Ty Lawson court ordered to enter rehab amidst trade rumors

According to BostonHerald.com, Denver Nuggets former starting point guard Ty Lawson received some much-needed news in his appearance in court on Friday. Per the Herald:

Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson won’t face DUI charges in California and Colorado until completing a 30-day residential treatment program, a Denver judge ruled Friday.

The troubled point guard attended a pre-trial hearing Friday in Denver, where his lawyer said Lawson enters treatment Saturday at Cliffside Malibu, a celebrity rehabilitation center in California that treats patients with addiction and psychiatric issues…

After his January arrest, Lawson was ordered not to drink alcohol or violate laws as part of his bond. A Denver judge on Friday ordered Lawson to use a stationary blood-alcohol monitoring device after his release from treatment.

Prosecutors had asked for Lawson to be required to use a device, such as an ankle bracelet or a home breath tester that monitors the body for alcohol.

Lawson’s next court appearance in Denver was set for Aug. 20.

Denver District Judge Doris Burd said she didn’t order sobriety monitoring sooner because she thought the NBA was monitoring Lawson. She said she could issue a warrant for Lawson’s arrest if he leaves treatment early.

I think I speak for the betterment of Lawson’s health as well as the entirety of Nuggets Nation in saying this is welcomed news. Lawson’s first priority in life right now must be the acknowledgement and subsequent treatment of his problems. For troubled souls like Lawson who combat the law and abuse substances, rehab is just about the best thing that can happen. Let’s hope Lawson makes monumental strides in his personal life over the next month in California…

And yet, while somewhat relieving, the above news comes at an awkward time considering over the last 24 hours Chris Mannix of SI.com reported the following:

Despite a second DUI arrest in the last six months, embattled Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is generating interest on the trade market, NBA sources told SI.com. Houston, Detroit and the L.A. Lakers are among the teams that have expressed interest in Lawson recently, and there remains a strong possibility the Nuggets could unload Lawson before training camp…

One team that could work its way into the mix for Lawson: Sacramento. The Kings are coached by ex-Nuggets coach George Karl, who despite the recent signing of Rajon Rondo would welcome a reunion with his former player, per a league source.

Despite his off-the-court issues, there’s no doubt Lawson still holds value on the open market considering his on-the-floor acumen. The only question at this point is, how much?

As I stated in a recent column, the Nuggets’ best option at this point would be to hold on to Lawson. While teams will always remain interested in his services while he’s employed by the NBA (unless he continues down the present rabbit hole he’s dived into), his trade value is currently at an all-time low. Holding onto Lawson even for a few months while he completes rehab and attempts to address his demons will do no harm as the Nuggets are already way past damage control. Lawson’s value can go nowhere but up from here and considering this is likely one of the major low points in his life it would be best if the Nuggets support him at this phase rather than trade him for pennies on the dollar.

Stay tuned to BSN as the ongoing Ty Lawson saga continues to evolve.