Hi Hoop Head! Here's the latest in NBA trade rumors.
NBA Trade Rumors: Are the Spurs reuniting with a former star?
The San Antonio Spurs are struggling through what is shaping up to be their worst season in franchise history. That has led to speculation that they could look to be buyers at the trade deadline in hopes of improving their roster around number one pick Victor Wembanyama. In fact, according to the Athletic's Shams Charania, the Spurs have had talks with the Atlanta Hawks about reacquiring their former All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray.
"Dejounte Murray is trade eligible starting today...One team that has a level of exploratory interest I'm told, is his former team, the San Antonio Spurs."@ShamsCharania on Dejounte Murray's current situation.
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 9, 2024
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/clX8AebJXn
The Spurs traded Murray back in the summer of 2021 for three first-round picks and a pick swap. That deal allows the Spurs to bottom out, finish with the second-worst record in the NBA last season and be in a position to land the top pick in the 2023 NBA draft.
While Charania hasn't reported the Spurs making an offer, their interest in Murray is notable since he developed into a star in San Antonio but took several parting shots after being traded. Despite that, he and Coach Gregg Popovich still appear to be close, leaving the door open for a return.
That may be made more difficult considering the Hawks could demand more in return for Murray than they gave up to acquire him. San Antonio has plenty of assets to offer, though they also potentially have two lottery picks in this year's draft, allowing them to draft their point guard of the future rather than give up a haul to reacquire Murray.
However, if the Spurs and Hawks can agree to a deal, Murray could give the Spurs an immediate boost and help get their best player, Wembanyama, the ball, helping him achieve his full potential.
NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas targeting the two best-available power forwards.
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly targeting a power forward to pair with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. At the top of their trade list is Toronto Raptors four Pascal Siakam and Portland Trail Blazers power forward Jeremi Grant.
The Mavericks have recently checked in on Pascal Siakam and Jerami Grant leading up to the trade deadline, per @ShamsCharania.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 9, 2024
Dallas currently views the price tags for both as “a little too steep,” but they plan to remain aggressive seeking frontcourt upgrades. pic.twitter.com/BtHLDsejjv
Siakam is an all-NBA-caliber player who would give the Mavericks a legit third star, while Grant is a high-level role player who is having a terrific season for the Blazers, averaging more than 22 points a game while shooting better than 41% from the three.
Either would be a terrific option for the Mavericks, though they may have trouble acquiring either if there is a bidding war for Grant or Siakam. After all, the Mavericks gave up a lot of their assets in the deal to acquire Irving, though they still have some, which could be enough to land an impact player ahead of the trade deadline.
One potential trade package for Grant or Siakam could be Josh Green, Richaun Holmes, Tim Hardaway Jr., and an unprotected 2026 first-round. However, it remains to be seen whether that would be enough for Dallas to land either.
NBA Trade Rumors: Are the Lakers standing pat at the trade deadline?
Although the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to make a big trade ahead of the deadline, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports that they may instead make a smaller deal or possibly even stand pat rather than break apart their team.
“The Lakers don’t want to have to make a big move, they prefer to retain their depth and the one last first-rounder they’re allowed to trade...They believe in the formula they have, which is a cadre of long defenders supporting future Hall of Famers.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 9, 2024
- Brian Windhorst
(Via… pic.twitter.com/EhblypR410
If that is indeed their strategy ahead of the February deadline, it is certainly a risky one. After all, the team is just 2-9 in their last 11 games and is currently 10th in the West.
They did manage to catch a break with the season-ending injury to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, which should make it a bit easier for them to make the play-in tournament but they are just one game ahead of the Utah Jazz. Even if they make the play-in tournament, that is no guarantee that they will be able to replicate their success from last year and return to the Western Conference Finals.
In fact, they have just a 22% chance of making the playoffs according to Basketball Reference, so standing pat shouldn't be an option. Especially if this could be LeBron's final season in LA. or the league. Then there are rumors of coach Darvin Ham being on the hot seat and several players unhappy with their roles according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, all of which could make for an interesting storyline to follow ahead of the trade deadline.