The Denver Nuggets surprised many when they selected point guard Emmanuel Mudiay in the NBA Draft. That immediately put Ty Lawson up on the trade market as the Denver Nuggets appear ready to rebuild with youth over veterans. Lawson is a top point guard in the league when it comes to stats, but is there a team willing to give up what is takes for a starter as the Nuggets will want a nice return package for the star?
There are not a lot of buyers out on the market with free agency entering its third week. Most teams have their starting point guard position wrapped up which leaves little interest in Lawson. However, according to Bleacher Report Howard Beck, the best option for a trade of Lawson could be from the team that just gave up a starter, the Brooklyn Nets.
According to NBA.com, the Brooklyn Nets agreed to a contract buyout of starting point guard Deron Williams who them immediately went on to sign with the Dallas Mavericks. That leaves a huge hole for the Nets who could attempt to trade for Lawson in the coming days if the Denver Nuggets push a deal. Right now the Nets have Jarrett Jack who says he is ready to be a starter for Brooklyn, but does the team have the same confidence in the point guard? According to some Nuggets' veterans Lawson is not a leader for the nuggets or any team.
"Ty, he has not demonstrated what you want from the leader of your team and a guy who they've handed the keys to. He's not demonstrated the kind of leadership that you want. And you have a young kid named [Emmanuel] Mudiay coming in who I think has a chance to be a star in this league," Chauncey Billups said, via 104.3 The Fan in Denver.
Billups' comments on Lawson will likely factor very little into the interest around the point guard. The issue for Lawson is that most teams have their starter and backup taken care of. According to Bleacher Report, there are still a few team that could be considered interested. The Sacramento Kings signed Rajon Rondo to a one-year deal and could look to tag team with Lawson. The New York Knicks could be an option if Jerian Grant, Langston Galloway or Jose Calderon struggle while the Rockets could look for help for Patrick Beverley. His options are limited, but if the Nuggets get aggressive in a deal, Lawson will be sent packing before next season.