- Kings point guard Frank Mason will not play until after the All-Star break, Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports. The rookie out of Kansas suffered a heel injury on December 31st. Mason, chosen with the 34th overall pick last June, has appeared in 29 games, averaging 7.6 PPG and 2.9 APG.
- The Kings were close to dealing point guard George Hill to the Cavaliers but they won’t mind if he’s still on the roster beyond the trade deadline, Jones writes in a separate piece. Sacramento would have received Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert, and perhaps Derrick Rose, in return. The Kings would have to clear roster space to make that deal but their primary goals must be collecting picks, acquiring young talent and retaining financial flexibility, Jones continues. Hill has also endeared himself to the front office and the team’s young core despite losing his starting job, Jones adds.
With the February 8 trade deadline right around the corner, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski appeared this morning on Zach Lowe’s Lowe Post podcast to address some rumors and discuss some trade possibilities for teams around the NBA. While Wojnarowski and Lowe didn’t drop any bombshells during their hour-long conversation, the duo did share several items of note, so let’s dive in and round up some highlights…
- Although the Trail Blazers had interest in Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, Wojnarowski hears that Portland has “backed away” as of late. According to Woj, it’s “entirely possible” that Jordan won’t get traded at all this week — the Clips may prefer to simply let him walk in free agency rather than taking on a bad contract or two in order to get a late first-round pick back in a trade.
- Wojnarowski and Lowe discussed Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pick at length, exploring what sort of deal would entice the Cavaliers to surrender that first-rounder. The duo agreed that Cleveland wouldn’t offer it to the Clippers for Jordan. In Woj’s view, it would take a Paul George-type veteran or a young star on a rookie contract to get the Cavs to part with that pick, but that sort of player isn’t really available.
- The Cavaliers and Hornets have “definitely talked,” with those conversations presumed to have focused on Kemba Walker. That doesn’t mean that any deal is likely though, as virtually every team with any sort of need at point guard has checked in with the Hornets about Walker, per Wojnarowski.
- Despite ongoing speculation that they’ll need to break up their star backcourt at some point, the Trail Blazers have “summarily rejected” any inquiries on Damian Lillard and/or C.J. McCollum, says Lowe. Maurice Harkless is a more realistic trade candidate in Portland, according to Wojnarowski, who says the Kings are one team that has had interest in Harkless in the past.
- While the Nets aren’t necessarily looking to trade Spencer Dinwiddie, they’d have to consider it if they could get a first-round pick, according to Lowe. Woj agreed with that assessment.
The NBA trade deadline is less than one week away, and there’s no shortage of players around the league who could change teams. With that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at some of those top trade candidates, breaking them down by division.
While our focus will be primarily on teams expected to be sellers at the deadline, our lists may also include some players on contenders who could be used as trade chips when those teams look to make upgrades.
So far, we’ve covered the Southeast, Southwest, Atlantic, Northwest, and Central. We’re wrapping things up today by examining the Pacific Division, so let’s dive in and identify seven players who could be on the move on or before February 8…
DeAndre Jordan, C (Clippers): It’s a virtual lock that no trade completed between now and next Thursday will feature a bigger name than Blake Griffin, who was dealt to Detroit on Monday. Still, his former frontcourt partner in Los Angeles is no slouch — Jordan has an All-Star appearance and three All-NBA nods on his résumé. The numbers that Jordan has posted this season suggest he’s not the same dominant rim protector he has been in past years. For instance, his 1.0 BPG average is his lowest mark since 2009/10, back when he was playing nearly half the minutes he is now. Still, the 29-year-old remains an elite rebounder and is leading the NBA in field goal percentage for a sixth consecutive year. He could be a game-changing addition for a team in need of a center. The only roadblock will be his contract situation, as his $24MM+ player option for 2018/19 raises some questions. Will he be a rental, opting out this summer in search of a max deal? Or will a dearth of teams with cap room prompt him to exercise that $24MM option? Uncertainty about Jordan’s looming decision could influence what a team is willing to offer for him.- Lou Williams, SG (Clippers): While Jordan’s contract situation is somewhat tricky, potential suitors for Williams know exactly what they’re getting, as Lou Will’s $7MM cap hit is very team-friendly, and his contract will simply expire this summer. That means he’ll probably be a rental, but any team acquiring him would also land his Bird rights, creating some flexibility to re-sign him in the offseason. Even if he only spends a few months with a new team, Williams is worth investing in. He’s putting up career-high numbers nearly across the board, averaging 23.5 PPG and 5.2 APG to go along with a .443/.390/.895 shooting line. If the Clippers are looking to move some multiyear money, they could look to attach a player like Wesley Johnson, Austin Rivers, or even Danilo Gallinari to Williams in a trade.
- George Hill, PG (Kings): Hill put up some of the best numbers of his career in 2016/17, but his age (31) and injury history prevented him from landing a mega-deal as a free agent. Even so, the $40MM in guaranteed money that Hill received this past offseason – including a $20MM cap hit for 2017/18 – may stand in the way of the Kings completing a deal. The Cavaliers still look to me like the best fit for the veteran point guard, but Kevin Love‘s hand injury complicates matters, since suddenly Channing Frye and his expiring contract don’t look so expendable for Cleveland — Sacramento would likely be unwilling to take back more than one expensive multiyear contract in exchange for Hill.
- Jordan Clarkson, G (Lakers): If the Lakers truly want to land two maximum-salary free agents this offseason, they’ll almost certainly have to trade Clarkson and his $12.5MM annual salary by July. It might make more sense to hang onto him until the summer to see if their ambitious free agency plan is realistic, but if the Lakers get an appealing offer for the veteran guard now, they probably won’t wait. For Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson, an “appealing” offer may include an expiring contract and a draft pick, though it seems unlikely that any team covets Clarkson to that extent. Given his relatively modest production (14.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, .316 3PT%), he’s probably overpriced, with a guaranteed contract that runs through 2019/20.
- Julius Randle, PF (Lakers): The seventh overall pick in the 2014 draft, Randle is still just 23 years old, and has played some of his best ball in recent weeks. Since entering the Lakers‘ starting lineup on December 29, Randle is averaging 16.3 PPG and 9.2 RPG with a .554 FG% in 17 games. It seems as if the former Kentucky standout should be a part of Los Angeles’ long-term plans, but that may only happen if the club doesn’t land its top free agent targets. Randle will be a restricted free agent this summer, and it would make some sense for the Lakers to keep him around — his qualifying offer could simply be renounced if they secure commitments from a top free agent or two. If they don’t get those commitments, Randle would be a great Plan B. Still, if L.A. wants to avoid the risk of losing the fourth-year big man for nothing in the offseason, an opportunistic team – perhaps the Mavericks? – could swoop in and make a play for him at the deadline, securing his Bird rights and the right of first refusal before he reaches the RFA market.
- Alex Len, C (Suns): After buying out Greg Monroe, there’s no real urgency for the Suns to trade Len or Tyson Chandler, who figure to split time at center going forward. Still, a case can be made for moving either player — Len is on an expiring contract and the 35-year-old Chandler probably won’t be a part of Phoenix’s next playoff team. Of the two, Len looks to me like the more viable trade candidate. Chandler’s veteran presence is valued in the Suns’ locker room, and his pricey multiyear contract will be difficult to move. Len, on the other hand, is just 24 years old, and is having the best season of his five-year NBA career, with 8.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and a .558 FG%. If the Suns don’t expect him to be part of the team’s long-term plans, they should shop him. The only problem? Len would lose his Bird rights if he’s dealt, which gives him veto rights. So even if Phoenix gets an offer it likes, the club may not be able to complete a deal.
- Patrick McCaw, SG (Warriors): The Warriors envisioned McCaw as eventually slotting into an Andre Iguodala-type role with the franchise, but he’s struggling through an up-and-down sophomore season, averaging just 3.9 PPG and knocking down 25% of his three-point attempts. He’s only 22 years old, so Golden State isn’t giving up on him yet, but if the team has any concerns about its bench production this season, dangling McCaw in trade talks would make sense, as Tim Kawakami of The Athletic suggested this week. The second-year shooting guard is eligible for restricted free agency this offseason, but shouldn’t get too expensive, based on this year’s performance. For a team that believes in his potential, acquiring him now and securing the right of first refusal for his free agency could be worthwhile.
Here are a few more potential Pacific trade candidates to monitor:
- Avery Bradley, G (Clippers): The Clippers can’t aggregate Bradley’s salary with another player’s salary in a trade after acquiring him this week, but he’s trade-eligible. We’ll see if the Clips view him as a long-term piece.
- Larry Nance Jr., PF (Lakers): Nance is a surprising trade candidate, but ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last month that his name has come up in the Lakers‘ discussions. Of course, the club would rather move Luol Deng or Brook Lopez, but their unwieldy contracts will make that very challenging.
- The rest of the Kings’ veterans: Hill has been involved in the most trade rumors, but for the right offer, the rebuilding Kings would also be willing to move Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufos, Vince Carter, or Garrett Temple.
- Skal Labissiere, PF (Kings): In addition to shopping their veterans, the Kings reportedly made Labissiere and Malachi Richardson available. I’d be a little surprised if Sacramento trades either player.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
- Kings forward Skal Labissiere will miss 2-to-3 weeks with a rotator cuff muscle strain, the team announced. Labissiere has been hampered by the shoulder ailment since mid-January.
With this season’s trade deadline just a week away, the Nuggets are known to be in the market for a veteran point guard, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. Two sources with knowledge of the situation tell Amick that one guard on Denver’s radar is Darren Collison, who is drawing “serious interest” from the Nuggets.
Collison, 30, has served as the Pacers’ starting point guard this season and has played well, averaging 12.9 PPG and 5.3 APG in 50 games (30.2 MPG). His .497 FG% and .432 3PT% are career highs.
Indiana is currently tied for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 29-23 record, so it’d be surprising if the team moves its starting point guard. Amick’s report indicates the Pacers have rebuffed the Nuggets’ trade efforts so far. Still, the team has a little depth at point guard — Cory Joseph has been solid as Collison’s backup and could slide into the starting lineup. Joe Young‘s role could be expanded if necessary, and Victor Oladipo and Lance Stephenson are capable of handling the ball too.
The Nuggets currently have Jamal Murray starting at point guard, with Will Barton spending some time at the one as well; Emmanuel Mudiay has seen his role reduced this season. According to Amick, Denver would like to be able to return Barton to his “super sixth man” role rather than relying on him for point guard duties.
Amick suggests that Kings point guard George Hill, who drew interest from the Nuggets in the offseason, might be another potential Denver target at the deadline. However, Hill’s $20MM cap hit and his guaranteed money beyond this season would be a deterrent. Collison is on a more team-friendly contract, at $10MM this season — only $2MM of his $10MM salary for 2018/19 is guaranteed.
According to Amick, the Nuggets also hope to find a way to clear a 15-man roster spot for two-way player Torrey Craig at some point.
In the wake of this week’s massive Blake Griffin trade, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders assessed the trade market in an effort to determine which teams may be the next to make moves. We covered some of Kyler’s Clippers-related items on Tuesday, and a Rodney Hood/Stanley Johnson note from his article was reported elsewhere, but there are plenty more tidbits worth rounding up. Let’s dive in…
- The rumored deal involving George Hill between the Cavaliers and Kings isn’t dead yet, but both teams are exploring the market in search of trades they might like more, per Kyler. The two teams could revisit a Hill swap on or before February 8.
- The Kings still appear willing to move a young player or two for a first-round pick, with Skal Labissiere and Malachi Richardson among those trade candidates, Kyler writes.
- The Mavericks‘ preferred target is Julius Randle, but they may start to seriously consider Labissiere if the Lakers don’t engage in Randle talks, says Kyler. Still, Mavs sources tell Kyler that they place a lot of value on first-round picks, so it sounds like they’ll be reluctant to move one.
- Bucks sources have “aggressively downplayed” the idea that the team will trade forward Jabari Parker, who is returning this week from an ACL injury. However, the team acknowledges that its cap situation could complicate contract talks with the former No. 2 overall pick this offseason. Bucks ownership appears willing to commit to Parker if management wants to lock him up, according to Kyler, who notes that the forward would be a prime trade chip if Milwaukee wants to make a splash for a big-name center.
- The Cavaliers supposedly wanted the option of buying out Kings guard George Hill after this season, which is one reason the two teams couldn’t complete a trade, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reports (via Dan Feldman of NBC Sports). Currently Hill’s $19MM for 2018/19 is fully guaranteed. Only $1MM of Hill’s $18MM in 2019/20 is guaranteed, however.
After suffering a health scare during Sunday’s game in San Antonio, Kings head coach Dave Joerger has been cleared to return to the team’s sideline, the team announced today in a press release. Joerger is expected to resume coaching the Kings sometime within the next week.
Joerger experienced some light-headedness during the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Spurs and had to take a knee on the sideline. He returned home to Sacramento and underwent a series of precautionary medical evaluations and tests this week, with the results suggesting that he’s in “fine health,” according to the Kings.
Assistant coach Elston Turner will assume interim head coaching duties until Joerger is ready to return, beginning with Tuesday night’s game in New Orleans. Sacramento’s next game will be at home on Friday, so it’s possible Joerger will be good to go for that contest.
- Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee answered several reader questions pertaining to possible trades and the Kings‘ future.
- While his name has been embroiled in trade speculation, Kings guard George Hill is intent on being a good teammate in Sacramento for as long as he’s in Sacramento, Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today writes. “Right now, I’m with the Sacramento Kings, and I’m trying to help these young fellas learn,” Hill said. “It’s about the relationships I’ve got with the players. We’ve got a bond, and it’s my job to teach those guys what I’ve been successful with.“