The Raptors were close to acquiring Nikola Mirotic, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports on his podcast. The power forward would have been part of a three-team trade with the Pelicans and Magic in the proposed framework. Toronto didn’t have the expiring contracts that New Orleans was seeking and Mirotic was instead sent to the Bucks.
Toronto shifted its focus back to Marc Gasol and acquired the big man from Memphis in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, C.J. Miles, and a 2024 second-round pick.
The Hornets came close to acquiring Gasol before some “last-minute haggling,” ESPN’s Zach Lowe writes. Charlotte had a lottery-protected first-round pick on the table for most of the week leading up to the deadline. Lowe passes along more deals that were discussed behind the scenes. Here are the highlights from his latest piece:
- The Sixers offered two second-rounders to the Pelicans for Mirotic and prior to trading for Tobias Harris, Philadelphia and New Orleans discussed a Markelle Fultz-Mirotic swap. Fultz was dealt to the Magic for Jonathon Simmons and a pair of picks.
- The Hornets pursued a deal for Harrison Barnes, dangling a first-round pick to the Mavericks, Lowe adds in the same piece. Dallas would have had to take back long-term money in the potential deal, something that it wasn’t willing to do.
- The Nets and Grizzlies briefly discussed sending Allen Crabbe to Memphis along with a first-round pick (Denver’s 2019 selection) in exchange for Garrett Temple and JaMychal Green, sources tell Lowe. Tax concerns led Memphis to shy away from acquiring Crabbe, who will take home approximately $19MM next season.
- Several teams attempted to pry Andrew Wiggins from the Wolves without giving up much in return. Minnesota was uninterested in giving Wiggins away.
- Kris Dunn was available at the deadline but the Bulls weren’t looking to deal Zach LaVine. Lowe writes that Chicago may have only considered trading LaVine if it received an overwhelming offer, something that was unlikely to occur.
Bulls overvaluing Lavine? Lol.
Lavine might not be a star, but he’s young, above average, and on relatively reasonable deal. Why would the Bulls trade him unless they were overwhelmed?
Correct, even if he is a malcontent..lol And I wasn’t really happy to let the talent of Bobby Portis go, but couldn’t be happier to let the headcase that is Portis go…Dude is nuts..lol..Plus, with Carter Jr and Markkanen, Portis needed a better opportunity to start and show what he’s got, because the dude is a legit talent!! Also, I am definitely very happy to have Otto on board, the Bulls desperately needed a 2-way SF, and Porter is just that. He will fit their team and young core perfectly!!
He would be perfect for Philly, the Rockets, Blazers, or the Lakers next season…Oh lord, Portis and Embiid together could drive their opponents insane solely by halftime!! lol
I agree about Portis. Don’t get me wrong, he played his @$$ off, but I really think the guy is unhinged and was actually a little unstable in the locker room, and a lot least a little bit of a s hlt starter, at times. Which is something young guys really shouldn’t be around. It seems like these guys are all gelling better since Otto Porter arrived. He seems like a positive clubhouse guy.
How are the Bulls overvaluing Lavine? He’s a young, dynamic scorer, a good teammate and a reasonable contract. No reason to trade him unless they get exactly what they said an “overwhelming” offer. It’s not complicated.
No wonder many teams wanted Wigs, but not for free you have to pay for him, T-Wolves with Saunders now ain’t the stupid team that they were with Thibs!
Biggest Loser:
Charlotte.
Team that had to make a move but didn’t. Every other team in the East got better (even Chicago lol)
But the one team that desperately needed to find help for Kemba, didn’t do anything.
* need to sign Jabari if he’s bought out
He’s already suited up and playing for Wash. I don’t think they’re buying him out.