NBA Rumors: Lakers Put Talen Horton-Tucker On Trade Block

Ever since last season's trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers tried to make it clear that the youngest player on their roster, Talen Horton-Tucker, was not available for trade. They turned down a deal that would have netted them Kyle Lowry a year ago in return for THT.

My, how things have changed. Now, Horton-Tucker is their best trade asset, fresh off signing a 3-year, $32M deal in the offseason. 

The 21-year-old has not had a great year, however, and now comes word that he is being made available for trade by the Lakers' brass.  

#Lakers are reportedly 'shopping' Talen Horton-Tucker on the trade market ahead of the deadline.https://t.co/WM5K8u9W47 pic.twitter.com/544IqjFCOJ

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 19, 2022

As noted by Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers have come to the realization that in order to make any trade of import, THT will have to be included. 

“According to people with knowledge of the situation, the team is shopping 21-year-old Talen Horton-Tucker in trade discussions,” writes Woike. "Rival general managers believe the Lakers value Horton-Tucker, but they lack the mid-range contracts needed to put together a deal to upgrade their roster and (now) understand no significant trade is getting made without him."

THT is averaging 10.6 points this season, but his shooting percentages are atrocious, at 40.9% FG, and 24.4% from long-range. 

The Lakers will offer him up in their search for one of the big-name trade targets they have on their radar. 

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