It may be a quiet trade deadline for the defending champions. As Bennett Durando of The Denver Post details, the Nuggets will explore the market in search of frontcourt depth and bench scoring, but their options are limited for a variety of reasons.
For one, the Nuggets are well above the luxury tax line and are just a few million dollars away from their hard cap, which will make it difficult to take on extra salary in a deadline deal. Because Denver’s salary is above the first apron, the team is subject to more restrictive salary-matching rules, further complicating trade negotiations. On top of that, the Nuggets can’t freely trade any future first-round picks, since they’ve already moved first-rounders in 2025, 2027, and 2029.
The Nuggets haven’t ruled out the possibility of a trade, but they’re less likely to make one this season than they were a year ago, when they moved Bones Hyland and landed Thomas Bryant, writes Durando.
Here are a few more trade notes and rumors from around the NBA:
- The Thunder aren’t expected to make a major splash at the trade deadline, but they could make a smaller move, Shams Charania of The Athletic said during an appearance on The Kenny Beecham Podcast. “The one thing they could use is size,” Charania said (hat tip to Rylan Stiles of SI.com). “I have heard that they are a team that will at least look into veteran big-man play.”
- Zach Lowe of ESPN (Insider link) shares a couple trade rumors within his latest article, citing sources who say that Rockets guard Jalen Green has “generated some trade buzz” and that several playoff teams have expressed interest in Bulls guard Alex Caruso. If Chicago were open to moving Caruso, Lowe wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved for a couple protected first-round picks.
- While a Zach LaVine trade remains possible, the Bulls haven’t been seriously discussing most of the rest of the players on their roster as trade possibilities, including Caruso, says Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. That could change before the deadline, but there’s a sense that if LaVine stays put, the team’s biggest move may be something around the edges, such as an Andre Drummond deal, Cowley adds.
he Rockets are trying desperately to make the playoffs this season and are willing to trade Jalen Green to do this
I’d trade Green for Austin Reaves
#2 pick for 2nd round pick
It’s not about making the playoffs this year. It’s about understanding where the team is headed and the financial situation ahead. While also fielding a competitive roster for years.
I think they also have to still give up a pick for OKC.
Nothing the rockets have done signal that they are desperate to make the play in game. 6 of their main rotation players are 22 or younger. The Adams trade shows they clearly know they are building something for the future, not to go “all in” this year just to make the playoffs. This team is built to be scary good in a couple years and very competitive until that time. As I’ve said, they are building something to last a long time, not just to be good for 1 or 2 years
Would love to see Jalen Green with some shooters. Sengun isn’t exactly a shooter, Jabari is efficient but not a volume scorer, Brooks isn’t that guy and FVV is busy being a leader, facilitator etc etc
Would be a great start in the rebuild for Chicago having a backcourt of Coby White and Jalen Green, maybe even keep Patrick Williams.
I wonder if Alex Caruso and a first round pick gets it done? Rockets could flip Caruso for another first if they wanted, 2 firsts for Green would be a good return wouldn’t it ?
Maybe Charlotte swing big.
Bridges and a protected first for Green.
Melo Green and Miller
For the rockets you’d be doing your best to try copy the nuggets.
Sengun is baby Jokic, MPJ and Gordan but you’ve got Smith and Bridges. Brooks and KCP aren’t to dissimilar and same with FVV and Murray.
I would really hate to see Jalen Green go as far as the Rockets. But Sengun needs help. I think team wants to try to get to the play in teams spot. Perhaps 9 or 10 of any spot.
But Adams they did get won’t help till next season if that. Hopefully. But one big name keep hearing is Bridges. I know Rockets want to get rid of Landale. Need to do something with Bullock. Just do not see him helping either. Cam deserves more minutes. Maybe can package Tate for someone.
Jabari right now not very impressed. Not sure if out with Ankle issues has made him off some. FVV even what is up with him.
But if can get help now with someone who can help even with shooting. Rockets need help at rim, rebounding and shooting/3’s. We could get close to play in team. We are not going to be top 5 or such team no. But if we can perhaps go for one of those lower end play in teams I will take it.
Teams are this afraid to make trades? Wow
Kenny out here getting attention from hoopsrumors
Why would the Bulls trade Caruso or Drummond? They’ve been 2 of their better players on this mini revival. In fact I could say they are the MAIN reason for the slight turnaround. No Lavine, Plus add Caruso and Drummond who actually pass the ball and rebound, The dirty jobs that Lavine is too good to do. I did notice when ole Zach came back he was actually playing a little defense and passing more but then he got hurt again. They were still better without him.
Have noticed the same. Have seen White, Craig, and other players getting on the floor for loose balls. These players aren’t anywhere near the talent of LaVine but it’s fun watching the players hustle, play as a team and try to overachieve.