The NBA trade season is upon us, and the rumor mill is already roaring. From now until the trade deadline on Feb. 9, we’ll be tracking the most notable rumors from the league’s most trusted sources.
Lakers want to keep Westbrook?
According to a report from The Athletic, a Russell Westbrook trade is “increasingly unlikely” due to his recent uptick in production. In his last 10 games for the Lakers, Westbrook has averaged 14.1 points, 7.4 assists and 7.1 rebounds off the bench. Westbrook is the only reserve in the league averaging at least 10 points, five rebounds and five assists.
L.A. still superstar hunting?
The Athletic’s Jovan Buha also reported that in a perfect world, if the likes of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal became available, the Lakers — like nearly every other team in the league — would aim to land one of the superstars.
Arguably a more realistic idea would be what Zach Lowe discussed on his Lowe Post podcast, saying that the Lakers have had “internal discussions” about landing Demar Derozan or Nikola Vucevic from Chicago.
Kuzma is a hot commodity
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma is a trade deadline target for the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, according to a report from The Athletic. The Hawks appear to pose the biggest threat, as the report said the Wizards have “seriously discussed a potential deal” for John Collins, whose name has been on the trade block for years.
The Lakers have also reportedly inquired about Kuzma, who they sent to Washington in the Russell Westbrook deal before the start of the 2021-22 campaign.
This week, Kuzma spoke to FOX Sports’ Melissa Rohlin about his time in L.A., saying he wished he got the “fairer end of the stick” with the Lakers.
Knicks having fire sale
The Knicks have made Derrick Rose, Evan Fournier, Cam Reddish and Immanuel Quickley available in trade talks, according to a report from Yahoo Sports. The Lakers were mentioned as a team that’s been involved in discussions for both Fournier and Reddish. Reddish is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who also represents Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Pistons want first for Bojan
As a highly-productive veteran on a very bad Pistons team, Bojan Bogdanović is naturally a target for teams at the trade deadline. However, if a team wants him, it will have to surrender a first-round pick just to get the conversation started, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Sixers dangling Tobias Harris
In what feels like an annual NBA trade deadline tradition at this point, the Philadelphia 76ers have discussed Tobias Harris with rival teams, according to a report from The Athletic. Harris, who signed a five-year, $180 million contract to remain in Philadelphia in 2019, is averaging 17 points on a respectable 48.4% shooting from the field and 40.4% shooting from behind the arc. He’s owed $36.7 million this season.
What’s up with Crowder?
Jae Crowder continues to sit out as the Suns work to find him a new home. The Milwaukee Bucks nearly acquired the 32-year-old forward, according to a report from Bleacher Report, but the deal never crossed the finish line. The Warriors, Heat, Hawks and Lakers are also said to be interested.
Rockets shopping young, veteran pieces
According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Houston is continuing to do its due diligence on veteran guard Eric Gordon, searching for a pick in exchange for the longtime reserve bucket-getter.
The Rockets are also poised to listen to offers for 21-year-old forward KJ Martin, who would like a more prominent role in Houston or elsewhere, according to Pincus’ sources.
Teams want Raptors to blow it up
According to Pincus, “Rival teams are hopeful the Raptors will fall off and focus on building a new core around second-year forward Scottie Barnes. The number of teams interested in their players is too long to list.”
That list includes Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby, Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr.
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