NEWSLETTER
It’s NBA trade deadline day! So let’s go through some of the latest and final NBA trade rumors, as today’s 2:00 pm CT trade deadline approaches.
NBA Trade Rumors
Andre Drummond Drawing Interest
We’ve had no shortage this week of interest around the league in Bulls center Andre Drummond. Drummond has had a great season coming off the bench for Chicago (as well as some limited starts). Per 36 minutes, he’s averaging 17.5 PPG and 18.8 RPG. In 8 starts this year he’s averaging 16.2 PPG and 17.2 PPG. Yahoo Sports reports the Bulls rumored asking price is “at least” multiple second-round picks. According to Hoopshype, Drummond has reportedly drawn interest from the Lakers, Suns, 76ers, Mavericks, and Celtics, though Boston traded for Xavier Tillman Wednesday which might take them out of the running.
New Suitor for Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray is arguably the biggest name actively floating around in NBA trade rumors prior to the deadline. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pelicans are the latest team to check in on Dejounte Murray, but that’s not all they’re after. New Orleans is reportedly trying to acquire Murray and center Onyeka Okongwu as well. Murray is in the final year of his deal making $17.7 million and Okongwu recently signed a contract extension that pays him $15.4 million annually over the next four seasons.
The asking price for Murray over the last few weeks was reportedly multiple first-round picks. With Okongwu involved that price will only get significantly higher one would expect. The Lakers were also a team with reported interest in Murray, but talks seemed to stall.
76ers Trying to Add Size & Shooting
The Sixers got smoked again last night this time at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. According to Woj, they’re actively trying to add size and shooting. They had been discussing Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from Detroit, but Woj reported those talks fell through last night. Who knows if those talks are totally dead, but expect Philly to try and stay aggressive prior to the NBA trade deadline to improve this team after Joel Embiid’s injury. Come get DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond!
Mavs Looking to Add
Also via Wojnarowski’s podcast alongside ESPN insider Bobby Marks, the Mavericks are in active trade discussions with the Charlotte Hornets about forward P.J. Washington. Dallas was originally interested in Kyle Kuzma, but Washington is in no rush to trade him unless a team were to blow them away with an offer. Washington just signed a three-year deal that carries an average salary of $15.5 million annually. The 25-year-old forward is averaging 13.6 PPG and 5.3 RPG this season and is shooting 44.6% from the field and 32.4% from three.
Raptors Motivated to Move Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown was sent to the Raptors as a salary filler in the Pascal Siakam to Indiana deal, and now the Raptors are reportedly “motivated” to move him to a contender. Brown was a great role player on Denver’s NBA Championship team last year and signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Pacers in the offseason. Brown is averaging 11.5 PPG and 4.7 RPG this season while shooting 47.3% from the field and 33.1% from three. He would also help any contender out defensively. The Knicks appear to be heavily involved but expect several contenders to check in on him.
Several Nets Drawing Interest
Brooklyn appears to be trying to move several of their smaller pieces to try and recoup some draft picks they lost dealing for James Harden. Forward Royce O’Neale is rumored to be drawing interest from Cleveland and Houston, though several others have checked in as well. Guard and free-agent-to-be Spencer Dinwiddie has been linked to the Hawks and Lakers. Forward Dorian Finney-Smith has also reportedly drawn interest from the Bucks and Cavs. So while they may not make a major deal, the Nets are a team to keep an eye on today.
Checking In With Utah
Not surprisingly, the Jazz reportedly don’t have much if any interest in moving Lauri Markkanen who continues to excel in Utah. According to HoopsHype, the Jazz will in all likelihood hold onto Markkanen and talk contract renegotation with him in the summer. Utah will however be listening on some names. Forward Kelly Olynyk, as well as guards Jordan Clarkson and Kris Dunn could be names on the move prior to today’s deadline.
Miles Bridges Won’t Approve Trade Out of Charlotte
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting that Hornets forward Miles Bridges will not be waiving his no-trade clause and will remain in Charlotte. Bridges is averaging 21.9 PPG and 7.2 RPG this season and shooting 46.4% from the field and 36.9% from three. The Suns were a team rumored to have an interest in the forward. Bridges is on an expiring contract and making $7.9 million this season.
