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We’re in the middle of NBA trade rumor season when every team in the league begins evaluating rosters and deciding whether to be a buyer or a seller. With only 4 games separating 10th and 13th in the East, and an even smaller gap of 1.5 games between these two spots in the West, sellers are looking to sell more as the Feb. 9 trading deadline approaches. I’m sure there will be far more buyers. .
There aren’t the big trades many are expecting, like Ben Simmons and James Harden traded between the 76ers and the Nets last season, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be surprises. As the league approaches, we’ll keep you updated on all the rumors leading up to the deadline. Let’s start with a fresh harvest of Whisperers all over the league.
The Clippers are sixth in the West and are in the middle of a playoff race, but are still looking for reinforcements. The Clippers are reportedly eyeing Jazz guard Mike Conley as John Wall has been sidelined for at least two weeks with a stomach strain, according to Marc Stein. In addition to Conley, the Clippers are looking to bolster their frontcourt and Ibizazbach is playing his career-best 30 minutes in a game. The Clippers’ only other true center is two-way player Moses Brown. He’s had some positive moments, but not enough if LA wants to do well in the postseason.
According to The Athletic, the Timberwolves are interested in Conley due to trade rumors surrounding D’Angelo Russell, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Wolves trade Russell, bringing in Conley could help them maintain their point guard quality for at least the rest of the season.
According to The Athletic, the Jazz are “most involved” in acquiring Collins, but other teams showing interest are the Wizards, Nets and Indiana, with Stein saying “with varying degrees of interest.” .
This may be the most intriguing rumor right now, considering Utah plummeted down the rankings after a surprisingly strong start to 8th place in the West. There’s also the fact that the Jazz already have Lauri Markkanen playing like an All-Star this season, in the same position as Collins. Many would say that Utah should be a seller before the trade deadline rather than a buyer, but that the Jazz are unlikely to lose enough games to enter Victor Wenbanyama’s sweepstakes at this point. Given that the front office would rather have a real run…in the playoffs.
The Athletic reports that both Phoenix and Orlando are suitors for the Raptors guard if Toronto makes VanVleet available.
Phoenix has been in free fall ever since Devin Booker went down with a groin strain. That’s on top of Kam Johnson’s absence and Chris Paul’s subpar production. As a result, the Suns sit 12th in the West after being near the top of the conference before Booker’s injury. It should come as no surprise that Phoenix is looking to upgrade its backcourt in Booker’s absence. VanVleet would certainly boost Phoenix’s roster both in Booker’s absence and return. However, it’s unclear what the Suns will have to give up to earn an All-Star guard.
It’s amazing Magic’s interest in VanVleet, considering he could win the lottery this summer. It doesn’t make much sense for a young core player to need him now.
When the Pistons acquired Bogdanovic, there was some shock around the league given that Detroit was currently rebuilding and its use for Bogdanovic wasn’t really clear. There was also confusion when the team signed him to an extension during the season, as many expected him to be a prime trade candidate by the deadline. The Pistons claim they want to keep Bogdanovic, according to The Athletic, but a long list of teams interested in him could change their tune. All are interested in Bogdanovic’s potential acquisition, and the Pistons are reportedly seeking an unprotected first-round pick in exchange for him.
Heat interested in D’Angelo Russell
Russell is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, with The Athletic reporting “no sign of an extension” with the Timberwolves. If so, it makes sense why the Wolves are interested in Conley, and why Russell is also tradeable. If so, that could mean Minnesota has to trade for Kyle Lowry, Stein reports.
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