NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins and More
With the well of free agents drying up as we reach the end of July, NBA teams are now looking at other ways to improve their rosters before the start of the season.
Teams now have a better understanding of what their lineups will look like going forward, which reveals excess in some spots and holes in others. This often leads to an active trade market as teams try to solve the problems the draft and free agency didn't fix.
Although this time of year often features minor deals that barely make headlines, the rumor mill includes a number of high-profile stars who could potentially be involved in blockbuster deals. Here is the latest on some noteworthy players being discussed around the league.
Greg Monroe, C, Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Greg Monroe to a three-year deal last summer, but even though he put up numbers similar to his career totals in 2015-16, the team is looking to move on.
Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times reported the big man is on the trading block:
"Monroe’s brief tenure with the Bucks is seemingly about to end. Just like they did prior to the February trading deadline, the Bucks have let it be known in NBA circles that they’re willing to unload Monroe at the right price. "Everybody knows he’s available," an NBA executive told me the other day about Monroe.
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Sam Amico of Amico Hoops added the New York Knicks have interest, although they "would likely need a third team to help facilitate a trade for Monroe and more likely would need to wait until at least December, sources said."
Amico also listed the San Antonio Spurs as a possible destination, although they would also need a third team to remain under the cap.
What is interesting in both situations is the fact that Monroe would likely be a reserve center off the bench. The Knicks have their starting frontcourt set with Joakim Noah and Kristaps Porzingis, while the Spurs added Pau Gasol to play alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.
Considering Monroe has averaged at least 15 points and eight rebounds per game in each of the last five seasons, it would be surprising if no team can find space for him in the starting lineup. On the other hand, he isn't a good defender and doesn't spread the floor, so using him as a quick scorer off the bench might be the best-case scenario.
Both the Knicks and Spurs could use depth in the frontcourt after all of their offseason moves, especially with San Antonio losing future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan to retirement. With the Bucks apparently willing to make a deal, it seems likely something will get done if the organizations can figure out the logistics.
DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings
As one of the top centers in basketball, DeMarcus Cousins has plenty of interest from around the league. With the Sacramento Kings still a long way from contending—and based on their draft strategy, still rebuilding—trading away the two-time All-Star for assets seems like a sound strategy.
However, the organization apparently has no interest in parting with the big man, who has two years remaining on his contract.
"League sources peg the Kings’ stance on Cousins as a 'non-starter.' They simply won’t go there on trade talk despite long-standing interest from the Boston Celtics and at least one inquiry for the Cleveland Cavaliers," Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reported Tuesday.
Amico countered with this Thursday, however: "The Kings have actually been somewhat receptive to the Celtics in more recent conversations."
In any case, it appears as though no deal is imminent. The Kings would want a major haul to give up a player who averaged 26.9 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last year.
Cousins was a second-team All-NBA performer but was upset he wasn't voted onto the first team, per Michael Lee of The Vertical:
"I don’t even know what an expert is any more. I mean, I had some guys, didn’t even vote for me, and that’s absurd. It’s a joke. It really is. It’s a popularity contest. It’s the guys who like them, it’s the guys they like, the guys they get to see on a nightly basis. I still don’t feel I get the respect I deserve. But I’m going to keep grinding. I’m going to stick with it.
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On the other hand, there are plenty of teams that would be willing to give him respect. The Cavaliers' call is interesting because it shows the squad is trying to improve its roster in order to stay ahead of the Golden State Warriors. As for the Celtics, they are trying to add at least one superstar to a roster that has a lot of solid players but no franchise-changing stars.
Boston also has the assets, between young talent and extra draft picks, to put together a reasonable package Sacramento could accept. However, it all starts with picking up the phone and being willing to negotiate a deal.
Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
If the Celtics aren't able to lure Cousins across the country, they might have more luck with another top big man in California. Blake Griffin is coming off an injury-shortened season, but he might be the star the organization has been looking for throughout the offseason.
After discussing a potential move for Russell Westbrook, Sean Deveney of Sporting News broke down a more realistic trade possibility:
"The likely target for the Celtics, according to front-office sources, is Clippers forward Blake Griffin. The Clippers have been weighing trading Griffin all season, and the possibility of a three-team package involving Sacramento sending Rudy Gay to the Clippers has emerged. The Celtics would give up some number of their upcoming draft picks, but opposing front-office members say they don't want to give up either Brooklyn pick Boston can own in the next two years.
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The Nets' picks might be the most valuable assets Boston has over the next two seasons. Boston owns one straight up and also has the option to switch first-rounders. Considering the lineup Brooklyn is planning to throw out next year, it's likely to be a high selection.
Of course, even without parting with one of those picks, the Celtics still have assets to trade, including the long list of players they drafted in June.
Kevin O'Connor of CSN New England broke down the feasibility of a blockbuster trade, noting the front office has maintained versatility through inaction: "Their rookies are still unsigned and they still haven’t made a decision on Tyler Zeller. That keeps them in position to make a potential blockbuster trade."
He added that the relationship between the Clippers staff and Celtics front office could go a long way in a potential move for Griffin. However, the teams will mostly care about what they get in any deal. With Boston's assortment of young players and picks, this might be the best package Los Angeles could get.
On the other hand, Griffin will have plenty of suitors at this point next year if he isn't traded, and Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported the Oklahoma City Thunder are already hoping to pair the 2017 free agent with Westbrook if they can lock him up for the long term.
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