NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking Down League Buzz Ahead of 2018 Trade Deadline
With just one day left before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, the rumor mill is buzzing like a hornet's nest.
Virtually every team in the league has been mentioned in potential deals, so navigating through it all can be a challenge.
One of the biggest names on the board is Tyreke Evans.
As trade talks escalated for Evans, the Memphis Grizzlies decided to bench their point guard until a deal is made.
The 28-year-old hasn't played in a game since Memphis defeated the Phoenix Suns 120-109 and he dropped 27 points in 26 minutes.
The thinking was to make sure Evans didn't suffer any injuries while they work the phones to close the best possible deal.
Sitting Evans has taken its toll on the Grizzlies, who have lost four straight since he's been out. Evans is averaging 19.5 points, five assists and five rebounds per game this season, a vast improvement over last year, when he only put up 11.6 points, dished out 2.4 assists and grabbed 3.6 rebounds per contest.
His shooting percentage is even better this year, going from 41 percent last season to 45 percent this year.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, league sources said the three frontrunners for landing Evans are the Boston Celtics, the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Miami Heat are also in the mix, but aren't as close in discussions as the other three.
Evans is an attractive buy with his improved play and expiring $3.29 million contract. Memphis is seeking a first-round draft pick in exchange for the former Rookie of the Year.
"I really don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but I’ve heard there’s a lot of interest out there for me, and that’s a good thing," Evans told Grind City Media’s Michael Wallace. "The season hasn’t gone that great, the way we wanted, but I’ve been happy in Memphis and with what I was able to do to help this team."
Odds are very good that Evans won't be in a Grizzlies uniform after Thursday and it's likely he'll be headed to a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
Boston moving Marcus Smart
Usually, when rumors start to circulate, there's at least some truth to them.
But in the case of the Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart, that might not be the case.
While it's true that Smart will be a restricted free agent this summer and extension talks cooled, the Celtics aren't necessarily in any rush to trade him because of what he means to the team's playoff run.
According to the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett, teams that have called to inquire about the 23-year-old guard have been met with a cool reception.
Bulpett spoke to a league executive from the Western Conference, who pointed out Smart's value:
"Boston could definitely use some scoring, but the kind of things that guy does for you defensively become even more important in the playoffs. And we still don’t know if Hayward is going to be back for them this year, so that could be your scoring help right there. They keep saying he’s not coming back this year, and that’s the right way to play it. But they don’t know.
"And if you trade away a guy like Marcus now, you could spend the next few years looking for someone like him."
Boston reportedly wants a first-round pick in exchange for Smart or a player that would give them the same level of competitiveness he brings to the table.
They still have interest in the Grizzlies' Evans because of his ability to create his own shot, but it's highly unlikely that Danny Ainge would give up Smart for a short-term lease.
They also wanted the Los Angeles Clippers' Lou Williams, but it looks like the Clippers are no longer sellers of the high-scoring guard, per Bulpett.
While the Celtics haven't exactly been pleased with some of Smart's antics (read: punching walls and picture frames), they still think he will grow as a player, per Bulpett's team sources.
"I don't know him all that well, and he seems like he's got a pretty hot temper," an opposing coach told Bulpett. "But you can always find a way to deal with someone who's that engaged and competitive every night."
Boston may say they aren't looking to move Smart now, but things can change very quickly in the NBA, so anything's possible between now and Thursday's deadline.
Can the Wizards cast a trade spell for Marcin Gortat?
The Washington Wizards' Marcin Gortat could be packing his bags.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, multiple sources said the Wizards' front office have been on the phone fielding offers for the Polish Hammer.
In fact, "several teams" have inquired about Gortat, who is owed $13.5 million next season, the last year of his contract.
Washington would like to land the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan, per ESPN's Zach Lowe.
Jordan, a restricted free agent in July, would be a much-needed upgrade for the Wizards, who are trying to get over the hump to make a playoff push.
At 33 years old, Gortat is averaging 8.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, while Jordan is putting up 11.5 points and pulling down 14.9 rebounds per contest. Jordan is more efficient, too, with a 19.1 player efficiency rating compared to Gortat's 15.1, per Basketball Reference.
Washington has been playing well lately, despite losing All-Star point guard John Wall to injury. Before a 115-102 defeat to the 76ers, the Wizards had been on a five-game winning streak.
The streak was not without drama, though, as Gortat's tweeted, "Great 'team' victory!" The tweet was taken as a criticism of Wall, who responded in kind.
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