Eastern Rumors: Ty. Jones, Ivey, Pacers, Okongwu, Raptors, Sixers
The Magic have made calls to multiple teams to explore the possibility of trading veteran point guard Tyus Jones in exchange for some second-round draft capital, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
Jones, 29, signed a one-year, $7MM contract with Orlando over the summer but has played a limited role with the team and is performing well below his usual standard. He has averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 assists in 16.5 minutes per game across 40 outings (eight starts), while making just 35.3% of his shots from the floor, including 29.5% from beyond the three-point line.
The Magic are currently operating about $5.6MM above the luxury tax line and may be motivated to duck out of tax territory at this season’s deadline. Their roster will only get more expensive beginning in 2026/27 when Paolo Banchero‘s maximum-salary rookie scale extension takes effect, so avoiding the tax this season would postpone the repeater clock for another year.
Here are several more items of interest shared by Fischer from around the Eastern Conference:
- While the Pistons still aren’t looking to make a major in-season deal, they’ve gauged Jaden Ivey‘s value on the trade market, per Fischer. The former fifth overall pick has played a reduced role (16.9 MPG) this season in his return from a major leg injury and will be eligible for restricted free agency at season’s end.
- As the Pacers continue to scour the trade market for a long-term answer at the center spot, Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu is among the players they’ve inquired about, Fischer writes. There’s no indication that Atlanta engaged in discussions involving Okongwu, who is averaging a career-high 16.0 points and 31.9 minutes per game.
- Rivals view the Raptors as one of the teams most interested in making a significant in-season move, according to Fischer, who notes that Toronto was the only team besides Washington with real interest in Trae Young. The Raptors have also been connected repeatedly to Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis, and Fischer suggests they’re a potential suitor worth watching for Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant.
- The Sixers and Grizzlies had some trade conversations in mid-December, Fischer says, clarifying that those discussions didn’t involve Morant. Based on “recent synergy” between them, Philadelphia and Memphis could end up being involved in the same transaction if either club needs help from a third team to facilitate a deal, Fischer notes.
Eleven More Players Become Trade-Eligible
Today is Thursday, January 15, which means that a total of 11 players who signed free agent contracts meeting specific criteria this past offseason are now eligible to be traded.
Most offseason signees became trade-eligible on December 15, but players who met the following criteria were ineligible to be moved for an extra month:
- The player re-signed with his previous team.
- He got a raise of at least 20%.
- His salary is above the minimum.
- His team was over the cap and used Bird or Early Bird rights to sign him.
These are the 11 players who met that criteria and are eligible to be traded as of Thursday:
Santi Aldama (Grizzlies)- Josh Giddey (Bulls)
- Quentin Grimes (Sixers)
- Isaiah Jackson (Pacers)
- Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors)
- Tre Mann (Hornets)
- Sam Merrill (Cavaliers)
- Davion Mitchell (Heat)
- Paul Reed (Pistons)
- Naz Reid (Timberwolves)
- Ryan Rollins (Bucks)
Most of the players on standard 15-man rosters around the NBA are now eligible to be moved, though a small handful still can’t be dealt.
That group includes Kings guard Russell Westbrook, who becomes trade-eligible on Friday, Hawks guard Keaton Wallace (trade-eligible on January 18), Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan (Jan. 23), Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (Feb. 1), Lakers guard Luka Doncic (Feb. 2), Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (Feb. 4), and Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox (Feb. 4).
Additionally, there are several players who won’t become trade-eligible at all prior to this season’s February 6 deadline, including reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Players on 10-day contracts are also ineligible to be traded.
Jarace Walker Impressing Rick Carlisle
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has singled out the play of third-year forward Jarace Walker after each of the last two games, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Walker contributed 11 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench in Monday’s win over Boston. “He’s playing with force,” Carlisle said. “He’s playing with force at both ends. He’s done a lot of good things defensively. He’s rebounding the ball. Stepping into the right shots. As a third-year player, things are going to slow down as you progress in your career. Reads become more obvious. He’s making good decisions.”
Trade Notes: Cavs, Nets, MPJ, Grizzlies, More
The Cavaliers acquired forward De’Andre Hunter in their only in-season trade in 2024/25, but Hunter’s disappointing performance so far in ’25/26 may necessitate another in-season move a year later, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscription required).
Sources tell Fedor that the Cavaliers haven’t engaged in any meaningful trade talks with teams inquiring on their players so far, including one club that made an offer for Hunter. Cleveland still believes in its current group despite an underwhelming 22-19 first half and wants to see what it looks like at full strength, if possible, Fedor adds.
However, with Max Strus expected to remain sidelined for at least a few more weeks, Dean Wade dealing with a nagging knee issue – he recently underwent a precautionary MRI that came back clean, per Fedor – and Hunter struggling to make an impact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cavs explore their options on the trade market before the deadline.
After Hunter scored a season-low two points and committed three turnovers in 18 minutes of action in Monday’s home loss to Utah, head coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged the forward’s struggles while expressing a belief that he can still turn things around.
“It’s not clicking. I think it’s a prolonged batting slump. It happens in every sport,” Atkinson said. “Trying to support him. Trying to get him some touches. Part of my job is to help him. He’ll snap out of it. He’s too good of a player to be playing like this. He’ll turn it around. We need him.”
Here are a few more trade-related notes and rumors from around the NBA:
- Noting that Nets general manager Sean Marks typically exercises patience on the trade market and doesn’t settle for deals that fall shy of his asking price, Brian Lewis of The New York Post (subscription required) writes that there’s a real chance Michael Porter Jr. remains with the team through the trade deadline. One assistant GM told Lewis that he wouldn’t be surprised if Brooklyn hangs onto Porter and then sits him frequently after the trade deadline in an effort to tank for a high draft pick.
- Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports and Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports both check in on the Ja Morant situation, with Iko explaining why the Grizzlies appear prepared to move forward without the star point guard and O’Connor presenting some hypothetical trade scenarios involving the 26-year-old. Echoing recent reporting from ESPN, Iko says executives around the NBA are wondering if Memphis will also become open to dealing Jaren Jackson Jr., though the Grizzlies have insisted for now that’s not an option they’re considering.
- Dan Woike of The Athletic suggests six trade ideas for the Lakers, including potential deals that send Andrew Wiggins, Herbert Jones, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, or Justin Champagnie to Los Angeles. However, he also plays devil’s advocate by outlining reasons why his suggestions might not work, such as the Pelicans’ lack of interest in moving Jones and the Lakers’ reluctance to take on multiyear salary for a player like KCP.
- Sam Vecenie of The Athletic lays out a few trades he’d like to see happen, including one sending Bulls guard Coby White into the Pistons‘ trade exception for draft assets, a three-team deal sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga to the Kings, and a Daniel Gafford/Bennedict Mathurin swap between the Pacers and Mavericks.
Latest On Michael Porter Jr.
Citing a “trusted league source,” John Hollinger of The Athletic reported over the weekend that Michael Porter Jr. is a “lock” to be traded by the Nets ahead of the deadline. Other NBA insiders haven’t been so bold, however.
In his latest Substack story, Marc Stein acknowledges some people around the league think the Nets will take a “sell high” approach to Porter’s breakout season and move him by February 5. But Stein continues to hear “push-back” about Brooklyn’s desire to trade Porter prior to the offseason, and says he’s not sure what the Nets will do.
Speaking to Justin Shackil on Yes Network (Twitter video link), Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also expressed some doubt about the possibility of Porter being involved in an in-season trade.
“Right now, a lot of teams across the league — more contending teams — have called, just to get a sense of where he’s at,” Scotto said. “But one thing I will tell you and the viewers as well, Justin, is that the Nets, looking ahead towards next season, they’re going to want to take a step forward. Michael Porter Jr. could very well be a part of that with the way he’s playing. And he’s still young, in his prime.
“So I would temper expectations on a trade, at least at this point. But certainly, he’s gained more interest around the league and I don’t think anybody has helped his value more than him given the All-Star production and efficiency he has shown this season so far.”
The Warriors and Bucks are among the teams that have inquired about Porter since the start of January, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, but the Nets haven’t made it known they actually want to move the sharpshooting forward. Brooklyn’s starting point in talks for Porter is a “valuable first-round pick,” according Siegel, who says even if that asking price is met it doesn’t necessarily mean the team will trade him.
Scotto also discussed Nic Claxton, whose descending contract holds some appeal to rival teams. Scotto reported that the Pacers and Warriors are among the teams who have expressed interest in the seventh-year center, but also said the Nets consider the 26-year-old part of their future.
Siegel has heard similarly, writing that the Nets value Claxton and would want a minimum of first-round pick and “players of value” in return who could help expedite the team’s rebuild.
Peyton Watson, Scottie Barnes Named Players Of Week
Nuggets wing Peyton Watson and Raptors forward Scottie Barnes have been named the Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, according to the NBA (Twitter links).
Watson led the depleted Nuggets to a 3-1 record during the week of January 5-11, posting averages of 24.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game while making 70% of his three-point attempts (14-of-20).
The fourth-year swingman entered Denver’s starting lineup in November due to injuries and is enjoying a career year ahead of his restricted free agency. This is the first Player of the Week award of his career.
The Raptors also had a 3-1 record last week with Barnes averaging 22.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists — he sat out the team’s loss to Boston on Friday due to a right knee sprain, so Toronto was 3-0 when he played.
Barnes’ best game of the week came in an overtime victory over Philadelphia on Sunday — he racked up 31 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, and was a +15 in a game the Raptors won by a single point.
It’s the second time Barnes has earned Player of the Week honors in his career.
Deni Avdija (Trail Blazers), Devin Booker (Suns), Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) and Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) were the other Western Conference nominees, while Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Joel Embiid (Sixers), Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Jalen Johnson (Hawks) and Andrew Nembhard (Pacers) were also nominated in the East.
Stein’s Latest: Morant, Young, Knicks, Gafford, More
Ja Morant has become the name to watch in NBA trade circles following reports that the Grizzlies were open to listening to offers for their star point guard.
In his latest article for The Stein Line (Substack link), Marc Stein notes that, due to their reported interest in trade targets like Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Domantas Sabonis, there is a belief around the league that the Raptors may be facing internal win-now pressure, which could lead to them making a play for Morant.
Stein also states that, despite rumors that the Kings aren’t looking to making a move for the oft-injured point guard, he has heard rumors that Sacramento’s interest in Morant could be piqued if the Grizzlies would consider a return built around DeMar DeRozan, Devin Carter, and draft assets.
Carter was the 13th pick in the 2024 draft but has struggled to carve out a role with the Kings, averaging just 8.4 minutes this season.
Morant has played 18 games this season and is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists on .401/.208/.900 shooting splits.
We have more from Stein’s latest newsletter:
- One of the lingering questions following the Wizards‘ trade for Young is whether Washington will extend its newly acquired guard. Stein, who notes that the Hawks’ refusal to extend Young was one of the impetuses that led to their separation, says there are rumblings that the four-time All-Star will ultimately land a two-year extension. With Young widely expected to see little to no action during the second half, Stein notes that the Wizards will likely to point to Toronto’s handling of Brandon Ingram last year as a precedent if the league takes issue with their new point guard sitting out. Ingram didn’t suit up for the Raptors last season, with the team citing an ankle injury.
- The Knicks have struggled to regain their footing after claiming the NBA Cup, winning just one of their last six games. While it’s unlikely that they’ll part with any of their core players, Stein writes that Guerschon Yabusele and second-year wing Pacome Dadiet are both available as New York attempts to tinker around their margins. Yabusele, after a breakout return to the NBA with the Sixers last season, has struggled to find a rhythm or role in coach Mike Brown‘s system, leading to him being in and out of the rotation. Dadiet, the 25th pick in the 2024 draft, has seemingly been overtaken in the rotation by youngsters like Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr., having played just 44 minutes in 14 games.
- While the Hawks‘ interest in Davis is well-documented, Stein writes that they also have some level of interest in another Mavericks big man: Daniel Gafford. Gafford offers less upside than Davis, but such a deal would help the Hawks keep Zaccharie Risacher out of trade talks. Stein adds that the Pacers and Celtics are also interested in pursuing the 27-year-old center.
- Spencer Dinwiddie is now eligible to sign with an NBA team after parting ways with Bayern Munich, but Stein reports that he could need some time to deal with the personal matters that led to his leaving the EuroLeague club.
- According to Stein, the Mavericks are holding off on waiving Dante Exum to open up a roster spot to promote Ryan Nembhard because they hope they can use Exum’s $3.3MM salary in a trade instead. Decisions on converting two-way players like Spencer Jones (Nuggets), Daniss Jenkins (Pistons), and Pat Spencer (Warriors) will likely all happen after the trade deadline for similar reasons, especially since those players won’t reach their active game limits until around that time.
Isaiah Jackson Clears Concussion Protocol
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle revealed that center Isaiah Jackson has cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol and is now working on his conditioning, tweets Tony East of Circle City Spin. Jackson is expected back on the court in about a week.
Central Notes: Carlisle, Cunningham, Ivey, Garland, J. Smith
It took a month for it to occur, but Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle became the 11th coach in NBA history to win 1,000 games when Indiana defeated Charlotte on Thursday, writes Michael Marot of The Associated Press. The Pacers snapped a franchise-record 13-game losing streak with the victory.
“I’m so happy for our players,” said Carlisle, who hugged his assistants and players after the win. “The last month has been so challenging in so many ways. We have an amazing group of guys who continue to fight through thick and thin.”
After coming one win away from winning their first NBA championship last June, the Pacers have dealt with numerous injuries in 2025/26 and are currently 7-31, the worst record in the league. Carlisle, 66, is in his 24th season as a head coach and won a title with Dallas in 2011.
“This has never been about me getting a milestone win,” Carlisle said. “It’s about our organization and our franchise. As it has gotten tougher and tougher I have leaned into thinking more about gratitude for the things that we have. We have great people and we have terrific players.”
We have more from the Central Division:
- Pistons star Cade Cunningham is questionable to suit up for Saturday’s matchup vs. the Clippers due to a right wrist contusion, tweets Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. The former No. 1 overall pick is an MVP candidate this season with Detroit holding the best record in the Eastern Conference at 28-9. Cunningham, a 6’6″ guard, missed Wednesday’s win over Chicago with the injury.
- Speaking to reporters on Friday, including Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter video link), Pistons guard Jaden Ivey said he’s in a “great space” from a health standpoint and is no longer on a minutes restriction. The impending restricted free agent missed most of last season with a fractured left fibula and was sidelined to start ’25/26 after undergoing right knee surgery this fall. Ivey is averaging a career-low 16.7 minutes per game through 22 appearances.
- Within a story questioning whether the Cavaliers can be a contender as currently constructed, Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports describes Darius Garland‘s trade value around the league as “muted.” The two-time All-Star point guard has been inconsistent this season as he continues to deal with the effects of a toe injury which required offseason surgery.
- After missing the past two games while in the league’s concussion protocol, Bulls big man Jalen Smith has been upgraded to questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. Dallas, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network (Twitter link). Veteran wing Kevin Huerter (back tightness) is also questionable, Johnson adds.
Pacers Re-Sign Tony Bradley To 10-Day Contract
January 8: Bradley’s new 10-day deal with the Pacers is official, the team confirmed in a press release.
January 7: After waiving Tony Bradley on Monday before his contract became guaranteed for the rest of the season, the Pacers plan to bring him back on a 10-day deal, a league source tells Tony East of Forbes. Bradley cleared waivers earlier today and is now a free agent.
Indiana’s next game isn’t until Thursday, so East speculates that the signing may not take place until then. The Pacers play on back-to-back nights January 16 and 17, so they could make Bradley’s contract cover six games by having it stretch from the 8th to the 17th.
East notes that the team needs depth at center because backup big man Isaiah Jackson is still sidelined with a concussion that has kept him out of action since December 22. Micah Potter, who joined the team on December 26, has started two of the last three games and appears to have a secure spot on the roster after being retained past today’s contract guarantee date.
Bradley was seeing consistent playing time earlier in the season as part of a three-man center rotation along with Jackson and Jay Huff. However, he suffered a fracture on the tip of his right thumb more than two weeks ago and has been playing while wearing a splint ever since.
The Pacers created $1.55MM in cap savings and opened up a roster spot by releasing Bradley on Monday. His cap hit on a 10-day contract will be nearly $132K, which will bring the team to within roughly $5.7MM of the luxury tax line, according to East, who states that Indiana is almost certain to stay out of the tax considering its 6-31 record.
Bradley was in his second season with the Pacers after joining the team on a pair of 10-day deals last March and being signed for the remainder of the season. He has appeared in 29 games this season, averaging 3.9 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per night.
He will be eligible to sign another 10-day contract with Indiana after the first one expires. After that, the Pacers would have to give him a standard deal to keep him on the roster for the rest of the season.