NBA Trade Rumors: Warriors linked to 76ers and Suns stars, Lakers eyeing Raptors big

Here are the latest NBA trade rumors, including the Warriors eyeing a Sixers and Suns star
Orlando Magic v Golden State Warriors
Orlando Magic v Golden State Warriors | Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

Hello, Hoops Heads! Here are the latest NBA trade rumors.

NBA Trade Rumors: The Golden State Warriors are targeting a Sixers star.

With teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs both having gotten significantly better ahead of the trade deadline, pressure is on the Golden State Warriors to improve. The Warriors have seemingly been desperate to add another star.

With stars such as De'Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine off the market, the Warriors are running out of options with Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat and Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans being the most obvious star trade targets remaining.

Butler appears unwilling to sign an extension with the Warriors, meaning that if Golden State were to trade for him, then he'd be a rental. With so few options, the Warriors are reportedly interested in Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George as well as a reunion with Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

The Warriors nearly traded for George last summer before he signed with the Sixers, and while he's had a down season, he may help Golden State. The Sixers may also be inclined to trade him given that he hasn't been as good as they've expected and they are in the midst of a disappointing season.

Meanwhile, the Suns, who are also in the Butler sweepstakes, appear stuck with star Bradley Beal, unwilling to waive his no-trade clause. That ensures that they won't be able to acquire Butler. If that continues to be the case, they could potentially relent and trade Durant to the highest bidder ahead of the deadline.

Getting positive value for George would be a win for the 76ers, with them possibly having buyer's remorse for giving him a monster contract to lure him away from the L.A. Clippers. The Suns may be in a similar boat with them, devoid of assets and in need of a reset. However, with the Warriors being desperate, they may be willing to gamble that George will play better alongside Steph Curry or that Durant has enough left in the tank.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers targeting a Raptor center to replace Anthony Davis.

The NBA world is still recovering from the shocking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers landing Doncic is a huge get, but it does present them with a major problem.

Without Davis, Los Angeles is in desperate need of a starting center, with Jaxson Hayes projected to replace him in the starting five. Fortunately, they didn't have to give up both of their remaining first-round picks to the Mavericks, and they still have their 2031 first that they could offer another team in exchange for a starting center.

One option appears to be Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl. The Raptors are reportedly open to trading him for a first-round pick, according to Michael Grange, and if that's true, then he'd be a nice get for the Lakers. Poeltl is a terrific rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, and is an impressive rim protector.

At 7'1 in shoes, he's among the biggest players in the NBA and has shown that he can be more than a rebounder and shot blocker. He has a great touch on floaters, allowing him to finish outside of five feet, and is a solid passer, giving teams he's on another playmaker.

He'd also work well with LeBron and Doncic, considering that he is a physical screen setter, making it easier for ball handlers to score. With the Lakers down a starting center after trading Davis, they need a replacement, and Poeltl would be a nice addition.