Lakers Trade Rumors: Grant Hill On His Way To Los Angeles Or The New York Knicks?

Grant Hill was once one of the best players in the NBA. The 39-year-old isn't as good as he once was, but he's still one of the most highly sought after free agents of the offseason.

The veteran could be the final piece that the Lakers add as they attempt to make another title run. Los Angeles already traded for point guard Steve Nash, and is poised to get back to the NBA Finals.

The Duke graduate played with Nash in Phoenix for the past five seasons. There's a good chance Hill will decide to follow is former teammate to L.A.

Last week, one report indicated that Hill might only want to play for the Lakers. Since then, a few more teams has become possible landing spots for him.

The Knicks may be the Lakers biggest competition for Hill. New York has been pushing hard to sign the forward, even making a play for him in previous years.

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, team officials met with Hill this weekend. A source told Isola that a few executives saw Hill's wife, singer Tamia Hill, perform in Las Vegas.

Signing Hill would give the Knicks four of the oldest players in the league. Kurt Thomas and Hill are the two oldest players, while Kidd and Camby are fourth and sixth.

Hill has never even played in an NBA Finals, and could join whichever team he feels will give him the best shot at winning a title. Money won't be an issue, as both teams are limited in what they can offer because they are over the salary cap.

Hill would help round out a Lakers roster that is stacked with guards and big men. At small forward, he would help compliment the foursome of Nash, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Los Angeles would still start Metta World Peace, but Hill would be productive off the bench. He also gives L.A. some insurance if they trade World Peace in a possible deal for Dwight Howard.

New York would also use Hill off the bench. Carmelo Anthony starts for the Knicks at small forward, but Hill would get plenty of playing time in the Big Apple.

In his 17 years in the NBA, Hill's production has steadily declined. He averaged a career-low 10.2 points and 3.5 rebounds with the Suns in 2011-12. The veteran missed 17 games, and seemed to feel the effects of the lockout-shortened season.

Despite some struggles, Hill has averaged double-digits in points each year he has been in the league. He would come at a bargain price to either New York or L.A.