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Trade Rumors: Cavaliers, Nets, LaVine, Siakam, More

January 11th, 2024 at 4:25pm CST by Rory Maher

Appearing on his Wine and Gold Talk podcast alongside co-host Ethan Sands, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com examined fake trade proposals from listeners, with one centered on the Cavaliers acquiring Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Fedor thinks that scenario is plausible, as NetsDaily.com relays.

“Dorian Finney-Smith is somebody that I do believe that the Cavs have interest in,” Fedor said. “He is somebody who can play the three and the four, he can shoot well enough from the outside spacing the floor.”

As Fedor explains, the Cavs haven’t shown any interest in discussing any of their core four players (Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen), but if the Nets make Finney-Smith available, he’d be the type of player Cleveland would covet and possibly have a chance to acquire, since his price tag probably wouldn’t be “exorbitant.” There have been reports in the past saying the Nets wanted two first-round picks for Finney-Smith, but that could mean a lot of things.

Cleveland tried to trade for fellow Nets forward Royce O’Neale last season, Fedor added, but obviously Brooklyn wasn’t interested.

As for what might be sent Brooklyn’s way, a source tells Fedor that “the Nets have shown interest in Dean Wade in the past.” Fedor also strongly suggested the Cavs wouldn’t be opposed to moving Wade, which is logical — if none of the core players are sent out, Wade is one of the only two-for-one salary-matching pieces (he makes $5.7MM) that makes sense, though the Cavs would have to add more salary to acquire Finney-Smith ($13.9MM).

Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:

The Cavaliers were interested in a sign-and-trade for P.J. Washington in the offseason, but the Hornets weren’t interested in what Cleveland had to offer and Fedor thinks that is likely still the case. However, Fedor expects Cleveland to check-in on Washington’s availability again prior to the trade deadline.
Elsewhere in the podcast, Fedor said the Cavaliers would consider moving former lottery pick Isaac Okoro in the right deal. Okoro will be a restricted free agent in the summer after he was unable to come to terms on a rookie scale extension with Cleveland. Wade and Okoro ($8.9MM), for example, could work as a framework for Finney-Smith or Washington, though it remains to be seen if Brooklyn or Charlotte would be intrigued by that.
Rival teams remain skeptical the Bulls will be able to move Zach LaVine this season, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who says Chicago is focused on players who can help the team be competitive now instead of a rebuild. LaVine’s long-term contract (four years, $180MM) is a key obstacle in talks, Fischer adds.
“Several teams” are interested in Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, including the Kings, Pacers, Pistons and Mavericks, all of whom have been described as “active buyers,” Fischer reports. The Warriors have also had internal discussions about Siakam. However, Siakam’s camp believes he’ll be able to sign a long-term maximum-salary contract in free agency, and the two-time All-NBA forward doesn’t appear to have interest in a short-term extension if he’s traded, according to Fischer, who points out that Indiana, Detroit and the Sixers all project to have cap room in 2024 and could sign Siakam outright, perhaps lowering the odds that one of those teams will give up significant assets to acquire him ahead of the trade deadline. That’s why some rivals think Toronto might end up keeping Siakam and possibly extending him instead of losing him for nothing in free agency, Fischer explains.

Latest On Dejounte Murray

January 11th, 2024 at 2:28pm CST by Rory Maher

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has a “substantial” group of teams interested in his services in early trade talks around the NBA, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who hears from sources who say Atlanta seems focused on retooling its roster for a playoff push rather than rebuilding.

As Fischer explains, the Spurs continue to be linked to Murray, but they likely don’t have the types of players that would appeal to Atlanta in a possible deal. The Bulls discussed the concept of a Zach LaVine trade for Murray, but the Hawks didn’t show much interest in that idea, sources tell Fischer.

Multiple league personnel view the Nets as an “ideal” landing spot from Murray’s side of the equation, but Brooklyn hasn’t had serious conversations about Murray, and the team doesn’t seem to be actively pursuing him right now, says Fischer.

Fischer hears rivals view Murray as a “true plus” on defense, though his reputation on that end “may have been overstated” in recent seasons. Murray’s four-year, $111MM+ contract extension (it kicks in next season) is viewed as relatively team-friendly, given the 27-year-old’s talent level, Fischer adds.

According to Fischer, the Hawks have been aggressive in reaching out to opposing teams “with actual trade concepts” instead of “general interest in specific players.” Five teams are viewed as Murray suitors ahead of the trade deadline: the Lakers, Knicks, Sixers, Heat and Pistons.

Here’s more from Fischer on Murray and his potential suitors:

The Lakers continue to say they don’t want to trade Austin Reaves, sources tell Fischer. A deal for Murray could transpire if they include Reaves, according to Fischer, but L.A. may want Atlanta to sweeten the pot a little too in that scenario. D’Angelo Russell, on the other hand, has not been valued by rival teams in trade discussions.
The Knicks are looking for depth at point guard and center, per Fischer. While recent reports have indicated that Murray’s agent — Rich Paul of Klutch Sports — would prefer not to deal with New York, Fischer hears Murray is “in favor of a fresh start,” and those same reports said Paul would help facilitate a deal if his client asked for it. Still, Fischer wonders if the fit of Murray and Jalen Brunson would be any more fruitful than Murray’s pairing with Trae Young. The Hawks have valued Quentin Grimes in previous trade talks, Fischer adds.
The Sixers aren’t in a rush to move their draft assets, sources tell Fischer, but they have been “conducting due diligence” on point guards, though Wizards veteran Tyus Jones doesn’t appear to be on their list. Fischer suggests if Philadelphia and Atlanta do discuss Murray, a deal probably won’t come together until closer to the deadline. The Sixers aren’t expected to be trade suitors for Zach LaVine or Pascal Siakam, Fischer reports.
The Heat appear to be looking for ball-handlers, so Murray makes some sense, but Fischer hears the two Southeast rivals haven’t had any “substantive” talks after initial conversations.
The Pistons sit in last place, but their historically inept season could make them more willing to consider bold moves, Fischer writes, noting that Detroit is also interested in Siakam. Still, “smaller tweaks” are considered a more likely outcome, per Fischer.

Stein’s Latest: Mitchell, Allen, Cavs, Heat, Knicks

January 10th, 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Luke Adams

The Cavaliers continue to convey that they have zero interest in considering the possibility of a Donovan Mitchell trade this season, Marc Stein writes in his latest Substack article. That stance has been reported by several NBA insiders in recent weeks and remains unchanged with the February 8 deadline just over four weeks away.

As Stein notes, the Cavaliers weren’t interested in the idea of a Mitchell trade when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley first went down with injuries, and team officials have been “emboldened” by the 8-3 run Cleveland has gone on with those two starters out. Center Jarrett Allen, in particular, has been playing some of his best basketball ever, quieting speculation that he might be an in-season trade candidate.

Stein suggests that “pessimism persists” about the Cavaliers’ chances of signing Mitchell to a new contract beyond his current deal, which expires in 2025. However, he doesn’t clarify who exactly is expressing that pessimism, which suggests it’s probably coming from sources outside of the organization and outside of Mitchell’s camp rather than from anyone directly involved in the situation.

Here are a few more items of interest from Stein’s latest story:

While the Cavaliers aren’t listening to inquiries for now, the Heat continue to have legitimate interest in Mitchell and could attempt to test Cleveland’s resolve either in the coming weeks or in the 2024 offseason, Stein says. The Knicks and Nets have been frequently mentioned as suitors for Mitchell over the years, but executives from rival front offices view Miami as the top team to watch if the Cavs star becomes available, according to Stein.
With no desire to move any of their core players, the Cavaliers are more interested in being a buyer at the trade deadline. Chris Haynes mentioned during a recent episode of the #thisleague UNCUT podcast that Cleveland is in the market for a three-and-D wing, and Stein says he’s heard the same thing. The Cavs’ trade assets are limited, however, as they can’t currently move any of their future first-round picks.
The Knicks‘ success since the OG Anunoby gives the team some leverage to remain patient on the trade market in the short term, Stein says, suggesting that New York may focus on smaller moves to improve its depth this season and look to do something bigger in the summer.

Trade Rumors: Siakam, Pacers, Walker, Kings, Hawks, Pistons

January 10th, 2024 at 2:06pm CST by Luke Adams

The Pacers are viewed by some rival executives as the leader in the Pascal Siakam sweepstakes, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

Indiana has long been in the market for a power forward who can match up with bigger wings and forwards, and reportedly made an effort to land OG Anunoby before the Raptors sent him to New York. The Pacers also control all their own future first-round picks and have some intriguing youngsters whom they could be willing to discuss in a deal for an impact player.

However, during a Q&A session on Threads today, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN said that he believes the Pacers are “very, very determined” not to include their 2023 lottery pick Jarace Walker in a trade. Walker hasn’t played much so far this season, logging just 100 total minutes across 12 NBA appearances, but Indiana is “very high” on the rookie forward, per Wojnarowski.

Here are a few more trade-related rumors and notes from around the NBA:

Siakam doesn’t view Sacramento as a good long-term fit for him, according to Amick, who hears from a pair of league sources that the Kings should have “very little, if any, optimism” about re-signing the Raptors forward if he’s traded there. No matter where he eventually ends up, Siakam will be seeking a long-term, maximum-salary contract, Amick adds.
Elsewhere in his Q&A on Threads, Wojnarowski says that he believes the Hawks are open to “almost anything” at the trade deadline and suggests that the Trae Young/Dejounte Murray backcourt pairing appears to have run its course. Atlanta continues to discuss Murray trade possibilities with teams around the NBA, according to Wojnarowski.
The Pistons haven’t made any roster moves since team owner Tom Gores promised that changes were coming, but it’s not for lack of trying, Wojnarowski writes on Threads. Woj suggests that potential trade partners may not be ready to deal yet and says he expects Detroit to make trades by next month’s deadline that change the make-up of the roster. Exploring that subject, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic took a look at some possible trade targets for the Pistons, discussing Nets forward Royce O’Neale and Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins, among others.

And-Ones: Dumars, Nwaba, Vildoza, 2024 Draft

January 9th, 2024 at 1:38pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Last week, the Nets became the first team to get fined for resting healthy players since the NBA introduced its new player participation policy in September. Joe Dumars, the league’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps that the rules will continue to be enforced when teams try to sit multiple players who are not legitimately injured.

“We are serious about this,” Dumars said. “We talked to people, we talked to everyone, all parties we talked to before the season started. And to not follow through with this would not be right of us. It would not be the thing to do, to not follow through. So yeah, we are very serious about this. We communicated, we overly communicated with everyone about this, and we made very clear that if your guys can play or we feel that your guys can play, they should be on the court. And it’s gone over extremely well this year.”

We have more from around the international basketball world:

The London Lions have officially signed former NBA guard David Nwaba, Sportando relays. The Lions’ interest in Nwaba was reported by BasketNews last week. Nwaba’s last NBA stint was with Houston in 2021/22. The six-year veteran appeared in 237 regular season games during his NBA career, averaging 6.8 points and 3.7 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game.
Luca Vildoza, who played seven games with Milwaukee in 2021/22, suffered a ruptured lateral meniscus in his left knee while playing for Greece’s Panathinaikos, according to Sportando’s Allesandro Maggi. The Argentinean guard will undergo surgery on Tuesday, according to the Greek club.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman has the Pistons taking French big man Alexandre Sarr with the top pick. Wasserman compares Sarr, who’s playing in Australia with the Perth Wildcats, with Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr. Point guard Nikola Topic, who recently suffered a knee injury while facing EuroLeague competition, goes at the No. 2 spot to the Spurs in Wasserman’s mock, while another European, French wing Zaccharie Risacher, comes off the board at No. 3 to the Wizards.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo (Insider link) have put out another roundup of notes on 2024 draft prospects, exploring what’s gone wrong for UCLA’s top three NBA prospects (Aday Mara, Adem Bona, and Berke Buyuktuncel) and whether recent injuries to Sarr and Topic will hurt their stock, among other topics.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Injury Notes: Sharpe, M. Williams, Embiid, Sixers, Lowry

January 9th, 2024 at 12:06pm CST by Luke Adams

After leaving Sunday’s game vs. Portland due to a knee injury, Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe has been diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee, tweets Brian Lewis of The New York Post. As Lewis relays, Sharpe is expected to be reevaluated by the club in about two weeks.

It’s an unfortunate setback for a player whose role has increased in his third season in Brooklyn. After averaging a modest 11.8 minutes per game in 80 appearances across his two NBA seasons, Sharpe has logged 16.0 MPG in 37 contests so far this season, posting career-best marks in points (7.5), rebounds (7.0), and assists (1.4), among other categories.

In Sharpe’s 592 minutes of action this season, the Nets have a net rating of +7.7. In Brooklyn’s 1,194 minutes without him on the court, that number plummets to -5.8. That’s easily the biggest on/off disparity among Nets rotation players so far in 2023/24.

Here are a few more injury updates from around the NBA:

Hornets center Mark Williams, who has been sidelined by a low back ailment since December 8, will be out for at least one more week as he continues to rehab the injury, the team announced on Monday (via Twitter). Charlotte has a 1-14 record in games without Williams so far this season.
Sixers center Joel Embiid (left knee swelling) didn’t practice with the team on Monday or Tuesday and appears likely to miss a second consecutive game on Wednesday in Atlanta, per Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports (Twitter links). However, Tobias Harris (left ankle soreness) and De’Anthony Melton (back soreness) each practiced both days and head coach Nick Nurse is confident they’ll be available vs. the Hawks, Bodner adds. Harris sat out on Saturday, while Melton has missed Philadelphia’s past three games.
Heat point guard Kyle Lowry exited Monday’s game in the third quarter due to a sprained left hand, but the initial scan on Lowry’s hand came back clean, so he’s considered day-to-day for now, as Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald writes. Miami has taken a committee approach to the point guard responsibilities this season, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel, so if Lowry – who is also battling an illness – does have to miss time, the ball-handling duties will be shared by Tyler Herro, Josh Richardson, and others.
In other Heat injury news, Jimmy Butler (toe) has been ruled out for Wednesday’s game vs. Oklahoma City, tweets Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. It’ll be the ninth game in the last 10 that Butler has missed.

New York Notes: DiVincenzo, Hartenstein, Randle, Nets’ Loss

January 8th, 2024 at 8:06pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Knicks are undefeated since acquiring OG Anunoby. Donte DiVincenzo said the blockbuster deal with Toronto has lit a fire under the team, he told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.

“There’s an energy right now that we have,” he said. “And it’s contagious. Guys are celebrating each other, guys are moving the ball.”

DiVincenzo is averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 23.5 minutes during four January contests.

We have more on the New York teams:

In the four games since the trade, Knicks center Isaiah Hartenstein has been playing heavy minutes while averaging a double-double (10.5 points, 13.5 rebounds). He’s also leading the Knicks in steals (2.3) and blocks (3.0) per game and has become somewhat of a play-maker (2.8 assists). “It’s fun,” Hartenstein told Bondy. “I think it’s definitely a role that I always envisioned myself being in.”
Julius Randle has averaged 26.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game since mid-November while scoring at least 20 points in 24 of those 26 contests. The Knicks forward is initiating more pick-and-rolls this season and taking fewer 3-pointers. He’s also reacting more quickly to double teams. “The key to having longevity in this game is adaptability and being able to adjust,” Randle told Fred Katz of The Athletic. “I’ve always been able to adjust as my career has gone on. But now, I think I’m just more sure of who I am as a player. It’s all kinda coming together for me at this point in my career.”
The Nets were furious at themselves after losing at home to the Trail Blazers on Sunday, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. They wasted Mikal Bridges‘ 42-point game in the process. “We definitely should have won. It’s frustrating,” Cameron Johnson said. “Very disappointing overall to not win this basketball game. Extremely disappointing,” coach Jacque Vaughn added.

Sharpe To Have MRI On Injured Knee; Contracts Guranteed For Giles, Watford

January 8th, 2024 at 11:59am CST by Arthur Hill

Nets backup center Day’Ron Sharpe will undergo an MRI today after spraining his left knee late in Sunday’s game, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Sharpe had to be helped off the floor after a collision, and coach Jacque Vaughn said he won’t accompany the team on its flight to France for Thursday’s international game. “He’ll stay back, won’t travel with us to Paris right now,” Vaughn said. “We’ll see if he’s going to join us in Paris.”
Harry Giles and Trendon Watford were thrilled to remain with the Nets as they learned over the weekend their contracts will be guaranteed for the rest of the season, Lewis adds. “I’m officially official,” said Giles, who has battled injuries throughout his NBA career. “(General manager) Sean (Marks) texted me in the morning, told me, ‘Glad you’re a Net, you’re here to say, well deserved.’… When I came in this morning, I saw Sean again. He gave me a hug, told me congrats and I’m glad you’re here to stay.”

Atlantic Notes: Siakam, Randle, Quickley, Bridges

January 7th, 2024 at 9:52am CST by Luke Adams

Since last weekend’s trade of OG Anunoby, multiple reporters have stated that their league sources expect the Raptors to also move Pascal Siakam ahead of next month’s deadline. Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca has heard similar rumblings, but one of his sources warned him to not “be so sure.” That source suggested that while some closure on the situation is expected, it may not come in the form of a trade.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they offered an extension,” the source told Lewenberg.

Still, a trade is widely considered the more likely outcome for Siakam, prompting Lewenberg and Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca to take another look at the 29-year-old’s potential market. Within his story, Lewenberg adds the Grizzlies to the list of teams that have shown some level of interest in the two-time All-Star.

Grange, meanwhile, explores the Kings and Warriors as possible trade partners in a Siakam deal, but says Sacramento – in addition to being unwilling to part with Keegan Murray – doesn’t seem enthusiastic about offering Siakam a maximum-salary contact to retain him beyond this season. With both of those factors in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Kings’ pursuit of the star forward has reportedly stalled.

As for Golden State, Grange hears from multiple sources that the Dubs aren’t inclined to trade Jonathan Kuminga, since he’s viewed as a potential star who can help the team win in both the present and the future.

A report this week indicated that Kuminga had lost faith in head coach Steve Kerr, but the two men reportedly had a good conversation in the wake of that story, and the former lottery pick played a season-high 36 minutes on Friday. If Kuminga isn’t on the table, the Raptors may not have much interest in making a Siakam deal with the Warriors.

Here’s more from around the Atlantic:

After a slow start to the season, Julius Randle has played his way into the All-Star conversation, which could be a financial boon for the Knicks forward. As Stefan Bondy of The New York Post writes, Randle will earn a bonus of almost $1.3MM if he’s named an All-Star. However, the 29-year-old said he’s not thinking about that at all and doesn’t know exactly how much that bonus is worth. “I knew I got a bonus, something north of a million. But you think I’m focusing on that? I’m making pretty good money,” said Randle, whose base salary this season is approximately $25.7MM.
Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey is happy that his good friend Immanuel Quickley was traded from the Knicks to the Raptors, who will give his former Kentucky teammate “a little bit more of an opportunity,” as he tells Bondy of The New York Post. “He did a good job with the Knicks. But we know that’s Julius’ team, that’s (Jalen) Brunson’s team,” Maxey said. “This gives him opportunities to spread his wings, kind of fly a little bit. I think he’s done a great job so far.”
Is Mikal Bridges‘ recent drop in production merely a slump, or is the increased attention that comes with being the focal point of the Nets‘ offense – as well as a long summer with Team USA – affecting him? Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post explores that question, with input from head coach Jacque Vaughn.

Nets Waive Armoni Brooks

January 6th, 2024 at 1:11pm CST by Luke Adams

The Nets have waived two-way guard Armoni Brooks, the team confirmed today in an official announcement. The move was first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).

Since Brooks was cut ahead of Sunday’s waiver deadline, Brooklyn won’t be on the hook for his full two-way salary for the rest of the season.

Brooks, who previously spent time in Houston and Toronto, signed with the Nets in July and has appeared in 10 games this season, averaging 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per night. The 25-year-old made just 32.6% of his shot attempts from the field during his time in Brooklyn, though he did knock down 34.4% of his three-pointers.

Brooks has seen more action for the Long Island Nets in the G League, averaging 15.0 PPG and 4.3 RPG on .436/.393/.800 shooting in 14 games (25.6 MPG) for Brooklyn’s NBAGL affiliate in 2023/24.

The move opens up a two-way slot for the Nets alongside Jalen Wilson and Keon Johnson. The deadline to sign a player to a two-way contract doesn’t arrive until March, so the team won’t be under any pressure to fill that opening right away.