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The Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans were said to be the leaders in pursuing Los Angeles Lakers big man Jordan Hill, especially after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Spencer Hawes. Now, however, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Pelicans are starting to "back away" from their interest in Hill.
New Orleans is backing away on its interest of a Jordan Hill deal with the Lakers, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 20, 2014
This, of course would mean that the Nets are the leader in the pursuit for Hill. However, it's worth noting that the Lakers are still seeking a second-round draft pick for Hill, and as we know, there is always another team lurking. So, if a team like, say, the Hawks, "comes out of left field" and enters the discussion, we know not to be all that surprised.
in fact, Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio says the Cavaliers have indeed spoken to the Lakers about Hill.
#Cavs have indeed had talks involving #Lakers big Jordan Hill and #Kings G Jimmer Fredette, source says, but nothing happening as of now.
— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) February 20, 2014
The Nets, though, want a pick from the Lakers after they would help them shed some money., tweets Marc Stein.
Quite a dance playing out on Jordan Hill front. Lakers want pick for Hill. But I'm told Nets want pick from Lakers for saving them $7+ mil
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 20, 2014
The Nets have no picks to offer the Lakers in the near-future and it has been reported that the Nets have been looking to acquire some draft picks back due to their lack of picks. With teams seemingly dropping out as the deadline comes closer and closer, it will be interesting to see which team caves into the other's demands.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News reported later that the Lakers are indeed looking for first-round picks as well as cap relief.
Source says @Lakers looking for picks (plural) for Jordan Hill. If not, they'll go back to the @BrooklynNets : http://t.co/wXC3PiW827
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 20, 2014