Bookmark. Save. Do your thing. We will be providing constant updates on this page as it relates to the biggest NBA trade rumors with the 2022-23 season now in full bloom and the trade deadline set for Feb. 9.
Jakob Poeltl generating plenty of interest
As the Feb. 9 NBA trade deadline draws closer, one name to keep an eye on is San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl. According to Shams Charania, Poeltl has attracted attention from teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics thus far. He’s in the final year of a contract paying him $9.3 million this season. Now 27, Poeltl offers low-post scoring, while also being an above-average rebounder and rim protector.
While Poeltl has enjoyed his time in San Antonio, the Austrian native wants to win, and the Spurs just aren’t competitive at this point. It could come down to the Spurs not wanting to risk losing him as a free agent, opting to try and get some value for the big man now. Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott could also generate a mild level of interest for teams looking for perimeter shooters.
Charlotte Hornets could make several players available
A team that’s greatly struggled due to injuries and off-court trouble, the Charlotte Hornets aren’t headed anywhere this season and could soon begin a firesale. If so, players like Terry Rozier, Mason Plumlee, Jalen McDaniels, and Kelly Oubre Jr. could all be up for grabs, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Rozier is the biggest name of the group, but he still has three years and $97 million remaining on his contract, which could deter some potential buyers. Either way, the Hornets are expected to be trade deadline sellers, meaning several players could receive a ticket out of town.
Utah Jazz seeking first-round pick for Jarred Vanderbilt
The Utah Jazz are performing better than expected after trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, but they’re not afraid to continue making moves. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Jazz may be willing to part with power forward Jarred Vanderbilt, but only for a first round pick.
Vanderbilt, who averages 8.3 points and 8 rebounds in just 25 minutes per game, is under contract for the 2023-24 season for a mere $4.7 million and is still just 23 years old. He’s no guarantee to be traded, but he’s also not a true part of a Lauri Markkanen-led core.
Bojan Bogdanovic drawing interest from several NBA teams
With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, teams are ramping up their efforts to secure sharpshooters. That apparently includes Detroit Pistons sniper Bojan Bogdanovic, who’s averaging 21.1 points per game on a tanking team headed nowhere this season.
The 6-foot-7 wing is 33 but on an expiring contract worth $19.5 million and will certainly draw interest from those hoping to make a playoff push.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns are just four teams who have looked into landing the rangy scorer. The Pistons are said to be looking for a first-round pick, plus a young player with potential.
Los Angeles Lakers prefer to deal first-round picks for ‘legitimate star’
Trade rumors have been swirling around the Los Angeles Lakers for months. Part of the organization’s inability to swing a big deal is its limited trade assets. The most notable chips they have are first-round picks in the second half of the decade. A new report claims the team would prefer to only move those selections for a legit All-Star player.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the team is still holding out hope that a “legitimate third star” could hit the trade market before Feb. 9, and they would be more than willing to offer up any of their picks in 2025, ’26, ’27, ’28 for such a player. Otherwise, they may hold pat on moving those pick this season.
Kyle Kuzma viewed as potential trade candidate
With the Washington Wizards struggling to find the right mix behind Bradley Beal, rumors continue to pop up that Kuzma could be had ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Making a mere $13 million in 2022-23, Kuzma would be attractive for contending teams. He’s averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists on the campaign.
Flush with a player option for next season, it might make sense for Washington to get something for Kuzma now rather than face the possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency. Perhaps, a team like Kuzma’s former Lakers squad comes calling. The Phoenix Suns have also been bandied about as a potential landing spot.
Related: Sportsnaut’s updated NBA power rankings
Trae Young could want out of Atlanta
Rival executives around the NBA are keeping an eye on Young’s situation with the Atlanta Hawks. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report notes that these execs believe Young could request a trade should Atlanta’s struggles continue.
Young and Hawks head coach Nate McMillan had an altercation earlier in the season, leading to the All-Star remaining home and not attending a game. Frustration has been boiling over behind the scenes. It seems highly unlikely that something will happen on this front in the coming months. But we’d certainly keep an eye on the situation.
NBA trade rumors point to potential three-team blockbuster
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported recently that there’s been discussions between the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks. The crux of the deal would send Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to Phoenix with Utah getting John Collins from Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Jazz and Hawks would also receive other assets.
The report indicated that talks ended with Utah demanding multiple first-round picks in the deal. It’s no surprise given the hard ball Jazz front office head Danny Ainge played in Donovan Mitchell trade talks before sending him to the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Related: Projecting the 2023 NBA All-Star Game starters: See who makes the cut
Los Angeles Lakers involved on several fronts
Currently 13th in the Western Conference with a 14-21 record, the Lakers are going nowhere fast. They boast a 26-51 record over the past 77 games. Anthony Davis is sidelined to injury. In short, general manager Rob Pelinka must make a bold move ahead of the NBA trade deadline to return this team to relevance.
Los Angeles is said to be eyeing a trio of stars in that of Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. But that’s just not going to happen. With Pelinka unwilling to move off both of the Lakers’ available future first-round picks, fans might want to lower their expectations. What we do know is that Los Angeles is looking to add shooters in the mix. It will likely come down to what Pelinka and Co. are willing to give up.
Latest on Jae Crowder trade from the Phoenix Suns
This veteran forward has not played a single game during the 2022-23 season after requesting trade from Phoenix during the summer. Crowder is not happy about his role with the Suns and wants out of dodge.
- Jae Crowder stats (2021-22): 9.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 40% shooting, 35% 3-point
Unfortunately for the veteran, nothing has come to fruition on this end. It was noted back in November that at least eight teams were interested in him. Prior to that, the Milwaukee Bucks were seen as a potential landing spot. Meanwhile, NBA insider Marc Stein reported during the fall that Washington offered up Rui Hachimura in a deal for Crowder. It was ultimately turned down.
NBA trade rumors: New York Knicks interested in Tobias Harris
It’s no surprise that Knicks front office head Leon Rose is looking to improve his team’s roster. New York has been bandied about more than most teams on the rumor mill in recent months. That now includes New York having internal discussions about trading for high-priced Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris.
Ian Begley of SNY notes that Harris has fans within the Knicks’ organization. Though, there’s a few issues at play here. Who on New York’s roster would a contending 76ers team want? Meanwhile, Harris is playing under a five-year, $180 million contract while averaging less than 17 points per game this season.
This article was originally published on Sportsnaut.com and is republished here with permission.
