Shannon Brown, traded from Suns, is waived by Wizards
Former Lakers shooting guard Shannon Brown was traded by the Phoenix Suns on Friday to the Washington Wizards.
His stay in Washington was brief.
The Wizards waived Brown on Monday, despite his $3.5-million guaranteed salary. If he clears waivers in 48 hours, Brown will become a free agent.
Originally acquired by the Lakers in 2009 in a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, Brown helped the Lakers win back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010.
It’s unclear if the Lakers would be interested in a reunion with the athletic, 6-foot-4 guard.
The team already has the maximum of 15 players under contract, although four aren’t fully guaranteed (Xavier Henry, Shawne Williams, Ryan Kelly and Elias Harris). Someone would have to be cut or traded.
Perhaps the bigger issue is the Lakers’ number of players capable of playing two-guard, including Kobe Bryant (once he returns from an Achilles’ tendon injury), Jodie Meeks, Steve Blake, Nick Young, Wesley Johnson and Henry.
Coach Mike D’Antoni recently called Henry the surprise of the preseason for the Lakers after his strong performance in exhibition games.
Until Bryant returns, D’Antoni seems set on starting Blake alongside Steve Nash. If Nash sits out, Blake will probably get the start at the point, with Meeks (or another) starting at shooting guard.
Brown averaged 10.5 points a game last season over 59 appearances for the Suns.
The most the Lakers can offer the seven-year veteran is a minimum contract of $1.2 million.
Given the roster glut at two-guard and the eventual return of Bryant, the Lakers may choose instead to pass on Brown.
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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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