded considering he has a $9 million cap hit this year.
Staying in Los Angeles, rumors have been surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson is just 23 years old, but many insiders believe the Lakers could cut ties with him this very season. Clarkson leads the Lakers in scoring this year, but it's unlikely he will be the franchise guy going forward after Kobe Bryant's retirement. Clarkson has good trade value, and this makes sense as the Lakers have to start rebuilding sooner rather than later. That same report also points out that the Lakers will more than likely purse Kevin Durant next offseason. That means they will have to start saving money and cap space.
The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. ET.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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