On January 4, Beijing time, as the trade deadline approached and some players' trade restrictions were lifted one after another, there were more and more rumors in the NBA market. What's new in the past night? Woj and other reporters brought an update—
Murray lifted the trading restriction after 6 days
"I think the Hawks are absolutely open to a trade, and general manager Landry Fields seems to have made up his mind to change the roster," Woj said on the show. "Among the players most likely to be sent away by the Eagles is their starting guard Dejounte Murray. Murray and Trae Young don't work well together, and the current interest in Murray includes teams such as the Lakers and Knicks. Payroll expert Bobby Marks said that Dejounte Murray will lift the trading restrictions on January 10, Beijing time, which means he can be traded in as soon as six days. So far this season, Murray has averaged 20.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, shooting 46.1% from the field and 38.3% from three-point range.
The Lakers are desperate to chase Hayward
Anonymous executives say the Lakers won't sacrifice a first-round pick for Hayward, but he can help without mortgaging his future. This is an operation if the Lakers fall into desperation. Hayward can play multiple positions, averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game so far this season.
Walkers explore the Siakam Trade
The Pacers have been eager to upgrade to the No. 4 spot, and Siakam is one of their main targets. "The Pacers will continue to be one of the teams to explore whether they can get Siakam," Woj said on the show. It was previously reported that multiple teams were interested in the Raptors star, including the Mavericks, Hawks, Kings, Grizzlies and Pistons in addition to the Pacers. So far this season, Siakam has averaged 22.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game, shooting 51.8% from the field, but only 28.5% from three-point range.
The Heat want Mitchell, but the Cavaliers aren't interested in trading
According to USA Today's Jeff Zillgitt, the Heat are looking to acquire a two-way guard and have long been eyeing Cavaliers star Mitchell. Another team interested in Mitchell is the Knicks, but after getting Anunoby, the Knicks' interest in Mitchell dropped quite a bit.
Cavaliers reporter Terry Pluto reports that there are absolutely reliable sources who say the Cavaliers have "zero interest" in trading Mitchell. So far this season, Mitchell has averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game, shooting 45.7% from the field and 34.7% from three-point range.
The Nets will still build around Bridges
"I believe the Nets' goal is still to build around Mikal Bridges and add the right helpers around him," Woj said. Bridges' salary this season is $21.7 million, and after this season, he has two years left on his contract, $23.3 million in 2024-25 and $24.9 million in 2025-26.
So far this season, Bridges has averaged 20.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 45.6% from the field and 36% from three-point range.
Rivers Jr. and Wall are expected to return to the NBA
According to Keith Smith, Rivers Jr. and Wall have had good tryouts recently, which has attracted interest from some teams. The two had an open tryout in Orlando, with representatives from 10-15 NBA teams attending. According to the report, many people feel that Rivers Jr. is still in good physical condition after leaving the league. Wall's speed has surprised some, with some believing he is fit enough to return to the NBA.
Rivers Jr. played for the Timberwolves last season, averaging 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Wall played for the Clippers last season, averaging 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game.