Kristaps Porzingis Rumors

Scotto’s Latest: Trae, Risacher, AD, Zubac, Pacers, Celtics, Cavs

January 6th, 2026 at 3:03pm CST by Luke Adams

The Bucks, Timberwolves, and Clippers are among the teams that are monitoring Trae Young‘s situation along with Washington, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

While Dallas doesn’t appear to have any interest in the Hawks‘ point guard, the Mavericks are among the clubs that have called to inquire about former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, league sources tell Scotto. However, the Hawks have been opposed to including either Risacher or their top 2026 first-rounder (the most favorable of the Bucks/Pelicans picks) in any trade discussions involving big man Anthony Davis.

If Atlanta and Dallas do pursue a deal involving Davis, the Mavericks would likely be seeking expiring contracts like those belonging to Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7MM) and Luke Kennard ($11MM), according to Scotto, who notes that Hawks senior VP of basketball operations Bryson Graham is close with Davis dating back to their time together in New Orleans.

Here’s more from Scotto’s latest rumor round-up:

Although Ivica Zubac has drawn significant interest from potential suitors, the Clippers don’t appear inclined to become deadline sellers, especially after their recent run of seven wins in eight games. Earlier in the season, there was a sense that it would take at least two first-round picks for L.A. to consider parting with Zubac, Scotto writes, adding that the Pacers and Celtics both expressed interest in the big man. Those two clubs were previously linked to the Clippers center.
In addition to Zubac, the Pacers have checked in on Nicolas Claxton of the Nets, Yves Missi of the Pelicans, Daniel Gafford of the Mavericks, and Walker Kessler of the Jazz as they seek out a long-term answer at center, league sources tell Scotto.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have been unwilling to attach a first-round pick to Anfernee Simons to move off his contract, Scotto writes. Presumably, the Celtics would be more open to that idea in a deal that nets them a quality player, but not in a pure salary-dump trade for luxury tax purposes. Scotto goes on to say that Boston isn’t looking to take back multiyear salary in any Simons trade, so if the team were exploring a deal with a trade partner like the Nets, Day’Ron Sharpe ($6.25MM team option for 2026/27) and Ziaire Williams (ditto) would hold far more appeal than Terance Mann, who is owed $31.5MM over the two seasons after this one.
The Cavaliers have rebuffed inquiries on their core players, but teams around the NBA – cognizant of Cleveland’s unfavorable cap/tax situation – are continuing to monitor the situation to see if that stance changes. According to Scotto, the belief among executives is that if the Cavs do decide to move someone like Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen, it’s more likely to happen during the offseason than in the next month.

Injury Notes: LaVine, D. Jones, T. Young, J. Smith, C. White

January 4th, 2026 at 2:26pm CST by Rory Maher

After missing nine games with a left ankle sprain, Kings wing Zach LaVine will return to action on Sunday against Milwaukee, tweets James Ham of TheKingsBeat.com. Rookie center Maxime Raynaud will also be active after having an injury scare in Friday’s loss to Phoenix.

LaVine is reportedly one of several players the Bucks are monitoring ahead of the trade deadline, so it’s an interesting coincidence that he’s returning today.

Here are a few more injury-relates updates from around the NBA:

Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. suffered a right knee injury in Saturday’s loss to Boston and will undergo an MRI on Sunday, reports Law Murray of The Athletic (All Twitter links here). According to Murray, Jones limped to the locker room after being fouled by Payton Pritchard in the fourth quarter. It’s a disappointing development for the high-flying Jones, who just returned to action on December 28 after missing several weeks with a sprained MCL in the same knee.
Hawks point guard Trae Young missed his fourth straight game on Saturday at Toronto, per Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks (Twitter link). The four-time All-Star has been battling a right quad contusion. Kristaps Porzingis (return to competition reconditioning) was also out for the second night of a back-to-back, which was expected, Rowland notes (via Twitter).
Bulls big man Jalen Smith has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol after taking a hard hit to the head in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss to Charlotte, head coach Billy Donovan said after the game (Twitter link via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network). Smith has been ruled out of Monday’s contest at Boston after being diagnosed with a concussion (link to injury report). On a brighter note, guard Coby White has a chance to return Monday — he’s questionable with what the team is calling right calf injury management.

Kristaps Porzingis Ready For Action After 10-Game Absence

December 30th, 2025 at 8:04pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Kristaps Porzingis is not on the Hawks’ injury report for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves, Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks tweets.

Porzingis has been out for 10 games due to an unspecified illness. Overall, he has missed 14 of the past 15 contests with the ailment.

After his lone game earlier this month, Porzingis admitted he was frustrated by the illness, which he said wasn’t related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), the condition he was diagnosed with after missing extended time in 2024/25 while a member of the Celtics.

Porzingis, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer if he doesn’t sign an extension before then, has been very productive when available in his first season with Atlanta, averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks on .497/.364/.855 shooting in a career-low 25.9 minutes per contest.

His return should give the reeling Hawks, currently saddled with a 15-19 record, a much-needed spark. Atlanta has lost seven straight and its defense has generally been a no-show. The Hawks have given up 126 or more points in each of their last nine losses and ranks 23rd in defensive field goal percentage at 47.9%.

A strong return by Porzingis could also have other implications. The Hawks have been prominently linked to Mavericks big man Anthony Davis and Porzingis’ $30.7MM expiring contract would be a likely component to match salaries. Even if the Hawks don’t acquire Davis, Porzingis’ contract could be one of the more attractive assets on the trade market in the coming weeks.

Jalen Johnson, who missed Monday’s loss to Oklahoma City due to an illness, is also off the injury report while Trae Young is questionable due to a right quad contusion.

Latest On Anthony Davis, Trae Young

December 29th, 2025 at 5:50pm CST by Rory Maher

Atlanta is viewed as a “real-deal suitor” for Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack post. Chris Haynes reported on Saturday morning that the Hawks remain “very intrigued” by the possibility of acquiring Davis, whom the team has been linked to for multiple weeks.

However, there are several complicating factors that could prevent a potential trade from coming together.

While Haynes reported that Trae Young would not be included in an outgoing package for Davis, Stein suggests the four-time All-Star point guard might have to be sent elsewhere to make a deal work for financial reasons. The Hawks are not known for being big spenders, Stein observes, and having Young ($48.97MM player option) and Davis ($58.46MM) under contract at the same time in 2026/27 would make the roster prohibitively expensive.

Like many other reporters, Stein hears Davis is expected to seek a lucrative long-term extension once he becomes eligible to sign one in August, whether he stays with Dallas or is moved to another team.

According to Stein, there’s a “growing belief” around the NBA that the Hawks are open to moving Young, but whether they’d actually be able to find a suitable deal for him remains to be seen. As Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported a couple weeks ago, rival executives think Young may end up having to exercise that player option, which doesn’t exactly point to a robust free agent or trade market.

Stein isn’t the only reporter to hear Atlanta could be looking to trade Young. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon said something similar on Monday’s Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip to Doric Sam of Bleacher Report).

“The Hawks certainly are indicating that they’re looking for the exit ramp with Trae Young,” MacMahon said. “They did not make any attempt to get him signed to an extension. When that’s the case with your face of the franchise, that’s a pretty clear message that the end could be near.”

MacMahon pointed to Ja Morant (Grizzlies) and LaMelo Ball (Hornets) as two other maximum-salaried point guards who are in similar situations as the Hawks and Young.

“If there is an attempt to trade these guys, it’s not going to be easy,” MacMahon said. “There’s not going to be some wide array of teams raising their hand and trying to get in on the bidding, and I’m not sure if you’re even gonna be able to make a trade that’s going to bring value in return.”

The Mavericks also already have Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, and while he’s still recovering from a torn ACL, it would make zero sense to pair him with a small, ball-dominant, defense-deficient guard like Young.

As for who the Hawks could send out for Davis, Stein says the team appears to be willing to part with 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher under the right circumstances, and points to the expiring contracts of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kennard as salary-matching pieces. But it’s unclear if Atlanta would be willing to offer draft compensation — or if Dallas would be interested in that proposal.

According to Stein, Hawks forward Jalen Johnson and the 2026 first-round pick Atlanta controls (the more favorable of the Pelicans’ and Bucks’ selections) are viewed as off-limits in any trade talks.

It’s also unclear how willing the Mavericks are to make an in-season deal involving Davis, as Stein hears governor Patrick Dumont is among a group of key executives who would like to see Irving, Davis and Cooper Flagg play together before making another major trade. Waiting until the offseason could be the prudent choice, depending on the types of offers the Mavs receive, Stein writes.

Haynes reported that the Warriors are considering making a run at Davis. According to Stein, while Golden State has a “longstanding fondness” for the 10-time All-Star, the team has reservations about his contract and lengthy injury history and doesn’t appear to be actively pursuing him.

As Stein notes, Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green would have to be included in a possible Davis deal for matching purposes, which is one reason why a trade looks unlikely at this time.

Stein continues to hear the Warriors are looking for the “best possible” deal centered around Jonathan Kuminga‘s $22.5MM contract once the fifth-year forward becomes trade-eligible on January 15.

The Hawks have gone 0-6 since Young returned to action earlier this month (he appeared in five of those games). He will miss Monday’s contest at Oklahoma City due to a right quad contusion, tweets Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks. Johnson is also out with an illness.

Kristaps Porzingis Out Monday, Now Considered Day-To-Day

December 28th, 2025 at 2:50pm CST by Rory Maher

While Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis will be out again for Monday’s contest at Oklahoma City, his return shouldn’t be far off. According to the team (Twitter link), Porzingis is progressing in his return from an illness and is now considered day-to-day.

This is the first official update on Porzingis since Atlanta ruled him out for two weeks on December 14. Porzingis’ new status was first reported by Ohm Youngmisuk and Shams Charania of ESPN (via Twitter).

Monday will mark the Latvian big man’s 10th straight absence due to the unspecified illness. Overall, he has missed 14 of the past 15 contests with the ailment. After his lone game earlier this month, Porzingis admitted he was frustrated by the illness, which he said wasn’t related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), the condition he was diagnosed with after missing extended time in 2024/25.

Porzingis, who will be an unrestricted free agent next summer if he doesn’t sign an extension before then, has been very productive when available in his first season with Atlanta, averaging 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.6 blocks on .497/.364/.855 shooting in a career-low 25.9 minutes per contest. The Hawks are plus-3.4 points per 100 possessions with Porzingis on the court and minus-2.3 when he’s not.

However, availability has been a significant issue, with the 30-year-old only appearing in 13 of the team’s 33 games to this point.

Porzingis, who was sent from Boston to Atlanta in the offseason, has popped up in several trade rumors to open ’25/26. Our Luke Adams listed the former All-Star as the Hawks’ most likely trade candidate earlier this week.

The Hawks have been sliding down the Eastern Conference standings for weeks, having lost six straight games and 10 of their past 12. They held a players-only meeting following Friday’s loss to Miami, tweets Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“We kind of had like a real sit-down with the whole group, and said, ‘We need to be better.’ And I think you can feel it in the presence of the game,” Nickeil Alexander-Walker said Saturday.

Atlanta made a late rally in Saturday’s game vs. New York, but ultimately came up short, losing by three points.

“We told each other what we needed to say yesterday,” Jalen Johnson added after the team’s latest loss (Twitter link via Williams). “A lot of guys spoke, so I think that was a good sign. So yeah, and I think it reflected today.”

Latest On Anthony Davis

December 27th, 2025 at 4:03pm CST by Rory Maher

NBA on Prime insider Chris Haynes hears the Warriors are considering putting together a trade package to try and acquire Anthony Davis (Twitter video link). However, Haynes says the Mavericks aren’t enamored with the assets Golden State could offer for Davis, so if the Warriors do try to make a run at the star big man, a third team might have to be involved.

If it isn’t Davis, the Warriors are still hoping to find a strong defensive center ahead of the trade deadline in February, according to Haynes.

Sources confirm to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Warriors, Raptors and Hawks are interested in acquiring Davis (story via Ashish Mathur).

Whether he remains with Dallas or is traded to a new team, the 32-year-old is expected to seek a lucrative long-term extension once he becomes eligible to sign one in August, per Dallas Hoops Journal. Both Haynes and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) have heard the same.

Davis, who has dealt with numerous injuries over the years, is currently battling a groin strain. He was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s contest in Sacramento, but has subsequently been downgraded to out.

“Hopefully, it’s not long,” head coach Jason Kidd said of Davis’ absence (Twitter link via Christian Clark of The Athletic).

Haynes also reported that the Hawks are “very intrigued” by the possibility of trading for Davis. In a separate story for Dallas Hoops Journal, Afseth takes a look at Atlanta’s potential interest in the 10-time All-Star, writing that people around the league think the Hawks might be open to a major roster shake-up in order to snap out of their recent funk — they’ve lost five straight games and are just 2-9 in December.

According to Afseth, a Hawks trade package involving Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7MM expiring contract), Luke Kennard ($11MM expiring salary) and Zaccharie Risacher ($13.2MM in the second year of his rookie scale deal) is very close to what Davis earns this season ($54.1MM), which is one reason why Atlanta is viewed as a potential fit. The Mavs would almost certainly send out another smaller salary or two in that scenario to have additional breathing room below their second-apron hard cap.

Kennard hasn’t made the sort of impact Atlanta was hoping when it signed him to a one-year deal over the summer, Afesth notes. The veteran guard received his first DNP-CD during Friday’s loss to Miami.

Hawks ‘Intrigued’ By Possibility Of Acquiring Anthony Davis

December 27th, 2025 at 9:37am CST by Dana Gauruder

The Hawks remain “very intrigued” by the possibility of acquiring Mavericks big man Anthony Davis in a trade, insider Chris Haynes reported during an ‘NBA on Prime’ broadcast (Twitter video link; hat tip to Real GM).

Haynes indicated that a potential deal involving the Hawks would not include Trae Young, who could become a free agent after the season if he declines his $49MM option. Instead, the package for Davis could include 2024 top pick Zaccharie Risacher.

“Dallas would likely want expiring deals, young assets, and picks – and probably, likely to include number one pick from last season Zach Risacher,” Haynes said.

If Young and his $46MM salary isn’t part of the potential deal, Kristaps Porzingis‘ $30.7MM expiring contract would be a necessary component.

Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported earlier this week that the Hawks had checked in on Davis. However, Siegel also reported that there has been no momentum in those talks and there was a sense that Atlanta is more likely to target a lower-salary replacement if the team builds a deal around Porzingis‘ expiring contract.

Adding Davis would be an “all-in” move for the Hawks, considering his contract numbers. He’s making $54.1MM this season and $58.5MM next season. Davis also holds a player option of $62.8MM for the 2027/28 season.

Haynes added that a team acquiring Davis would likely have to sign him to a contract extension. That would involve significant risk, considering the big man’s injury history. He’s currently dealing with a mild right groin strain.

Davis has only appeared in 16 games this season and, outside of his 76 regular season appearances with the Lakers in 2023/24, hasn’t seen action in more than 62 games in a season since 2018/19.

Davis would significantly boost the Hawks’ defense. Atlanta has fallen below .500 at 15-17 during its current five-game slide. The Hawks have allowed 126 or more points in their last seven losses. They have allowed opponents to shoot 47.8% from the field this season, ranking 23rd in the league in that category.

Trade Rumors: Sexton, Wolves, Pelicans, Hawks, Bagley

December 23rd, 2025 at 4:05pm CST by Luke Adams

Although the Hornets are willing to discuss potential trades, they still hope they can contend for a play-in spot and aren’t looking to simply sell off veterans, writes Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link). According to Fischer, veteran guard Collin Sexton and his expiring $19MM contract looks like Charlotte’s most logical trade candidate.

Minnesota is one team that has done its homework on Sexton, Fischer says, explaining that the Timberwolves appear to be trying to get a sense of their range of options at the point guard spot as they seek an upgrade on their current options. While sources tell Fischer that the Wolves are adamant about not including budding star Jaden McDaniels in any deals, rival executives suspect the back-to-back conference finalists will be more aggressive on the trade market than most other Western contenders.

As Fischer explains, teams like the Thunder, Nuggets, Rockets, and Spurs aren’t considered likely to make in-season splashes, so the only other club currently in the top six of the West that figures to be actively seeking meaningful upgrades is the Lakers. And it remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to acquire the sort of three-and-D player they’d love to add.

Here are a few more NBA trade rumors:

As coveted as Pelicans forward Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III are, sources believe they’re unlikely to be moved at the trade deadline, writes Brett Siegel of Clutch Points. Rival scouts view Jose Alvarado, Saddiq Bey, Jordan Hawkins, and Jordan Poole as New Orleans’ more likely trade candidates, in that order, per Siegel.
Although the Hawks have checked in on Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, there has been no momentum in those talks and there’s a sense that Atlanta is more likely to target a lower-salary replacement if the team builds a deal around Kristaps Porzingis‘ expiring contract ahead of the deadline, says Siegel. One hypothetical proposal put forth by league personnel would see the Hawks target a package like Nikola Vucevic and Coby White from the Bulls, though there’s no indication that the two teams have explored that sort of trade, Siegel clarifies, noting that it’s just an example of the type of move that would likely appeal more to Atlanta than going after someone like Davis.
Siegel singles out Wizards big man Marvin Bagley III as a player to watch ahead of the deadline, writing that he has begun generating interest from teams looking to fortify their frontcourts.

Hawks Notes: Young, Porzingis, Draft, Jones

December 18th, 2025 at 10:14am CST by Luke Adams

Rival executives who have spoken to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype believe that Hawks guard Trae Young may end up having to exercise his $49MM player option for the 2026/27 season.

Young has the ability to reach unrestricted free agency by declining that option next summer. He could also sign an extension with the Hawks at any time that eliminates the option and replaces it with a new contract. However, Atlanta hasn’t pursued a deal with Young to this point and the veteran point guard has been limited to five appearances so far this season due to a knee injury.

Young appears to be on the verge of returning to action, and the Hawks are looking forward to seeing him play with the current group to assess what they have, Scotto writes. A strong finish to the season would put the 27-year-old in a better position to opt out next summer in search of a long-term deal.

Here’s more on the Hawks:

Although his availability has been inconsistent due to ongoing health issues, Kristaps Porzingis is still considered a valuable trade chip due to his $30.7MM expiring contract, according to Scotto, who confirms that Atlanta is expected to gauge the market for Porzingis in search of a possible upgrade. The Hawks reportedly have an eye on Anthony Davis, but their interest is described as “exploratory,” as we relayed earlier today.
If no appealing options materialize on the trade market, the Hawks would be content to continue developing their young core this season and adding to that core in June with what figures to be a high draft pick, Scotto writes. Confirming previous reporting from Jake Fischer, Scotto adds that Atlanta isn’t expected to seriously consider moving that 2026 first-rounder, which will be the most favorable of the Pelicans’ and Bucks’ picks.
Lester Jones, who formerly served as the Hawks’ senior vice president of financial planning and analysis, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one federal count of wire fraud, writes Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. Prosecutors said that Jones embezzled $3.8MM from the team and attempted to cover it up by falsifying financial reports and faking emails. He’s scheduled to be sentenced in March.

Raptors Rumors: Poeltl, Davis, Gafford, Bitadze, Sabonis, More

December 16th, 2025 at 12:15pm CST by Luke Adams

The Raptors have signaled to potential trade partners that they’re interested in upgrading their frontcourt, but they’re not looking to part with current center Jakob Poeltl in a potential deal, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).

Poeltl, who signed an extension in the offseason and will become trade-eligible on January 7, has struggled to perform at his usual level this fall — his 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game are his lowest marks since 2020/21, and his on/off numbers haven’t been nearly as strong as in the past. He has been battling a nagging back issue, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca (Twitter video link), who confirmed during a TV appearance that Toronto would ideally like to add more frontcourt depth while hanging onto Poeltl.

Whether the Raptors look to add a minor depth piece or are prepared to roll the dice on a higher-impact (and higher-salary) player could come down to how they perform in the coming weeks, leading up to the February 5 trade deadline, Fischer writes.

According to Fischer, the Raptors and Hawks are viewed as the teams that have had the most interest in Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, with Atlanta viewed as a longer shot due to the fact that Dallas likely wouldn’t have much interest in Trae Young or Kristaps Porzingis as the centerpiece of a deal. The Hawks also have “zero intention” of including their valuable 2026 first-round pick (the most favorable of the Bucks’ and Pelicans’ selections) in an offer, Fischer adds.

While that could open up the door for the Raptors to become the frontrunner for Davis, Lewenberg – echoing earlier reporting from Michael Grange – suggests Toronto may have more interest in another Mavs big man, Daniel Gafford, and have “already checked in” on Gafford. Like Grange, Lewenberg also mentions Magic center Goga Bitadze as a possible target for the Raptors.

If the Raptors do aim higher, Davis isn’t their only potential target. Fischer hears from sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking that Toronto also has some interest in Kings center Domantas Sabonis, and adds that the Raptors would likely be among the teams inquiring on Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo if he ends up on the trade block.

Here’s more on the Raptors:

According to Lewenberg, the odds of the Raptors making an in-season deal are “pretty high.” Besides seeking frontcourt help, the team would also like to avoid being a taxpayer, Lewenberg explains. Toronto is currently operating over the tax line by less than $1MM.
If the Raptors make a “smaller-scale type of deal,” swingmen like Ochai Agbaji and Gradey Dick would be probable trade candidates, per Lewenberg, who notes that the club has a logjam on the wing.
Lewenberg also points out that the Raptors have all their future first-round picks available if they decide to take a bigger swing on the trade market. The only future pick Toronto has traded away is its 2031 second-rounder (the club also owes its 2026 second-rounder to Indiana, but it’s top-55 protected, so it’s unlikely to change hands).