Recent rumors are out that the Los Angeles Lakers are still keen on trading Nick Young and the Hollywood squad could eventually waive him in midseason if they will not find a suitable trade partner for the out-of-place small forward.
The 31-year-old Young used to be one of the most reliable players in the Lakers' roster, but his production has steadily declined as the seasons pass. His worst year was last season under head coach Byron Scott as he averaged a career-low 7.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in only 19.1 minutes per game.
Young's 33.9 percent field goal shooting and 32.5 percent clip from beyond the arc were also the lowest of his nine-year career, so it is no wonder that the Lakers are rumored to be trying to deal him even since before last February's trade deadline.
Lakers Nation reported that his "late-season spat with rookie guard D'Angelo Russell" did not do anything to justify his stay in LA and so trade rumors involving him are louder than ever.
The report noted that the club had "tried to trade Young over the past two seasons but have found no interest thanks to the years still remaining on his deal", which includes a player option for 2017-2018.
With no team interested in dealing for the former USC standout, the article continued to say that the Lakers "has considered going as far as waiving Young" next season even as the deadline for the waive and stretch provision had already passed at the end of August.
By letting the deadline pass without waiving him, the Lakers allowed Young's almost $5.5 million salary to count in their salary cap next season, according to NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk.
It was actually a wise move, though, as the Lakers do not need any cap flexibility this coming season so they can afford to finish Young's deal. By keeping Young, the possibility of a trade is still there any time for the Lakers and if they still cannot find a trade partner, then a buyout could be negotiated.
It is still not yet clear what would be the conclusion of this saga. For as long as no suitor for Young emerges, the Lakers will either waive him or keep on trying to shop him until his contract expires in the summer of 2018. Either way, Young's days as a Laker is already numbered.
