On January 27, as the trading deadline drew closer and closer, NBA media reporters broke the news of a number of trading trends. The Blazers have struggled to make the playoffs this season, and to avoid paying a luxury tax, Covington could be traded while multiple teams are interested in him. The Lakers are reluctant to trade for Wall for Westbrook and take the first round of 2027, so the deal is unlikely to succeed. The Cavaliers are committed to bringing in point guards, with Joe Harris and Eric Gordon both targeted.
Multiple teams are interested in bringing in Covington
In addition to the Jazz, the Timberwolves, Cavaliers and other teams are interested in getting Covington through trade. Covington previously played for the Timberwolves, while the Cavaliers are plagued by injuries and need to strengthen the front.
Covington, 31, has averaged 29.3 minutes per game this season, with 7.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals. The Blazers are sidelined because Lillard was seriously injured, and there is little hope of reaching the playoffs, and tax avoidance has become a wiser choice.
The Lakers were reluctant to make a first-round pick for Wall
Prominent NBA journalist Mark Stein wrote that current indications suggest Westbrook is likely to finish the season with the Lakers. Sources revealed that the Lakers are not willing to pay their own 2027 first-round picks for the Westbrook-for-Wall deal. The Lakers paid such a high price last summer from the Wizards back to Westbrook and didn't want to admit defeat in a short period of time and pay a high price again to send it away.
Mark Stein pointed out that if Wall becomes a free agent, multiple teams, including the Clippers and Heat, will be interested in him, but Wall has said that he will not accept any buyout agreement with losing money, and the Rockets are not willing to throw so much money in vain, this road is difficult to work.
Harden wanted to play with Embiid
Former NBA player and well-known commentator Kendrick Perkins revealed on a show: "Now someone has told me that people in Harden's camp have told Philadelphia that Harden wants to play with Embiid, this is not a lie, it is a real thing." ”
Perkins also mentioned that Harden's situation is simple, that is, frustrated with the status quo, dissatisfied and frustrated that Irving can only play away games at the moment, and Nash has not been able to determine the rotation lineup.
Pacers peddle Lamb + Justin Holliday
NBA reporter Michael Scott revealed that sources told that the Pacers had put Justin Holliday and Lamb on the shelves. According to a rival executive, the Pacers' asking price for Justin Holliday is 2 second-round picks, and the asking price for Lamb is still being evaluated.
Justin Holliday is averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season, shooting 37.1 percent from three-point range. Lamb averaged 7.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game and shot 32 percent from three-point range.
The Nets want to use Millsap to rotate players or second-round picks
NBA reporter Michael Scott revealed that he was told the Nets wanted to trade Millsap back for some assets, such as a veteran who could help the team or a future second-round pick. Previously, the Nets and Millsap had agreed that Millsap would no longer play for the Nets, and the Nets were committed to sending him to a team that could get more playing time.
The Nets may also use Bruce Brown and Jervan Carter as chips, whose chances are becoming less and less likely.
The Cavaliers focus on Joha and Eric Gordon
NBA reporter Michael Scott revealed that the Cavaliers have been keeping an eye on the point guard in the trading market, with Eric Gordon, Levert, Terrance Rose and Joe Harris all focusing on the Cavaliers.
Rubio and Sexton were both reimbursed for the season, and the Cavaliers needed to bring in guards to fill in the gaps.
The Hawks once offered Simmons for 3 people
NBA reporter Michael Scott revealed that league sources informed that the Hawks had discussed with Philadelphia about exchanging Ben Simmons and Harris with John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Gallinari, but negotiations reached an impasse because the Hawks were not interested in Harris and they had difficulty finding a third party to eat Harris.
Multiple teams want to bring in Finney Smith
NBA reporter Michael Scott revealed that several league executives believe that maverick players Finney Smith and Jaylen Brunson may leave the team before the trade deadline.
The Hawks, Trail Blazers, Pacers, Wizards, Pelicans and other teams are keeping a close eye on Finney Smith, and the Pistons are one of the teams that follow Jaylen Brunson. Both players will become free agents this summer.