The 2020 NBA trade deadline is approaching. As the Milwaukee Bucks have surged to a big lead in the Eastern Conference and the Los Angeles Lakers lead a pack of strong contenders from the West, teams around the league are weighing their chance to make one more big move before the playoffs begin.
Every NBA player in trade rumors heading into the deadline
These are the names that could be dealt by the trade deadline.
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This year’s deadline isn’t expected to feature a lot of top-tier movement, as most teams made their power moves during the summer, most disgruntled stars found their way out, and cap space is at an all-time low in importance due to a lackluster crop of upcoming free agents this summer. But there are still quality players on the trade block, and teams just outside the reach of Finals contention are looking to snag them
Here are the names that’ve been thrown into the rumor mill.
The biggest names
D’Angelo Russell has been traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman for Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 top-3 protected first-round pick and a 2021 second-round pick, per Woj. The Wolves finally have Russell to pair for Karl-Anthony Towns.
Possible destinations: ???
In January, Love had a heated moment that went viral after he was frustrated with a play call and demanded the ball from teammate Collin Sexton. He’d reportedly also had it out with Cavs general manager Koby Altman.
But now, all has gone quiet on the Love trade end, as few teams have the contracts to match Love’s lofty $29 million owed this year. Teams are also hesitant to acquire a 31-year-old with a history of injuries and $90 million left on his deal after this season.
“Cleveland is resigned right now that there is no trade for them between now and Thursday. Unless something comes out of nowhere, essentially, they will be looking in the offseason,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on The Woj Pod.
The Hawks got their center. Capela is going to Atlanta as part of the four-team, 12-player trade between the Rockets, Hawks, Nuggets, and Wolves. Read more analysis here.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a trade for Andre Drummond, per Woj. Per Haynes, the deal will send Brandon Knight, John Henson and a future second-round pick to Detroit.
Possible destinations: ???
According to Woj, Atlanta’ discussed a deal with OKC centered on Adams. But the team has since traded for Clint Capela. It’s unclear if the Thunder would be willing to move him at all given the team’s unexpected success.
Holiday wants to stay in New Orleans, as the team is riding a hot streak including the return of No. 1 pick Zion Williamson.
Holiday’s desire to remain in New Orleans — coupled with Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin repeatedly vowing publicly that they do not intend to move their veterans unless there is a shift in player mindset — would seem to signal that Holiday will stay put.
Role-players
Covington is going to the Rockets as part of the four-team, 12-player trade that hit the NBA early Wednesday morning. Read more analysis of the trade here.
Possible destinations: ???
Per Yahoo’s Chris Haynes, the Cavaliers have put Tristan Thompson on the trade market, though no immediate suitor is known.
Update 2/6: Per Haynes, the Rockets tried to land Thompson but were unable to make a trade work. He’s an option in the buyout market for Houston.
Possible destinations: Suns
The Suns and Pistons are discussing a trade that would send the 23-year-old shooting guard to Phoenix in exchange for a first round pick, Jevon Carter, and Ellie Okobo, according to Woj.
Update 2/5: Kennard to the Suns discussions have “reached an impasse,” per Woj.
Possible destinations: Heat
Miami expressed interested in Gallinari, per Zach Lowe. The Heat were working on landing him in a three-team deal, but talks have stalled.
Update 2/6: Gallinari to the Heat talks have stalled, per Woj.
A Marcus Morris trade to the Los Angeles Clippers for Moe Harkless and other assets is being finalized, per Shams.
Burks and Robinson III have been traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, per Woj. The Warriors received three second-round picks (2020 via Dallas, 2021 via Denver and 2022 via Toronto)
Possible destinations: Lakers and Sixers
The Lakers, Sixers and “multiple teams with championship aspirations” expressed interest in trading for Rose, according to Yahoo’s Chris Haynes.
Possible destinations: ???
Per NBC: “The Spurs are working with DeMarre Carroll’s agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports & Entertainment to find a new home for the forward, who signed a three-year, $20 million deal last offseason.”
Iggy, along with Jae Crowder and Solomon Hill, are going to the Miami Heat as part of a package that will send Justise Winslow, James Johnson and Dion Waiters to Memphis.
Possible destinations: ???
Per Shams, the Knicks had “had exploratory conversations” on Kuzma, but as of Thursday afternoon, the Lakers pulled away from those trade talks.
Kelly Oubre
Possible destinations: ???
Per Stein, the Suns are fielding offers for Oubre.
Dennis Schroder
Possible destinations: Lakers
Per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers asked OKC about Schroder, but the conversation didn’t go far.
Alex Caruso
Possible destinations: ???
Per Yahoo’s Chris Haynes, multiple teams have inquired about Caruso.
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