NBA Trade Deadline: The Latest Rumors
The NBA trade deadline is now less than 48 hours away and the rumors have kicked into full gear. Teams are trying to prepare for this upcoming offseason and with that being said, some big name players are being targeted by multiple teams. Below are a few of the hottest names on the trade block who could be on the move before Thursday.
The Kings, Raptors and Knicks are the top three teams interested in Rondo’s services. Danny Ainge reportedly turned down the Kings offer of Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore and a draft pick for Rondo because of Rondo’s lack of interest in signing an extension with the franchise. Though it is considered a pipe dream due to a lack of attractive assets, the Knicks are attempting to land another star to keep Carmelo Anthony in New York this summer. The belief around the league is that Ainge is overvaluing Rondo and because of that, it’s hard to see him leaving Boston before Thursday’s deadline.
No surprises here. With Kobe Bryant at All-Star Weekend sounding like a return this season is unlikely and all of the injuries the team currently has, it makes sense for the Lakers to trade Gasol and get something in return for him. They’re not making the playoffs this year and the team has yet to talk an extension with Gasol. The Phoenix Suns could be the best landing spot for him, as the Lakers could get an expiring contract back in Emeka Okafor and maybe one of the four first-round picks the Suns might have. Lastly, Kevin Love trade?” href=”http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/24447626/sources-lakers-mavs-maneuvering-for-kevin-love” target=”_blank”>the Lakers are trying to prepare a trade package to entice the Minnesota Timberwolves to trade Kevin Love, a move that would pair Gasol with fellow Spaniard Ricky Rubio.
The Philadelphia 76ers are near the bottom of the league and are discussing trade scenarios involving Turner, their leading scorer. The San Antonio Spurs and Charlotte Bobcats have been linked to him, with the Bobcats internalizing the thought of giving the 76ers a first-round draft pick for him. At just 25, Turner would fit in well with the Bobcats, who have built a young team around Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker that is in the playoff hunt.
Lowry is having a career year in Toronto, who was expected to clean house and “tank” for the hometown product, Andrew Wiggins. Instead, they sit atop the Atlantic Division. The Knicks, again, would like to obtain a player who is good enough to sway Carmelo Anthony to sign an extension. In order for them to get Lowry, it’s likely they will have to include rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. in any such deal. The Raptors are enjoying one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, so new GM Masai Ujiri may be inclined to keep Lowry past the deadline.