On January 27, Beijing time, it is nearly a day before the trading deadline, what are the transaction-related developments in the NBA in the past night? The Lakers refused to post the first round to send Westbrook away, and Wall gained the interest of many teams, but only if he became a free agent. Simmons' yet another deal was rejected, only this time it was the Eagles who were reluctant. Let's take a look at the specific situation -
The Lakers refused to post the first round to send Wei Shao away
According to Mark Stein, the Lakers are reluctant to put the 2027 first-round pick in a potential Westbrook-for-Wall deal. The Rockets had intended to use Wall to exchange Wei Shao, provided that the Lakers wanted to give the return of the draft pick, the Lakers did not believe that Wall could upgrade the lineup by replacing Wei Shao, and they were not willing to sell him so quickly after exchanging a large amount of assets from the Wizards for Wei Shao.
Stein wrote: "Remember! It was the positive push of James and Davis that led the Lakers management to abandon Pelinka's plan to trade Hield and instead devote himself to the work of getting Westbrook. The Lakers paid a heavy price in the Westbrook deal, Kuzma, Harrell, Pop and the No. 22 pick. As a result, the Lakers still hope westbrook will succeed in the second half of the season, just as he did when he played for the Wizards a year ago.
Clippers Heat interested in Wall training for 23-pointers in a three-point streak!
Also from Stein's report, sources revealed that if Wall becomes a free agent, multiple teams, including The Pain and Heat, are interested in him.
Wall has two years left on his contract, $44.31 million this season, and next season is a player option worth $47.36 million. According to previous agreements with the Rockets, Wall has not yet played this season. Becoming a free agent means Wall is going to accept a buyout, he's not willing to lose any money, and there's no progress in buyout negotiations.
Wall's latest training video revealed that he had hit 23 consecutive three-pointers in training. Last season, Wall's three-point shooting percentage was 31.7 percent.
Simmons' 2-for-3 plan was rejected
According to HopsHype reporter Michael Scotto, the 76ers and the Hawks briefly discussed a plan for Simmons, in which the 76ers sent Simmons and Harris and got the Hawks' Collins, Bogdanovic and Gallinari. Ultimately, the Hawks rejected the deal because they didn't want to get Harris and weren't sure they could give it to a third party.
So far this season, Simmons has not played for the 76ers, and Harris is averaging 18.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. For the Hawks, Collins averaged 17 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2 assists per game, Bogdanovic averaged 12 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, and Gallinari averaged 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.
The Nets want to trade Millsap for a veteran or a second-round pick
Michael Scotto said the Nets want to trade Millsap back for some assets, such as a veteran who can help the team or a future second-round pick. The Nets may also use Bruce Brown and Jerwan Carter as chips, whose chances at the Nets are becoming less and less. The Nets have received calls about Joe Harris and Clarkston.
Multiple teams are interested in trading Covington
Also from Michael Scotto, the Blazers' Covington has been a trade target for multiple teams, with the Jazz, Timberwolves and Cavaliers all wanting him. The Trailblazers also considered sending him away to avoid a luxury tax.
The Jazz and Cavaliers want to improve their strengths, and Covington has previously played for the Timberwolves, who are interested in reuniting with him. So far this season, Covington has averaged 7.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
The Pistons were interested in exchange for Brunson
Lone Ranger Brunson has performed well this season, averaging 15.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He wants a big contract of around 80 million for 4 years, and the Pistons are interested in getting him through a deal. Finney Smith is another player the Lone Ranger wants to send away. U.S. media reports say that if the Lone Rangers don't make adjustments to the lineup, they will have a hard time meeting Brunson's salary requirements.
Jazz was interested in Barnes
In addition to wanting to get Covington, Sam Amick reported that another target of interest for the Jazz was King Barnes. So far this season, Barnes has averaged 16.3 points and six rebounds per game and 40.6 percent from three-point range. The Kings reporter revealed that the team has put Barnes, Hield and Holmes on the shelves, and they still want to keep Halburton and Fox as the core of the team.
The Pacers put two more players on the shelves
Michael Scotto reported that one executive believes pacers won't send Sabonis away unless they get a reward similar to last year's Magic sent away Vucevic. The Bulls sent Wendel Carter Jr. and two future first-round picks to the Magic in the Vucevic trade.
Sources revealed that the Pacers also put Justin Holliday and Lamb on the shelves. According to an executive, the Pacers' asking price for Holliday is 2 second-round picks, and the asking price for Lamb is still being evaluated.