4 groups have emerged as “essentially the most critical suitors” for Giannis Antetokounmpo, whereas a second Australian has had their NBA life uprooted in as many days because the league’s commerce deadline edges ever nearer.
Keep updated with each commerce deal because it occurs forward of the February 6 cut-off.
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FEBRUARY 3 — ‘ADVANCED DISCUSSIONS’ OVER TRADE TO SEND HARDEN TO SIXTH TEAM
James Harden’s stint on the Los Angeles Clippers could possibly be coming to an finish, with each events exploring a possible commerce forward of the deadline.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on X that each the Clippers and Harden — an 11-time All-Star — had been “working by way of whether or not the perimeters can discover a deal by Thursday’s NBA commerce deadline”.
“Each side are aligned in conversations collectively and with groups,” Charania wrote on X.
Senior Sports activities Illustrated author Chris Mannix reported the Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers “have had superior discussions” over a deal involving Harden, which might see him be a part of Cleveland in alternate for fellow All-Star guard Darius Garland — a possible straight swap.
Harden, 36, has averaged 25.4 factors and 35.4 minutes per sport this season for the Clippers. Nevertheless he didn’t line up for the Clippers of their most up-to-date conflict resulting from private causes, in response to coach Tyronn Lue.
If Harden joined the Cavaliers, they’d be the famous person’s sixth NBA staff after stints with the Thunder, Rockets, Nets, 76ers and Clippers.
FEBRUARY 3 – INSIDE WARRIORS’ PUSH FOR GIANNIS
The Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing off an epic draft haul from the Golden State Warriors for Giannis Antetokounmpo, however the Warriors are reportedly open to parting methods with a four-time NBA champion to make a commerce occur.
Steve Kerr’s staff at the moment maintain first rounds picks from 2026 to 2032 in addition to a second spherical decide in 2031, and all these choices in addition to a number of gamers could possibly be on their option to Milwaukee to safe ‘The Greek Freak’.
It’s an concept that has piqued the curiosity of the Bucks’ hierarchy.
“So far, the Bucks haven’t declined the Warriors’ provide, sources stated. Horst and Milwaukee’s entrance workplace had been fascinated with the thought of buying all of Golden State’s future belongings, however they’re additionally taking their time with coming to a call, which isn’t anticipated to occur till someday throughout the 24-hour mark till the commerce deadline,” ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel stated.
Buying and selling gamers shouldn’t be off the desk both.
It has been believed that almost everybody however Stephen Curry could possibly be utilized in a deal for Antetokounmpo.
Jimmy Butler has been stated to be the more than likely to depart the Bay Space, however the Warriors have additionally floated the prospect of Draymond Inexperienced being shipped off to a contender to bolster their providing to the Bucks.
“Look, with out Jimmy, the Warriors aren’t attending to the NBA Finals, even when they added Giannis proper now,” an unnamed NBA government instructed ClutchPoints.
“If you happen to leverage Draymond and get extra belongings, you’ll be able to pull off the most important blockbuster and depart these different groups wanting Giannis scrambling for solutions. There isn’t a doubt in my thoughts there are those that would instantly provide a first-round decide for Draymond to make a title push proper now.
“I 100% imagine there are groups who would primarily assist the Warriors get Giannis if it meant they acquired Inexperienced for the following three or 4 months to pursue a title.”
The Warriors might face stiff competitors from the Miami Warmth for Antetokounmpo’s signature, nevertheless.
NBA analyst and author Jake Weinback took to social media to report that the Hear are keen to supply a five-player, 4 future first-round decide bundle that features 2025 All-Star Tyler Herro and swapping rights for this 12 months’s first spherical draft decide.
FEBRUARY 3 – FORMER ALL-STARS MAY BE ON THE MOVE
A number of large names might both be shopped round by their groups, or are wanting to go elsewhere earlier than the commerce deadline, in response to ESPN reporters Shams Charania.
The Memphis Grizzlies are fielding gives for Ja Morant.
The 26-year-old two-time All-Star has taken to the courtroom solely 20 occasions this season and is at the moment sidelined with a calf damage.
5-time NBA champion Derek Fisher stated that given Morant’s points away from the basketball courtroom, beginning afresh elsewhere could be the perfect factor for his profession – if one other staff is keen to take the punt.
“Typically change is required or required and it won’t be a foul factor,” Fisher instructed TMZ. “Typically you want a change of surroundings and new challenges put forth.
“Skilled sports activities groups all the time do their homework and due diligence,” he added. “The place is he now? There’s private character and there’s basketball character. In most organisations, it’s important to test each packing containers to be a man they need.”
Elsewhere, Charania reported that the Dallas Mavericks’ “telephone traces are broad open” for any groups inquisitive about buying Anthony Davis.
The Toronto Raptors stay inquisitive about Sacramento Kings large man DomantasSabonis, whereas the Brooklyn Nets are eager to hold on to Michael Porter Jr. as they see the breakout star as a key cog of their future plans.
FEBRUARY 2 — FOUR ‘MOST SERIOUS SUITORS’ FOR GIANNIS EMERGE
The Milwaukee Bucks have “remained engaged” with groups which have curiosity in famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo – and even put ahead counter-offers to “aggressive” commerce proposals – in response to ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
Antetokounmpo reportedly desires a commerce out of Milwaukee as quickly because the NBA commerce deadline on February 6 (AEDT) after being a part of all kinds of commerce buzz this season.
ESPN final week reported Antetokounmpo had made it clear “for months” that he believes the time is true to half methods with the franchise that drafted him.
Giannis Desires OUT! Bucks commerce talks | 01:24
A number of rival groups reportedly made aggressive gives to the Bucks for the previous two-time NBA MVP, and are sensing that Milwaukee is “extra open than ever” able to deal Antetokounmpo between now and the NBA commerce deadline.
Talking on ESPN, Charania indicated 4 rival groups had been “essentially the most critical suitors” for Antetokounmpo at this stage.
“Over the weekend, the Bucks remained engaged with NBA groups which have curiosity, which have given aggressive proposals,” Charania stated. “My understanding is that they’ve submitted counteroffers to these aggressive proposals as nicely
“The Warmth, Timberwolves, Gold State Warriors, New York Knicks – these have been essentially the most critical suitors within the combine to date for Giannis.”
Charania stated time was off the essence for all events because the commerce deadline approaches.
“All of it comes down to cost level for him. A younger participant or a surplus of draft picks. So who meets that mark between now and … the NBA commerce deadline,” he stated.
“And the Bucks should handle the chance or reward, whether or not you do a deal now otherwise you anticipate low season when Giannis solely has one 12 months left. That provides him much more to determine and dictate his future within the low season.”
Celtics cruise to victory over Bucks | 01:07
FEBRUARY 2 — SECOND AUSSIE VICTIM AS HAWKS DEAL AGAIN
Duop Reath has change into the second Aussie in as many days to have their NBA life uprooted, with the massive man traded from the Portland Path Blazers to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday morning.
Reath, who brings floor-spacing capability as a capturing large, hyperlinks up with Boomers teammate Dyson Daniels within the Peachtree State.
Nevertheless, dominated out for the rest of the season to endure foot surgical procedure, Reath is each probability of being waived by the Hawks, who may open up two roster spots and eye a bigger-picture commerce.
Within the deal, shooter Vit Krejci moved to the Blazers, with the Hawks buying Reath and two second-round picks, in response to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The 29-year-old, who’s of South-Sudanese descent however was raised in Western Australia, performed a career-low 8.1 minutes per sport this season in Portland, the place he’d spent his total NBA stint up to now.
Previous to his damage, he was caught behind most well-liked large males Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams within the Path Blazers’ rotation.
Reath averaged 9.1 factors in a mean 17.9 minutes performed within the 2023-24 season, with the 206-centimetre paint pressure — who’s prolonged his capturing sport past the three-point arc — hoping for extra enjoying time wherever he finally ends up.
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Portland at the moment sits ninth within the Western Convention standings at 23-26; proper within the thick of the play-in race.
Krejci, in the meantime, is averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per sport on 42.3 per cent capturing, which ranks contained in the NBA’s high 20, with the transfer being lauded as “sneaky-smart” by Portland.
It comes after Atlanta — which now has seven future second-rounders at its disposal — cemented its new course by buying and selling All-Star guard Trae Younger only a matter of weeks in the past, with the Hawks nonetheless teetering in play-in positioning.
FEBRUARY 1 — AUSSIE WAIVED AS PART OF THREE-TEAM SWAP
The primary large commerce within the days main as much as the February 6 deadline noticed the Cleveland Cavaliers ship ahead De’Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings in alternate for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, with the Chicago Bulls buying veteran Dario Saric and two future second-round picks as a part of the deal.
The sufferer within the deal was little-used Australian ahead Luke Travers, who was lower because the Cavaliers sought to make roster room for each incoming Kings guards.
The transfer reportedly freed up round $50 million in wage and luxurious tax area for the Cavs, whereas additionally permitting them to get below the second apron subsequent season.
Ellis, an impending free agent, was being monitored across the Affiliation forward of the deadline as an reasonably priced 3-and-D guard with excessive upside for a contending roster.
In the meantime, Hunter may nonetheless be moved by the Kings, who, sitting in final place within the Western Convention, look to explode their much-maligned roster that features declining veterans DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
However no matter if he stays in Sacramento previous the deadline, the franchise’s followers will hardly be happy with proprietor and chairman Vivek Ranadivé’s newest dealings.
Hunter, who can shoot and play good defence, is a stable sufficient piece for Sacramento, however he’s not a needle-mover by any means.
The intriguing Schroeder component is that he’s now been traded a staggering eight occasions in his profession, having prior to now rejected an $84m ($120m AUD) extension from the Los Angeles Lakers.