NBA Trade Rumors: Pre-Deadline Buzz on Reggie Jackson, Goran Dragic and More
It's put-up-or-shut-up time for those in NBA front offices, as they have until 3 p.m. ET on Thursday to orchestrate some of the many deals coming down to the wire.
And it's safe to say that more than a few find themselves in precarious situations entering Thursday. Whether it be a player forcing his way out through the media with a public request or a team simply looking for reinforcements for the near future, the pressure is on regarding many of the league's more notable names.
While some of the players have had their own personal say in the matter, it all comes down to the teams now to figure out what they can do to either improve their rosters or minimize the damage.
Here's a final look at what's rolling through the rumor mill about three notable guards as the deadline approaches.
Reggie Jackson
A brewing tension between Reggie Jackson and the Oklahoma City Thunder will either end in a Thursday trade or continue well into the 2014-15 season.
The guard's agent reportedly asked the Thunder to trade Jackson before the deadline, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 24-year-old was arguably OKC's most important player through the first 15 games, starring in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's absence. But he's failed to keep his strong play going, struggling to a .432 shooting clip that ranks as the second-worst in his young career.
Although Wojnarowski reported Jackson has made it known he will be resistant to playing for the Thunder past this season, OKC still controls his fate and can match any offer in free agency, as Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix noted:
Jackson had to speak with reporters following Wednesday's shootaround, gearing up for a Thursday game against Dallas that he may not even be a part of.
He's keeping things in perspective and looking forward, as per The Oklahoman's Anthony Slater:
It's hard to tell just where the long-term trajectory of Jackson's career will take him, but it's increasingly clear that he feels above what the Thunder are putting on him. His minutes have decreased substantially, and the trade for Dion Waiters all but pushed Jackson to the brink of a rotation spot.
A change of scenery might be best for Jackson, and the Thunder might be better off at this point to cut their losses and try to get some return for the promising young guard.
Goran Dragic
Like Jackson, Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic has had his fill of his current surroundings and is looking for greener pastures.
The Suns have been looking and "exploring all options" to try to trade Dragic before the deadline, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com. This came on the heels of Dragic pretty much calling out the Suns' front office, as NBA on ESPN showed:
Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic added some context to Dragic's thoughts:
With the onus now on the Suns to make a move for a player who everybody knows is months away from unrestricted free agency anyway, they're exploring options outside the box. Although Dragic presented them with a list of preferred teams, Phoenix is exploring other options, as Wojnarowski reported:
"For Dragic, the Suns are pursuing packages that include a young player with significant potential and a first-round draft pick or two first-round picks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
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The Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings had been initially aggressive in talks to obtain Dragic, who will be a free agent in July. McDonough, the Suns' general manager, seems determined to find a team willing to gamble on the ability to offer Dragic the most years and guaranteed money in July free agency, league sources said.
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You can't blame the Suns for trying to make the most of Dragic's value. After all, he entered this season on the heels of a 2013-14 nearly worthy of an All-Star selection, and they would like to get some return out of him despite nudging him out the door with the signing of Isaiah Thomas.
What's uncertain, though, is just how much a team will be willing to give up when it doesn't have a long-term deal with Dragic to go along with it.
While it's unfair to question his loyalty after this situation, any free agent weighs his options intelligently when the time comes.
The Denver Nuggets seemed to have every option on the table as sellers entering the trade deadline, but that never really seemed to include Ty Lawson—until now.
With the deadline fast approaching, the point guard is apparently on the chopping block, according to ESPN the Magazine's Chris Broussard, who added some insight on the team's desperation and the struggles between Lawson and head coach Brian Shaw:
"Sources say the club's desperation is illustrated by its willingness to move Lawson, its leader in scoring (16.9 points per game), assists (10.1) and steals (1.3).
Despite Lawson's production, he and Shaw have had trouble getting on the same page, and sources say Shaw would prefer to trade him for Hill because Hill can play at both a fast and slow tempo and is a strong defender. While an assistant coach in Indiana from 2011 to '13, Shaw mentored Hill and grew close to him.
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If you weren't convinced before that the Nuggets were serious about their efforts to start from scratch, this has to be the kicker.
For years, Denver's entire offense has been predicated around the all-around play of Lawson—his vision, driving and shooting combination, and his ability to dish it out. So many pieces have come and gone, but the point guard has remained in tow and effective despite all the movement.
However, sputtering to a 20-33 record through the All-Star break has the Nuggets thinking outside the box, and there's no less conventional way to go about it than trading your best player.
It remains to be seen whether the market will heat up for Lawson in the final hours, but the 27-year-old has put together quite the resume. Whether it's a contending squad targeting one final piece or a rebuilding team looking for a point guard, Lawson should find plenty of suitors.
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