NBA Trade Rumors: Posturing continues in Jordan Hill chase

Several teams are reportedly still chasing the Lakers' Jordan Hill but they are reluctant to part with the second round pick that Los Angeles is asking for. The Nets appear to still be the frontrunner although some reports suggest their interest is waning.

Nets may pass on Jordan Hill, per league source. Momentum has cooled significantly to get deal done.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 20, 2014

The Hawks were one of the teams that had reportedly inquired about Hill but things have gone silent as the afternoon has progressed. The Lakers are looking to unload Hill to obtain savings on their luxury tax bill. Customarily a team in the Lakers' position might have to part with a pick of their own to obtain that real money savings. Instead it is Los Angeles who is asking for a pick in return.

Hill to the Hawks makes a lot of sense given Atlanta's frontcourt situation. However, its hard to see General Manager Danny Ferry giving away a second round draft pick to apply a band aid to the roster. All of Ferry's moves thus far have been future based and its difficult to see him deviating from that path now.

As deadline ticks down it will be interesting to see if the Lakers blink and give on their demands. Or if like an Ebay auction, someone runs in at the deadline with the winning bid and scores Hill.

UPDATE

Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reports the Nets are out on Jordan Hill:

Nets essentially ended pursuit of J. Hill for 2 reasons: LA wanted a decent 2nd-rd pick. Contract bonuses could have added $1mil in taxes

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) February 20, 2014