Christmas isn’t the time of year for NBA trade rumors, but rather the NBA’s G League Showcase event (this year in Orlando), held the week before, brings together front offices from around the league and sparks conversations. . This is where trade negotiations start to gain momentum or fizzle out.
Here are some recent rumors: More courtesy of Mark Stein in Orlando.
-Celtics are eyeing Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk. It’s no secret that the Celtics are looking to add depth to (arguably) the best top six in the NBA. According to Stein, Boston is eyeing former Celtic and current Jazz big man Kelly Olynyk. He is one of several Jazz veterans available on the trade market (like Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton). There’s a logical logic to this, and Olynyk is exactly the kind of player who is solid, veteran, and can space four or five on the floor and plug and play on the greens. Olynyk has played primarily on the bench for the Jazz this season, averaging 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21.9 minutes per game.
However, don’t bet on whether this deal will materialize. It’s all about money. Olynyk will make $12.2 million this year, and unless the Jazz want to take 4 or 5 cheap players, the only way a trade can go together is if Al Horford or another regular rotation player goes to Utah. This is a related trade. That doesn’t work out well for either team. None of the offers are actually useful. Stein speculated that the Knicks could be interested in Olynyk since Mitchell Robinson is out for the season.
• The Hawks are likely open to a possible trade for Dejounte Murray. Despite having a top-5 offense in the league, the Hawks were 12-17 on the season, and their defense was extremely poor. Things need to change in Atlanta, and there are rumors that Clint Capela will be on the move. Stein’s report Many rival executives are also hoping to land Dejounte Murray.
“Multiple teams in discussions in Orlando believe the Hawks will explore trade options for Dejounte Murray over the next six weeks before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.”
Murray has been good for the Hawks this season, averaging 20.3 points and 5.4 assists while shooting 38.2 percent from 3-point range. He could help a lot of teams and would probably be the best trade asset the Hawks have.
The Lakers, another team in need of a shakeup and looking for backcourt help recently, are interested in Murray. Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.. However, while this fit makes sense, it will be difficult to close this deal. The Lakers would like to send D’Angelo Russell to Atlanta, while the Hawks would want Austin Reaves and a first-round draft pick. The Lakers may try to match Max Christie with a big contract along with Gabe Vincent, but the cost will be high for Los Angeles no matter what. Atlanta would have options if Murray becomes available.
One of those options would be New York – the Knicks consider Murray an “ideal” trade target. Ian Begley reports on SNY.TV (Hoopshype’s Michael Scott also reported Knicks interest.) For that trade to happen, a truce would have to be called in the quiet rivalry (feud?) between Knicks president Leon Rose and Murray’s agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. , Begley points out. Murray owes $128.8 million over four years after the incident and will be locked up for some time. Would the Knicks send some draft picks (possibly Evan Fournier and his contract) to Atlanta to make it work? Does Murray want to be Knick? Don’t bet on whether this deal will happen, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
-The Heat and Bucks may be interested in P.J. Tucker. A few years ago, Tucker was the kind of veteran big man every contending team wanted because he could play defense with his size and hit corner threes. However, he hasn’t looked like that player in recent seasons and has been left out of Tyronn Lue’s rotation with the Clippers. Stein reported that the Bucks and Heat still have a “healthy level of admiration” for Tucker. However, Stein added that Tucker is not expected to be traded since he is making $11 million this season and has $11.5 million guaranteed next season. That’s a lot of cash and salary for an older player. If Tucker is traded at the deadline or during the summer, he would likely be a salary stabilizer on a larger contract.
• Are the 76ers interested in Zach LaVine? According to Stein, probably not. Philadelphia has a wealth of trade assets after the James Harden trade and will likely need one more shot creator to play in seven straight games against the Celtics and Bucks. But Stein said the 76ers are looking for a two-way player to fill that role, and LaVine is an elite isolation scorer, not much else. The Lakers remain the most frequently mentioned name for LaVine, but sources told NBC Sports that a trade is unlikely.