As we noted earlier this morning, the Timberwolves‘ asking price for Robert Covington is believed to be high, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be moved before this week’s deadline. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski suggested during a podcast with Bobby Marks that he’s “very confident” Covington will be dealt, while ESPN’s Zach Lowe cited sources who said Covington is “as good a bet as any high-wattage player to move this week.”
That doesn’t mean the Timberwolves’ asking price will be met, but there are multiple teams interested in the veteran wing. Besides Houston and Philadelphia, Covington’s list of suitors includes the Bucks and Mavericks, according to Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, who report that the Mavs and Rockets both discussed potential trades for Covington during the 2019 offseason.
Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link) agrees that the Mavericks are in the market for a wing, but disputes the idea that Dallas is “actively” bidding on Covington, and again suggests the team is reluctant to pursue Grizzlies forward Andre Iguodala, as he reported in December.
Meanwhile, Charania provides another interesting note on Covington, suggesting that some rival executives are wary of the veteran’s injury history and the two years and $25MM left on his contract. The injury concerns are fair, but Covington’s team-friendly contract is believed to be one of the reasons why he’s so sought-after — perhaps there are some potential suitors who are nervous about cutting into their cap room for 2021.
Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:
- Marcus Morris (Knicks) and Davis Bertans (Wizards) may cost a lottery-level first-round pick and appear unlikely to be dealt, according to Charania and Krawczynski. Still, New York will remain open to the idea of moving Morris if offers improve this week, tweets Wojnarowski.
- The Kings are among the teams that have spoken to the Rockets about Clint Capela, league sources tell Charania and Krawczynski. Capela is said to be on the block as Houston seeks a wing.
- Marc Stein of The New York Times, who reported last month that the Clippers are exploring the market for a wing and/or a big man, tweets that many rival teams expect the Clips to make at least one trade this week.
- The Magic have inquired on Knicks point guard Dennis Smith Jr., an NBA source tells Marc Berman of The New York Post. With Markelle Fultz in place as a building block in Orlando, it doesn’t seem like an ideal fit for Smith, another play-making point guard who struggles with his shot. The Knicks’ guard has reportedly drawn interest from Minnesota as well.
- Several teams have had recent conversations with the Knicks about possible deals involving Bobby Portis, sources tell Ian Begley of SNY.tv. Portis has no guaranteed money beyond this season, as his $15.75MM salary for 2020/21 is a team option.
Teams asking for a lot this trade deadline for non impactful players and most contenders don’t have much to offer so another boring trade deadline it is
I don’t see Iguodala’s name coming up anymore. I wonder if Memphis has given up on trading him, or maybe their price is just too high.
I bet he will go for a 2nd and junk
I guess teams discuss a lot of players. The Knicks should move one of the PFs if only for PT purposes. So if not Morris or Randle, I guess Portis is the next most logical candidate; although I wouldn’t be expecting much back.
Knicks are a wreck. Management n coach could be gone next yr. Could’ve signed Russell as FA, blew that. Be surprised if they make major trade. Best to add young players or draft picks. To stay on course and Rebuild. Morris is solid. But at 31 it’s best to get a draft pick. Like Payton a lot. But he’s best as backup. I would draft Halliburton. Best PG in draft. Has size plays both ways. And is run offense pass first PG. it’s what Knicks need most. I like Drummond, but he is not max player. I hope they don’t do anything dumb.
Couldn’t the Timberwolves potentially just trade RoCo to Houston for Clint Capela? Seems like a good fit for Minnesota, he’s great on defense plus he has experience in the system they are trying to implement. Seems like a great fit with a team who’s star big man likes to shot 3’s and avoid playing defense.
I think they are avoiding KAT at PF. If they weren’t, I think they’d already be starting Dieng.
RoCo is like PatBev– people want him for his D, but don’t think they should have to pay for it. Some execs think any player can play defense if they try hard enough, which is largely true, but for whatever reason, over time, a player’s defense is like any other skill, good or bad.
I doubt he moves unless the Rockets move Capella.