Rumors of KG moving out of a struggling Minnesota franchise to a team where he can earn a ring have been circulating for quite some time now. Sources close to KG are now circulating a rumor that KG does not want to change teams during the season but would welcome a change during the off season. Recent speculation has centered around the fact that KG can opt out of his contract after next season. If he has indeed signaled to the management of the Wolves that he does not intend to be around, they would be wise to trade him sooner rather than later. As he nears his opt out departure date, his trade value diminishes because teams could simply wait for him to be available without having to give up anything to get him.
On the other hand, some teams do need to trade assets in order to get KG. He is currently making approximately 20 Mil a year (or so) and is one of the highest paid players in the league. Most teams need to unload a high priced player and a couple of expiring contracts in order to make room for KG's contract.. If they wait until he is a free agent, it is difficult for teams to add his contract to their roster without going way over the salary cap and pay a penalty for every dollar they spend on KG.
If Minnesota decides that it is better to let KG go this February or wait for this summer, it means that they are in rebuilding mode. Teams that are rebuilding sometimes want a vet who fills a particular need and fills a leadership role for younger players. They also want expiring contracts so they can sign players during the summer. Early first round draft picks are coveted. And a trade that brings a young stud who could become a budding star is of interest.
So what does this mean for the Lakers if they decided to pursue KG? It depends on when a trade is made. The Lakers already have salary cap problems. But Brian Grants 15 Mil contract comes off the books this summer. They currently have some expiring contracts for McKie, Mihm, and Walton. The own their own first round draft picks the next couple years and they do have a deep roster. Certain players are proabably off the table, and Bynum has been reported as being one of them. Since KG plays forward, Odom is trade bait because he has the second largest contract on the Lakers to help offset KG's salary and they both play forward.
There are currently no reported discussions between LA and Minnesota so it is hard to gauge if anything will happen before the trading deadline. It seems that a deal for KG is more likely this summer for any team that wishes to pursue it. KG has a home in Malibu and is good friends with Kobe. He also seems like the perfect fit to compliment Kobe's game because he gets his stats without demanding the ball. He is a hustle player. If KG really wants to come to LA and doesn't want to see the Lakers gut their core rotation in order to get him, everybody might just bide their time until after next season. But the Lakers may need to reduce salary to be able to accomodate KG's contract as well. So you never know. A deal could come this summer, or sooner. With Kobe and KG now heading towards the twilight years in their careers, the clock is ticking.
JamFan
