Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is still the epicenter of this year's NBA trade rumors.
Getty
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is still the epicenter of this year's NBA trade rumors.
When the news first came down that star Bucks forward Giannis Antetkounmpo would be out for four-to-six weeks with a calf strain, pushing his return date in an already injury-riddled season until well after the February 5 deadline, the initial consensus appeared to be that this was a true blow to NBA trade rumors. After all, Antetokounmpo had already missed a third of the Bucks’ games, playing in just 30 of 44 outings this year.
But an Eastern Conference GM pointed out that there was no reason for fans of the trade deadline to worry.
“He’s had calf issues for a long time,” the GM said. “It is not something that would scare anyone off. If anything, it maybe makes the Bucks see the writing on the wall and take the idea of trading him now more seriously. It still probably waits until the summer, but if the right deal is there and a team is desperate enough–think of the Knicks, the Warriors, the Heat–the Bucks probably know nothing is going to change and pull the trigger now.
The GM added that Giannis is almost certain to be part of a major trade if it happens, a three, four or five-team monstrosity (another reason why the offseason might be the time), so if you’ve been wearing out the trade machines out there, have no fear. You can keep it going.
NBA Trade Rumor Warning on Miles Bridges
There continues to be buzz on the NBA trade rumor mill about Miles Bridges of the Hornets, and certainly, he is a potentially useful piece that could be had at a reasonable price. But there’s also continued pushback about whether teams would want his baggage.
Bridges has a manageable contract, at $25 million this season and $22.8 million for next. But he also has the four-year-old charges that were brought against him for domestic violence, charges that yielded a 30-game suspension even though the legal case was later dropped.
A trade that sends Bridges to the Lakers or Warriors or Bucks–teams that have been linked to him–could force the charges to become an issue again.
“You can decide if you want him as a player, but there are places where it is just not going to be pretty if you trade him there,” the executive said. “He is still too toxic for a lot of places. Your owner is probably going to need to be convinced there won’t be backlash and that he has fully apologized, all of that. You’ve got to be ready for a lot of negative PR, and that is a factor in anyone making a trade for him.”
The executive pointed out that the Dodgers, who were owned in part by new Lakers owner Mark Walter, did not bring back pitcher Trevor Bauer after domestic violence accusations, even after those charges were dropped. Bridges to the Lakers, then, could be a tough sell.
Miles Bridges
GettyMiles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets has been linked to trade rumors ahead of the deadline.
Mavericks a Seller in NBA Trade Rumors
In the West, the Mavericks are increasingly a team to watch as a seller in NBA trade rumors–though not on Anthony Davis. There have been talks about Davis, even with his hand injury, but the Mavs are increasingly open to keeping him in place and either trading him in the offseason, after he shows he is healthy, or bringing him back for next season.
But Dallas is hoping to move a bevy of other older players–D’Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, Daniel Gafford–with two goals in mind. First, they want to give their young players opportunities to develop alongside Cooper Flagg, and second, they want to sink in the standings to maximize this year’s draft pick.
Pistons Holding Back at Deadline?
In the East, the Pistons are 33-11 and winners of eight of their last 10 games.
They remain very much in control of the Eastern Conference. But they are also very open to upgrading, as long as it does not eat too much into future cap flexibility. Jaren Jackson Jr. would be an interesting fit, but whether he’s actually on the market or just rumored to be there because other execs want him to be is a valid question.
Michael Porter Jr. (with only next year left on his contract) remains the ideal target for the Pistons, and while the Nets are indicating they might hold onto him, the Pistons have the best assets on hand should Brooklyn relent.
The problem is, the Pistons are very aware that they will need to hand out new contracts to young players (Jalen Duren) and are thus reluctant to take on commitments like Jackson and Porter would require.