Less than 18 hours before the official deadline, things look calm on the outside. But negotiations are advancing at a rapid pace for several major NBA names.
Here is the latest information on business discussions taking place across the league.
A high price tag for Aaron Gordon
The Boston Celtics remain a favorite for Aaron Gordon, but several league sources have expressed skepticism that Marcus Smart would be included in any deal that includes several choices for the veteran striker in the first round. Whether this means that Boston can include Smart with a first round, or will not include Smart in any way, is not entirely known.
“There is no way for Boston to give up Smart and two choices for (Gordon),” commented a source.
There are also complicating factors in terms of getting money back when it comes to Evan Fournier. Someone for Boston has to be sent, and Tristan Thompson accounts for just under $ 10 million in a deal that would likely have composite parties involving Gordon and Evan Fournier.
The Celtics and Nuggets are currently circling the same number of targets. Both teams are interested in Gordon and are chasing Harrison Barnes. Each of them is looking for wings that can defend, pass and shoot, but not necessarily superstars – although there remains doubt whether Gordon thinks of himself as such.
Pawns and Kings
Speaking of Barnes, sources from several leagues expressed the same sentiment this week: the Kings have many minds. Are they salespeople? Buyers? Stand pat? Small movements? Settle? Improvement?
The teams that called to talk about Barnes do not have a clear sense that they have a direction they want to go. Some teams have realized that they want to make up for the salary. Others have indicated that they are looking for updates in exchange for their assets.
The classification of available assets in terms of interest appears to be as follows:
- Barnes
- Richaun Holmes
- Nmanja Bjelica
- Buddy Hield (a distant quarter)
If the Kings move towards clearing assets, they will have many options, but who knows if that is the path they will take.
A market Centered around big men
A surprising number of centers are receiving attention after the position was considered obsolete two years ago. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported on Wednesday that the Knicks went in search of Andre Drummond.
The Mavericks and Knicks are the only two teams known to be seeking resources for Drummond, and the Lakers are looking for other actions around Drummond, including potentially cleaning up one of its centers, to make room for him after a Cleveland purchase.
The Nuggets and Nets asked about JaVale McGee; the Cavs’ entire approach to storage centers can actually pay off with some assets.
Will Victor Oladipo go?
Several teams that had removed their assets from the table returned to engage, with the Houston Rockets by Victor Oladipo. Just last week, the Rockets signaled that they would not give up on Oladipo for anything, even if it meant losing him at the free agency.
That changed last week. League sources indicated that Houston had returned to the market, but did so with the implication that it had received a competitive offer from the veteran guard.
In the past, the Knicks and Miami have expressed interest.
Bulls are actively involved in the market, several sources suggest, with Lauri Markkanen saying he was involved. Athletic said the Bulls are “listening” to the offers, but league sources have told The Action Network in the past few days. Chicago began to actively seek updates with young people.
More from League
- Hornets is looking for updates, but has resisted including any choice in potential businesses. They believe they can hold a playoff spot with LaMelo Ball likely to be back before the end of the season and are looking for players to increase their chances this year, the sources said.
- ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this week that you cannot “dismiss” Kyle Lowry for the Lakers. League sources continue to believe that Miami is the most likely destination, centered on a package that includes Kelly Olynyk, Andre Iguodala, Kendrick Nunn and newcomer Precious Achiuwa. Three different sources said their expectation is for the Heat to end with one from Lowry or Oladipo and sign with LaMarcus Aldridge after the purchase of the San Antonio Spurs.
- The Hawks, the sources say, have returned from negotiations involving John Collins, with his recent winning streak increasing the desire to race with the team as is, especially with DeAndre Hunter back. The Hawks continue to hear offers for Collins, but he has changed from “probably changed” to “probably remains” in the minds of two sources involved in recent conversations with the attacker.
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