Five Key Stories: 2/2/19 – 2/9/19

If you missed any of this past week’s biggest headlines from around the NBA, we’ve got you covered with our Week in Review. Below are some of the most noteworthy stories from the last seven days:

In a week dominated by the trade deadline, the most significant story is a deal that wasn’t made. The Lakers made numerous attempts to get Anthony Davis from the Pelicans, but New Orleans decided to wait until summer to see if better offers emerge. The Celtics reportedly promised an “explosive” offer, while the Knicks and several other teams are expected to get involved.

The week’s most surprising trade came in the early hours Wednesday with most of the nation sleeping. The Clippers sent Tobias Harris to the Sixers, shaking up their lineup and giving Philadelphia possibly the best starting five in the East. L.A. wasn’t sold on giving Harris a max offer this summer and wanted to open up more cap room to be aggressive in free agency.

The Grizzlies said goodbye to another veteran from their Grit ‘n Grind glory days when they traded Marc Gasol to the Raptors. The former Defensive Player of the Year is still a presence in the middle, averaging 15.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per night. However, he has a $25.6MM player option for next season and Memphis had luxury tax concerns.

The Wizards did an about-face on their promise to compete for a playoff spot by sending Otto Porter to the Bulls. Owner Ted Leonsis had vowed that the organization would do all it could to reach the postseason, but its deals at the deadline were focused on escaping the luxury tax. Porter is owed nearly $56MM over the next two seasons.

The Sixers decided to give up on 2017 No. 1 pick Markelle Fultz, trading him to Orlando for Jonathon Simmons and a pair of draft picks. After making aggressive trades this season to acquire Harris and Jimmy Butler, Philadelphia has decided to take a win-now approach and no longer wanted the distraction of Fultz’s physical problems and shooting woes.

Here are 10 more notable NBA headlines from the past week:

  • The All-Star draft was televised for the first time, with LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo making their selections for the February 17 game in Charlotte. The proceedings ended with an unexpected trade, as James sent Russell Westbrook to Antetokounmpo in exchange for Ben Simmons.
  • Participants were also announced for the All-Star weekend 3-Point, Skills and Dunk contests. The 3-point competition may have the most drama as hometown favorite Kemba Walker faces off against veteran Dirk Nowitzki and a pair of brothers in Stephen Curry and Seth Curry.
  • Enes Kanter didn’t get either part of the play-me-or-trade-me request he made, but he did get to become a free agent when the Knicks waived him Thursday. After beginning the year as the starting center, Kanter saw his minutes steadily reduced.
  • Wesley Matthews, who was also waived by the Knicks this week, has committed to joining the Pacers.
  • Nets guard Caris LeVert made a much faster than expected return from a severe right foot injury he suffered in November. Originally feared to be out for the season, the 24-year-old returned to action last night.
  • Already sidelined for the season because of heel surgery, Wizards guard John Wall fell in his home and suffered a rupture of his left Achilles tendon that is expected to sideline him for an additional 12 months.
  • Kevin Durant lashed out at the media for what he considers to be excessive speculation about his free agent future. The Knicks and Clippers both cleared cap room this week and are expected to aggressively pursue the Warriors star.
  • There was an angry exchange in the Lakers‘ locker room after last Saturday’s loss to the Warriors with coach Luke Walton singling out players for a selfish approach to the game and veterans Michael Beasley and JaVale McGee lashing back over their inconsistent roles. Beasley was traded to the Clippers before the week ended.
  • The Knicks remain the NBA’s highest-valued franchise, topping $4 billion for the first time.
  • Lamar Odom is the latest former NBA star to sign up for the BIG3 league this summer.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

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