Ty Lawson's offseason just got worse. First, the point guard faced several trade rumors as the Denver Nuggets aimed to move up the draft boards. Then the team drafted Emmanuel Mudiay which is forcing Lawson to battle for his roster spot and now the point guard has been arrested for his second DUI which is could end up meaning he is released. Will there be a team that chases Lawson if he is available in the coming days?
According to ESPN via California Highway Patrol Officer Jennifer Cassidy, Lawson was arrested for a DUI on Tuesday after driving at a high rate of speed. If his status with the Nuggets was not already in question, it just got worse. The Nuggets are fully invested in Mudiay as their point guard of the future while signing Jameer Nelson as the backup. Lawson has been available for trades and will be available all offseason. It is just a question of whether or not a team can take the risk.
According to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, the Nuggets want Lawson out by opening night. That is easier said than done. At this point in the offseason, most teams have their starting point guard locked up. Lawson is a starter getting paid starter's money. That is difficult to take on. However, one team is sitting with questions at the position as the Brooklyn Nets said goodbye to Deron Williams.
The Nets' biggest weakness right now is the point guard spot. The team has Jarrett Jack who could possibly be the starter, but Brooklyn would be wise to look at the market for additions and they have options. The Nets could be the best landing spot for Lawson. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Nuggets will be lucky to get a second-round draft pick for the point guard. Brooklyn might gladly give that up.
The Nets could look to the Miami Heat and trade for Mario Chalmers. Barry Jackson at the Miami Herald is reporting that the Heat are desperate to trade Chalmers. He certainly is not a starter, but could do well working in tandem with Jack. The Knicks could also shop Jose Calderon to the Nets as a trade option. Calderon is battling with Jerian Grant and Langston Galloway for the starting spot. If healthy, Calderon could be very valuable to the Nets with his play and veteran leadership. Right now all eyes are on Lawson. The DUI makes a trade hard to come by, but Brooklyn could get desperate for help.