There was minimal trade chatter at the NBA’s annual G League Showcase this week, writes Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. Still, the Hawks are among the teams worth keeping an eye on, according to Fischer, who says Atlanta still seems to be open to dealing Clint Capela and De’Andre Hunter.
A veteran Swiss big man, Capela is averaging a double-double (11.8 PPG and 10.7 RPG in 26 games) for the seventh straight season. He’s making $20.6MM this season and will earn $22.3MM in 2024/25. Fifth-year forward Hunter, meanwhile, will make $90MM over the next four years after inking a rookie scale extension prior to 2022/23.
The news isn’t surprising, since both players were involved in rumors over the summer and the Hawks have had a pretty disappointing start to the 2023/24 campaign. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto has heard similarly.
While Scotto recently reported that the Knicks would consider trading Immanuel Quickley if the right deal presents itself, Fischer hears the fourth-year guard’s name “has been virtually absent” from early trade talks. Perhaps that will change in the next several weeks leading up to the deadline, but it seems to indicate New York isn’t actively shopping Quickley.
Here’s more from Fischer’s latest rumor round-up:
- The 5-22 Wizards look like prime candidates to be sellers at the deadline in the first year of their rebuild, according to Fischer. Daniel Gafford, Kyle Kuzma and Tyus Jones are among the players who could net positive returns. Rival teams value Kuzma’s contract (four years, $90MM), and the Wizards could get “legitimate first-round capital” if they move the veteran forward, Fischer writes. Opposing executives also think Washington might be able to land a first-round pick for Jones, who is making $14MM in the final year of his deal.
- The Wizards will likely receive calls on former lottery picks Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija as well, Fischer adds, but it’s unclear if Washington is interested in dealing them. Avdijia, in particular, would be difficult to trade due to the poison pill provision. According to Fischer, rivals are skeptical Jordan Poole would fetch a “worthwhile return” due to his early-season struggles and pricey long-term contract (he’s owed $123MM+ over the next four years).
- The Rockets could be in the market for a backup center, sources tell Fischer. As Fischer explains, free agent addition Jock Landale hasn’t secured a rotation spot, averaging just 8.5 MPG in his 16 appearances, and the team might seek an upgrade behind Alperen Sengun.
If nobody wants Kispert in another trade, I see him going to the Cavaliers at trade deadline.
Washington could get a 2nd rounder and about 6.5 million in cash considerations for taking Rubio off their hands.
Washington then buys out Rubio, who gives up some cash for next season in the process.
But Wizards should obviously wait until the last minute to see if any other deals become available.
Mike Muscala (3.5 million expiring contract) could also have some positive value, for example to the Knicks?
I guess Landry Shamet (10.25 million expireable), Delon Wright (expiring 8,19 million) and Gallinari (expiring 6.8 million) dont have a positive trade value on their own?
All of these names could get included as salary filler in some trades though.
And they all could have some value as expiring contracts in salary dumps.
Why not some salary dump where Wizards take on Klay Thompson and send out all these expiring contracts to either Golden State or a third/fourth/fifth team?
And if Muscala, Wright, Gallinari or Shamet stays at Wizards or go to another non-contending team, they are the ideal buy-out candidates after the trade deadline.
I think anyone who watched him early on could instantly tell how great of a player Sengun was going to become in the not so distant future.
Althougj, admittingly, I didn’t know he’d become this good and this consistent already in just his second season. Sengun has quickly established himself as a top tier Center, and his team can confidently and successfully run through offense through Sengun. Whether he’s scoring or making plays for others with his passing skills and high basketball IQ, Sengun has become an absolute force to be reckoned with.
The Rockets absolutely nailed this pick, and it is because of Sengun that their future is extremely bright. They’re now able to get out of the bottom of the West, and they’re primed and ready to make a playoff run.
I think Rockets need to dump Landale. He just is not cutting it. He played in game against Dallas as I am sure with a game tonight Ime wanted to get him minutes and rest main starters. But missed his shots and more. I am not sure on that Bullock guy for Rockets. But really liking Sengun but he does need help and Landale is not it. No do not want Capela back either
You are not going to get a second level backup center unless they trade. Who do you think they will want to trade to bring in even a Capella (I would take him back in a heart beat) type. I won’t disagree that Landale needs to go, but there isn’t anything to look at on the FA market either
I wouldn’t mind Kuzma in a Knicks uniform. Wizards could use Quickley.