Earlier today, Corey Brewer and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a contract buyout. Multiple teams have already showed interest in the 31-year-old forward, including the Utah Jazz.
According to NBA insider Sam Amick, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Orleans Pelicans are all targeting Corey Brewer who was recently bought out by the Los Angeles Lakers. With Los Angeles prioritizing playing younger players for the remainder of the season, parting ways with Brewer makes sense for both sides.
OKC not expected to make any additions until after March 1, I’m told, but Corey Brewer definitely on their radar. T-Wolves, Jazz, Pelicans also expected to be in mix (already mentioned Cavs, Wiz, Portland, Bucks). Teams also monitoring Trevor Booker situation in Philly.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 28, 2018
Brewer has always been a solid role player throughout his career. He brings a lot of energy and defense off the bench, and is a good mentor to have in the locker room. Brewer averaged 3.7 points per game in 12.9 minutes per game this season for the Lakers.
The biggest knock on Brewer’s game is his three-point shooting. The former seventh overall pick is shooting just 18.6 percent from distance this year, and is a 28.0 percent career three-point shooter.
It appears that the Thunder are the front-runners to land Brewer. He played for Head Coach Billy Donovan back in college with the Florida Gators, and Oklahoma City could really use a perimeter defender after losing Andre Roberson for the season with an ugly knee injury.
The Donovan connection aside, Corey Brewer makes a good amount of sense for the Thunder as an extra wing option as they look to add a 15th player.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) February 28, 2018
Utah currently does not have an open roster spot. They signed Naz Mitrou-Long to a second 10-day contract, and he would likely be cut if the team signs Brewer, or anyone else for that matter.
Mitrou-Long has been a good player for the Salt Lake City Stars this season, showcasing his deep range and playmaking abilities. The Jazz like him, but you would think they’d rather add a veteran to help with their playoff push.
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Brewer will be a great addition to any playoff team. It will be interesting to see if the Jazz make any other moves this season, as they will look to make another playoff appearance.