We have all been too aware that recently the Denver Nuggets have been planning to let go of Ty Lawson before the 2015-16 NBA season either through trade or by releasing him in the coming weeks. And those reports are looking more solid as the weeks fly by. Despite a second DUI arrest in the last six months, and his fourth time total being caught driving under the influence embattled Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is still generating interest on the trade market. At least three teams are still interested in potentially dealing for Lawson; the Lakers, Rockets, and Pistons, reports Chris Mannix at Sports Illustrated.
“While Lawson’s off-court problems have raised red flags, teams remain intrigued by his talent. Last season, Lawson averaged 15.2 points per game in 75 games with the Nuggets. His 9.6 assists per game was good for third in the NBA—the second straight season he finished in the top three in the category. And with this summer’s exploding salaries—five years, $80 million for Detroit’s Reggie Jackson; four-years, $70 million for Dallas’ Wesley Matthews—the two years, $25 million Lawson has left on his contract is a reasonable number.”
Lawson averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists for the Nuggets over 75 games in the 2015 NBA season, but the Nuggets just drafted point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, Lawson’s presumed replacement, 7th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft meaning Lawson was already on his way out, and he knew it. Mudiay is currently playing in the Las Vegas Summer League for Denver, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 assists as the primary option for the Nuggets exhibition squad.
Keep in mind that the Lakers did recently drafted D’Angelo Russell 2nd overall, plus the signing of reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams to play with Jordan Clarkson, Kobe Bryant, and Jabari Brown in a crowded Los Angeles backcourt; meaning they have very little need for the Lawson or his troubles. As Mannix also notes, do not leave Sacramento off the list of potential Lawson suitors. Kings coach Goerge Karl was a big fan of Lawson and coached him in Denver for a few years so he might still want him back. Let George Karl be the one to deal with Ty Lawson’s baggage.
