The Spurs and Hornets are viewed as two of the NBA’s “assured” sellers in this season’s trade market, Shams Charania of The Athletic writes in his latest Inside Pass column.
In San Antonio, veterans Jakob Poeltl, Doug McDermott, and Josh Richardson are considered the team’s top trade candidates. Poeltl and Richardson are on expiring contracts, while McDermott is under contract for one more season at the same salary he’s earning this year ($13.75MM).
Confirming a previous report indicating that Poeltl is generating significant interest, Charania says the Raptors and Celtics are among the teams that have shown interest in the big man. According to Charania, Poeltl is widely respected within the organization and the Spurs would like him to be part of their long-term future, but they’ll have to take into account his price tag as a free agent and the risk of losing him for nothing this summer.
The Spurs have had a standing extension offer of four years and $58MM (his in-season max) on the table for Poeltl since before the season, per Charania, but the center has passed on that offer and is expected to do much better on the open market. Rival executives believe he could approach $20MM per year on his next deal, Charania adds.
San Antonio will have a ton of cap room available this summer, so it’s not as if the franchise won’t have the means to retain Poeltl. However, there’s a belief among rival teams that the 27-year-old’s desire to play for a contender could be an important factor as he weighs his future, Charania notes.
As for the Hornets, Mason Plumlee, Kelly Oubre, and Jalen McDaniels – all on track for unrestricted free agency in 2023 – are considered candidates to be moved. According to Charania, Charlotte is also expected to listen to inquiries on guard Terry Rozier, even though he’s still under contract for three years beyond this one.
More sellers besides Charlotte and San Antonio figure to emerge in the coming weeks, but for now, only two other teams are with them in the NBA’s cellar, well out of play-in contention. Those teams are the Pistons and Rockets.
Multiple recent reports have suggested that Detroit has set a high asking price for veterans like Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, but the team is believed to be open to conversations. The Raptors, Lakers, Pelicans, Bucks, Cavaliers, and Mavericks are among the clubs that have registered interest in Bogdanovic, league sources tell The Athletic.
As for the Rockets, their roster isn’t exactly loaded with expendable vets. Shooting guard Eric Gordon is the team’s most obvious trade candidate, but Houston is seeking either a good young player or a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon, says Charania.
the race for Victor is on
I’d be disappointed if the Raptors added a win now piece this year. Forget Poeltl, just focus on getting quality pieces for FVV and Gary Trent Jr and try and slide a few spots.
Teams are tubthumping for this Victor Chumbawamba guy. I say the magic win the lottery again and go on to win 5 consecutive championships.
ppl were making fun of Giannis and Doncic surnames as well, not wise
Clippers should go for Terry Rozier.
Perfect fit alongside Kawhi and PG as a third scoring option with good defence. Also had a little bit of playoff experience.
Clippers have a bunch of good role players but I feel like they need one more difference maker alongside their two stars. Terrys got a great handle and scoring ability plus plays defence.
I’d go Terry Rozier for Luke Kennard, John Wall and 2 second round picks.
1. Terry Rozier. Reggie Jackson. Mann
2. Paul George. Norman Powell. Boston
3. Kawhi Leonard. Robert Covington. Coffey
4. Marcus Morris. Nicholas Batum
5. Ivan Zubac. Tristan Thompson (sign as FA)
Think his puts every play into their preferred role. Marcus a 4th option and more defensive minded. Reggie as second unit leader. Powell as the go to sixth man. 2 veteran 3 and D forwards and then I’d get a current FA centre to come in and back up Zu like Tristan Thompson or Dwight Howard
Great trade.
Great Trade but I think Hornets could also send Plumlee and get Boston.
No way CHA does that trade.
SHOCKING news by Shams
Unless a GM is highly medicated, I can’t see MKE swinging a difference making trade. Not if G Allen, G Hill and a mess of 2nd round picks are all they’re willing..or able..to give up.
Here’s my Laker trades. Westbrook, Tuscano, Jones, 1st pick and 2 x 2nd picks for Bog, Noel, Burks, Bagley. Pat Bev for McDermott.