Talen Horton-Tucker has been one of the revelations for the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Horton-Tucker is a solid defensive guard who can also shoot it from deep (36.4% from 3PT range). Horton-Tucker has been a good addition to the current guards on the roster: but it seems like Horton-Tucker may have the potential to be more than just his limited role on the Lakers.
There have been rumors of multiple teams going after Horton-Tucker in free-agency. Sean Deveney reported on the situation. Having multiple teams wanting the young guard means that Los Angeles will have to spend more to keep their depth.
The @Lakers probably won't lose Talen Horton-Tucker to free agency this summer. BUT league sources say 'multiple teams' are in line to make it difficult for LA to keep him.
For @HeavySan:https://t.co/kYT7TtGi5K
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) January 11, 2021
In the article by Sean Deveney, the Knicks, Mavericks, and Cavaliers are listed as possible destinations for the young guard. Out of all of these, it seems like the Cavaliers are the least likely: they already have a plethora of young guards, and Collin Sexton is an extremely promising scorer. Darius Garland seems like a solid shooter too so the fit of another guard on the roster would be questionable. If a team is acquiring Horton-Tucker, it’s to take a chance on a younger player and give him good minutes.
The Knicks are a slightly more intriguing destination for Horton-Tucker. The New York Knicks could use a solid 3 and D point guard, especially if that guard provides more scoring presence than Elfrid Payton. Payton can clog up the floor for Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle, so perhaps a floor spacer like Horton-Tucker could be good. While there would be questions about whether Horton-Tucker can run an offense, he would surely be up for the challenge.
The Dallas Mavericks destination would give Horton-Tucker a big role, and the opportunity to play for a contender. Luka Doncic is a superstar, and he has shown the ability to compete with the best of them. The Mavericks already have good pieces around Doncic like Kristaps Porzingis and Josh Richardson. However, a fundamentally sound guard could be a good addition to the rotation. Championship teams need players who can do a little bit of everything, and Horton-Tucker fits the bill of an all-around player.
While it is unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers will lose Talen Horton-Tucker in free agency, the NBA is an unpredictable league. Horton-Tucker would thrive in a bigger role, but competing with LeBron James on the Lakers can’t be too bad in terms of winning basketball games.
