The NBA Trade deadline is only one week away so let’s look at some of the rumors swirling around in the mill.
ANDRE DRUMMOND
Former 76ers center Andre Drummond could be returning to be the best back up big in Philly behind Joel Embiid as it appears Chicago are making him available in trade talks, according to Ky Carlin of SixersWire.
His ability to rebound and his familiarity with the team, as well as unreliability with other current centers like Montrezl Harrell and Paul Reed, make him the perfect candidate.
On top of that, Drummond will make $3.2 million this season, so acquiring him in a trade wouldn’t be too difficult.
The 29-year-old could certainly be a likely trade candidate due to his limited role with the Bulls.
In January, he averaged less than eight minutes per game, his only 15 minute stint in ten games coming today against Charlotte.
ZACH LAVINE
Zach LaVine is in his first season of a five-year $215 max contract and recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee but Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Jake Fischer says he “would have no shortage of suitors if Chicago decided to move the 27-year-old guard before next Thursday’s deadline.”
The Knicks have been shortlisted as a team keeping an eye on LaVine, as well as the Lakers, Heat and Mavericks, who have “consistently been mentioned by league personnel as holding motivations to land LaVine if the time does arrive,” Fischer wrote.
The shooting guard is averaging 23.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game on 46.1 percent shooting from the field.
O.G ANUNOBY
The raptors are reportedly taking calls on their forward O.G. Anunoby, NBA insider Shams Charania reported on FanDuel TV this week.
The Knicks have been a front runner for the 25-year-old but another team that has very recently emerged is the Phoenix Suns.
“They have the assets – eight first-round draft picks at their disposal between now and 2030 – so they’ve got the picks, and they’ve got players. They’ve got guys like Cam Johnson, they’ve got guys on expiring contracts like Dario Saric, Jae Crowder that can kind of replenish your bench,” Charania explained.
JORDAN CLARKSON
The Jazz reportedly want to keep Jordan Clarkson but when the team offered him a contract extension, he declined, so he’ll be a free agent this summer.
Their front office is certainly capable of getting assets for veterans, that is proven, so they shouldn’t let him go in return for nothing.
He is averaging career bests in points as well as assists and has been a much needed spark off the bench, even if he tries to fight everyone now and again.
Because of his form, trading him would secure a skilled player in return and if last summer’s house cleaning is anything to go by, no one is safe – except Lauri Markkanen.