Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio tweets that the Celtics and Kings have had conversations about forward J.J. Hickson. The Kings acquired Hickson in an offseason trade that sent Omri Casspi to the Cavs.
It's unclear what the Celtics would send in return. Hickson, in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.35MM, has been buried on the bench of late in Sacramento. Last night, he saw just more than six minutes against the Warriors, his briefest appearance of the year. Hickson is averaging just 4.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 18.4 minutes this year after putting up 13.8 PPG and 8.7 RPG in 28.2 MPG last year mostly in a starting role for the Cavs.
Once considered a cornerstone that Cleveland was reluctant to give up, his value has taken a hit of late. Depending on whom the Celtics would send back, it appears the team would be after Hickson for his ability to replace the ailing Chris Wilcox, who's out for the season, as well as his expiring contract. Hickson will be a restricted free agent at season's end.
Earlier today, Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee said he didn't think the Kings had given up on Hickson. He noted that the team gave up a popular player and a draft pick for him, and that they would expect to get a pick in return. (Twitter links)
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