NBA Insider Notebook: Trade Buzz Around Trail Blazers, John Collins, Celtics, More

Chris HaynesJan 24, 2023

The struggling Portland Trail Blazers are intensely engrossed in improving the roster with the trade deadline approaching, and they are said to be listening to all overtures, league sources tell Bleacher Report.

The organization remains committed to being opportunistic and creative in trying to surround franchise star Damian Lillard with a roster capable of competing with the best.

There are no plans to tank this season, sources say.

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With a revamped cast entering the 2022-23 season, the Trail Blazers had high hopes of making a deep postseason run. Portland (22-25) has lost 13 of its last 19 games, tumbling to 13th in the Western Conference standings.

Shooting, size and depth are areas of need. Portland is dead last in points off the bench (24.0 points).

The trade deadline is Feb. 9.

John Collins Calls Keep Coming In

BIRMINGHAM, AL - OCTOBER 14: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 14, 2022 at Legacy Arena Center in Birmingham, Alabama. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images

The New Orleans Pelicans reached out to the Atlanta Hawks regarding forward John Collins, but talks were merely preliminary, according to league sources.

Atlanta is fielding offers for Collins but is comfortable keeping him on the roster past the trade deadline if the right move does not materialize.

C's Thinking Big

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on January 19, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Boston Celtics are in the market for a big, league sources tell Bleacher Report.

The defending Eastern Conference champs are seeking to add injury insurance behind Robert Williams III and Al Horford, two players they have to carefully manage during the regular season.

If the Celtics don't acquire a big before the trade deadline, they'll turn their attention to the buyout market.

Fred VanVleet's Future

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors celebrates his three point shot during the second half at Madison Square Garden on January 16, 2023 in New York City. The Toronto Raptors defeated the New York Knicks 123-121 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Elsa/Getty Images

Toronto Raptors star guard Fred VanVleet has parted ways with his agents, Par-Lay Sports & Entertainment, ahead of free agency, according to league sources.

VanVleet holds a $22.8 million player option for next season, but he is expected to decline the option and test free agency in the offseason.

The 28-year-old will choose his next agent in the near future.