NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Potential Deals Before All-Star Weekend
The NBA trade deadline is February 8, but that doesn't mean that teams are waiting until then to make roster moves.
We've already seen some big trades go down, such as Blake Griffin being traded to the Detroit Pistons from the Los Angeles Clippers in a package that included Tobias Harris. There's been a number of buyouts as well that are worth noting, such as Greg Monroe's buyout followed by his eventual signing with the Boston Celtics.
While it was announced Monroe will sign with Boston, he hasn't done so yet. Why? Probably because Celtics general manager has something up his sleeve before the deadline. Again.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that the Celtics would be willing to part with guard Marcus Smart for a first-round pick. It's important to note that Smart, although a valuable asset for Boston, is entering restricted free agency this summer and might demand some big-time cash that Ainge isn't willing to offer him.
It's also possible that Smart, along with other Celtics assets, could be used in a package in a deal for Memphis Grizzlies guard Tyreke Evans, who has been rumored to be one of Ainge's trade targets since it was reported that Evans was on the trade block, per NBA Front Office's Keith Smith.
Evans has a number of suitors and will be moved before the deadline. He was already shut down by the Grizzlies a few days ago, meaning that a move could happen at any time.
The Celtics aren't the only team looking to make wholesale roster changes either.
After the Clippers ended their long relationship with Griffin last week, it became clear that they are rebuilding. And to rebuild on the fly, assets must be accumulated. The best way the Clippers can do this is by unloading center DeAndre Jordan, who has been discussed in trade rumors with the Portland Trailblazers.
According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, negotiations are ongoing although no formal offer has been announced.
Turner reported that the Clippers are looking for "a first-round draft pick, financial flexibility and young players" in return for Jordan. Basically, the same deal they got for Griffin with the Pistons.
But perhaps the most interesting trade rumor of them all has nothing to with the Clippers or the Celtics—it's those pesky Cleveland Cavaliers who just can't stay out of the headlines.
A report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com Monday revealed the possibility of the Cavaliers trading Kevin Love.
Love's possible departure could be because of LeBron James' looming free agency this summer.
If James does choose to leave Cleveland for greener pastures again, Love is reportedly going to be traded to accumulate assets and prepare for a James-less future in Cleveland, per Vardon.
All-Star weekend is fast approaching, but the real entertainment and drama will likely come at the trade deadline.
