NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets Top 3 Trade Targets!

 

The Houston Rockets are expected to be active in the upcoming NBA offseason as they continue to rebuild their team. In this article, we will take a closer look at three potential trade targets for the Rockets in 2023.

First on the list is RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks. Despite being a talented player, Barrett has struggled to reach his potential in New York due to the team's crowded backcourt. With Houston, he could have more opportunities to develop his skills as a player and provide the Rockets with a versatile option at small forward. Additionally, his playmaking ability could benefit the team's young guards, Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., by allowing them to play off the ball more efficiently.

The Rockets' struggles with turnovers and ball security have been well-documented, making Tyus Jones of the Memphis Grizzlies a valuable addition to the team. Jones has consistently ranked among the league's leaders in assist-to-turnover ratio and would provide a stabilizing force for Houston's offense. He is also a solid two-way player with the ability to shoot from beyond the arc and play solid defense.

Finally, the Rockets could consider making a move for Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While it is uncertain whether the Timberwolves would be willing to part ways with their star center, Towns is undoubtedly a talented player who could improve the Rockets' roster from a talent perspective. A potential trade package involving Jalen Green could be explored, though the fit between Towns and the Rockets' other young guard, Kevin Porter Jr., is uncertain.

In conclusion, the Rockets will likely explore multiple options in the 2023 NBA offseason as they continue to rebuild their team. Adding players like RJ Barrett, Tyus Jones, or Karl-Anthony Towns could provide valuable contributions to the team's development and success in the future. It remains to be seen which moves the Rockets will make, but these three players are definitely worth considering.

NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland superstar is still aiming to join the Knicks in the future?

 Last summer, the New York Knicks attempted to acquire Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz but finished second in their pursuit behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite this, the Knicks managed to best the Cavs in their first-round playoff series in five games. However, there are rumors that the Mitchell-Knicks story may not be over yet.

According to a recent report, there is still a strong sentiment that Mitchell wants to be in New York. If this is true, it could change the narrative for both the Cavs and the Knicks heading into the offseason. However, Mitchell is still under contract with Cleveland for the next two seasons, so he will likely have to wait until the 2025 offseason if he wants to join the Knicks.

For the Knicks, if Mitchell truly wants to play for them, they may be more selective when it comes to acquiring a star player this offseason. They may be willing to be more patient, knowing that Mitchell wants to join them eventually. On the other hand, the Cavs may feel pressure to be more aggressive during the offseason to keep Mitchell in Cleveland.

It's important to keep in mind that this report is just whispers, and things can change quickly in the NBA. Winning can also change a player's mindset. If the Cavs become a strong contender in the Eastern Conference next season, Mitchell may change his tune about leaving.

At this point, there is nothing concrete to act on, and the Knicks are focusing on their upcoming Eastern Conference semifinals. The Cavs, on the other hand, are looking to fill holes in their roster during the offseason.

NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks, Nets and Heat are ready to make a TRADE OFFER to Timberwolves for Anthony-Towns?

 

There are rumors that the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring star big man Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to an NBA source, the interest is mutual and to some people, it's more a matter of when the Knicks will go after him, not if. However, they won't be alone as the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, and Indiana Pacers are also potential suitors for Towns.

One Eastern Conference executive thinks that the Knicks would be a good fit for Towns. He believes that Towns can still be sold high despite a not-so-great year, considering that he's still young and under contract until 2027-28. The Knicks have connections to Towns, as he's from New Jersey and has a base there. It's also a good mix personnel-wise, which makes it a logical fit.

However, it might be hasty for the Timberwolves to deal Towns only one year into the Rudy Gobert experiment. They don't have to rush into a decision unless Towns decides to force a deal. But if the current roster can't get past the first round of the postseason, it's time to take a longer look at which players the team wants to build around. Anthony Edwards is already a star, and he's only 21, which puts him on a different timeline than Towns. He's the future in Minnesota, and at some point, he'll be the player whom the team will build around.

A Towns trade could eventually make sense, especially if Minnesota can recoup some of the draft picks from the Gobert trade or bring aboard younger players such as Knicks wing RJ Barrett and/or guard Immanuel Quickley. An Eastern Conference executive mulled over the potential compensation the Timberwolves could get in return. He mentioned that they could start with R.J. Barrett, but they can also send Obi Toppin, Quentin Grimes, and Miles McBride. Minnesota might be a better team by putting it all on Edwards and getting the right pieces from that mix.

It's an interesting framework for both sides. A core of Towns, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and a number of two-way players around them would make sense. The Wolves could build around players like Edwards, Barrett, Toppin, and perhaps Quickley. However, it's unlikely that it will happen this offseason, but it could be something worth monitoring down the line.

NBA Trade Rumors: Detroit Pistons Top 3 Trade Targets!

The Detroit Pistons, who finished the 2022-23 NBA season with the worst record in the league, are expected to be active during the upcoming offseason. Here are three potential trade targets they could pursue:

Kyle Anderson: The Pistons had a surplus of young, athletic players last season, but they lacked skill and decision-making. Kyle Anderson, who was among the best free-agent signings last offseason, could bring patience and poise to balance out their youthful roster. Anderson's future with the Minnesota Timberwolves is uncertain after a recent altercation with Rudy Gobert, and if he angles for an exit, Detroit could be a potential landing spot.

John Collins: The Pistons have a frontcourt logjam, with several players vying for two spots. Trading for John Collins could consolidate their talent into one player, and he could be a good fit alongside James Wiseman or Jalen Duren. The Atlanta Hawks and Collins may decide to stick it out, but it's clear that his days with the team are numbered, and a trade could benefit both parties.

Tobias Harris: The Philadelphia 76ers' Tobias Harris has been the subject of trade rumors for some time, and his contract has hindered the team's ability to add depth around Joel Embiid. With Harris approaching the last season of his deal, the Sixers could look to trade him for depth pieces, and the Pistons could be a potential trade partner. Detroit could attach draft-pick compensation and try to acquire Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, and a backup center behind Isaiah Stewart.

The Pistons have a young core led by Cade Cunningham, and adding experienced players could help balance their roster. While these three players may not be the only trade targets for Detroit, they could be good options to pursue during the offseason.

NBA Trade Rumors: Dallas Mavericks Top 3 TRADE Targets!

 

The Dallas Mavericks are seeking to bolster their roster and support their star player, Luka Doncic. Here are three players that could potentially fill their needs in the 2023 NBA offseason.

Terry Rozier

First up is Terry Rozier, the veteran guard from the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier could provide the two-way impact that the Mavericks have been missing in their backcourt. He is a volume scorer and a solid defender, having averaged 20.2 points per game over the past few seasons while shooting 36.5 percent from deep. At 29 years old, Rozier is in his prime and could still stick around in Dallas for a few seasons. He is under contract until the 2025-26 season, and the Mavericks could trade Tim Hardaway Jr. or Davis Bertans to the Hornets in exchange for Rozier.

Immanuel Quickley

Another player who could potentially provide a two-way impact in the Mavericks' backcourt is Immanuel Quickley from the New York Knicks. Although he hasn't proven himself to be a consistent volume scorer throughout the season, Quickley has scored at least 20 points in 20 games this season and has scored at least 30 points four times. With a backcourt logjam and unlikely to usurp Jalen Brunson as the starting point guard, the Knicks could entertain a trade offer for Quickley, especially since he will be entering the final year of his contract in 2023-24. Quickley is a player that the Knicks could potentially trade for Dallas' pick in the upcoming draft.

Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks from the Memphis Grizzlies is another potential target for the Mavericks. Brooks is a primary wing defender and could bring a level of toughness and defensive intensity to the team that they currently lack. However, he is also hit or miss on some nights on the offensive end. Brooks averaged 14 points and three rebounds per game on 39 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent shooting from 3-point range. Brooks will likely re-sign with the Grizzlies, but the Mavericks should be on the lookout just in case he becomes available in free agency or if Memphis is willing to trade him.

NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks is the team that Damian Lillard wants to be TRADED to?

 

The buzz around a possible Damian Lillard-to-Nets trade was shut down after the NBA star's recent courtside appearance. Despite fans' excitement over the possibility of a three-team trade between the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that Lillard was simply in New York to work on his new album. He also tried to attend the Knicks-Cavaliers game but couldn't get tickets, Haynes added. There's nothing more to it.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have been named the top team to lure Lillard away from Portland, according to oddsmaker Adam Thompson. The Knicks are searching for an established superstar to join their team and elevate their status in the Eastern Conference. Though Lillard has been with the Blazers since he entered the league in 2012, his loyalty to the team has been questioned due to their lack of success and long-term plan. Lillard turns 33 in July and is considered one of the most accomplished players without an NBA title ring.

Despite Portland's struggles, Lillard had an outstanding season, with personal-best averages of 32.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, and winning the NBA's 3-Point Contest during the All-Star break. Lillard has previously expressed his desire to remain with the Blazers, but the Knicks' building team could be too tempting to pass up.

It remains to be seen whether the Knicks will make a play for Lillard, but the possibility of the star point guard joining the team has already generated buzz among fans. For now, however, Lillard's recent courtside appearance at the Nets game is nothing more than a coincidence, and fans will have to wait and see where he ends up next season.

NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls top trade targets!

 

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly eyeing several potential trade targets this 2023 offseason, including P.J. Washington, Jakob Poetl, and Deni Avdija. While it might make sense for the team to consider resetting and protecting their top-four-protected pick owed to the Magic, there is nothing to suggest that the Bulls are ready to take this plunge.

Assuming Chicago is committed to their current nucleus, they should focus on adding size, versatility, and defense to their frontcourt. Washington, who can play either the 4 or 5, or Crowder, who can play between the 3 and 4, could be good fits. Avdija, who is primarily a 3 but can move up or down a spot, offers a blend of defense and playmaking, but he is the worst shooter of the three.

The Bulls should reopen communication lines for a trade involving Jakob Poeltl, whom they explored last season. Poeltl could be a much better fit for the team than their current center, Nikola Vučević. While Vučević might be a better scorer and shooter, his production gets limited due to his place behind DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the offensive pecking order.

Poeltl, on the other hand, shines on defense as an elite paint protector and a capable switcher on the perimeter. Unlike Vučević, Poeltl's strengths would not be masked in Chicago, and he could help the team become a more formidable defensive unit.

Although the Bulls have been competitive this season, their frontcourt could still use some reinforcements, and targeting players like Washington, Crowder, Avdija, or Poeltl could help them achieve this goal. If the team decides to stay the course with their current roster, adding pieces that fit well with their existing talent could lead to more success in the future.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Bulls will pull the trigger on any of these potential trades or if they will continue to explore other options as they aim to take the next step in their rebuilding process.

NBA Trade Rumors: Charlotte Hornets potential Trade Targets!

 

The Charlotte Hornets have been successful in tanking this season, and they should continue to embrace their position at the bottom of the league. Their goal should be to trade out as many veterans as possible for long-term assets to develop alongside LaMelo Ball. The team needs to cast a wide net for hidden gems, with draft picks as a starting point.

The Hornets landed a superstar in Ball in the 2020 draft, but they lack building blocks beyond him. With P.J. Washington's upcoming restricted free agency, it makes sense to look for hidden gems. Buying low on young bigs James Wiseman or Mo Bamba could be a stroke of genius if either one can solve the franchise's longstanding issues at the center position.

The Hornets finished 29th in three-point accuracy this past season, and their center rotation was mainly composed of Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Thus, adding stretch everywhere else on the floor is doubly important. LaMelo Ball's long-range shooting ability proved that he can provide tons of volume from distance. However, his primary facilitator role would be made easier if defenses have to stay hugged up on dangerous shooters and can't pack the lane.

The team's need for shooting will intensify if P.J. Washington walks, and Miles Bridges' potential return to the team next year looms large. Among Charlotte's top 10 players in total three-point attempts, only Washington and Ball shot better than 32.5 percent from beyond the arc. Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks and Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers could be targets for the Hornets to acquire.

The Hornets have been quiet this season, and with LaMelo Ball injured, the offense has struggled. The team needs to be cautious about sacrificing too much talent, but they should also be selective in buying players that fit Ball's timeline. James Wiseman, drafted one spot ahead of Ball in 2020, could be a perfect fit for the Hornets. While Wiseman is currently rough around the edges, the Hornets can endure his growing pains in hopes he'll eventually maximize the impact of his size, athleticism, and flashes of high-level offensive skill.

NBA Trade Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Potential Trade Targets!

 

The San Antonio Spurs face a critical off-season, as they lack the promising cornerstone needed to compete with the rebuilding teams. While the addition of Victor Wembanyama through the draft could change this, the Spurs should also focus on trading for high-ceiling prospects. This may involve packaging Keldon Johnson to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for their 2023 first-round pick, potentially within the top five. While Johnson has value as a solid starter, a top-five pick would likely yield someone with more potential.

Alternatively, the Spurs could explore the Dallas Mavericks' interest in Jeremy Sochan's immense defensive potential. While the Mavericks' 2023 first-round pick alone is likely to be number ten, which isn't enough value for Sochan, combining it with future seconds or Jaden Hardy could make it an attractive option for the Spurs. This move could help the team keep pace with other up-and-coming teams, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, and Charlotte Hornets, who all have their potential superstars.

In preparation for the future, the Spurs have been jettisoning notable veterans in recent seasons, making Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson, and Doug McDermott all natural trade candidates. While all three players possess some win-now qualities, they are not ideal for a long-term rebuild, and trading them for valuable draft picks could be a wise move.

Aside from draft picks, the Spurs should also be on the lookout for young talent. Patrick Williams, from the Chicago Bulls, could become available if they become impatient and seek more plug-and-play help. Additionally, Jaden Springer, who has only played 17 minutes for the Philadelphia 76ers since being chosen as the 28th pick in the 2021 draft, could be an excellent acquisition for the Spurs.

NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto has put Anunoby and Siakam in the TRADE BLOCK?

 

According to a league executive and a league source, the Toronto Raptors are expected to make some changes to their roster during the offseason. The team may look to trade away some of their assets, with O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam listed as potential candidates.

The Raptors had high expectations coming into the 2022-23 season after finishing the previous season with a 48-34 record. However, their campaign ended with a disappointing 41-41 record, inconsistency, and a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Their season came to a fitting end after they blew a 19-point lead to the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament game.

The future of the team is uncertain, with VanVleet having a player option for 2023-24, and head coach Nick Nurse's future with the team yet to be decided. There are rumors that Nurse may be leaving the team, and the departure of VanVleet could signal a rebuild centered around Scottie Barnes, who was the 2021-22 Rookie of the Year.

Trading Siakam and Anunoby could help the team gain additional draft picks or young players to accelerate the rebuilding process and bring the team back into contention in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors will likely be one of the teams to watch in the early portion of the offseason, just like during the trade deadline.

NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto superstars top 3 potential suitors!

 

Here are the top 3 teams that should try to trade for OG this offseason!

Charlotte Hornets
OG Anunoby of the Toronto Raptors is known for being one of the league's top defenders and a reliable scoring option, averaging 17.1 points per game in the past two seasons. With a larger role, he could become a consistent 20-point scorer. Anunoby's efficiency from 3 is a significant draw for the Hornets, as he has made 38.6 percent of his threes over the past four seasons while maintaining a 47.6 field goal percentage. Additionally, he is an explosive player above the rim. Defensively, Anunoby shines as an elite on-ball defender with positional versatility. The Hornets may consider trading Terry Rozier to acquire Anunoby and re-signing Oubre to form a three-man group with Ball, Oubre, and Anunoby, with the potential to dominate both offensively and defensively.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers would receive O.G. Anunoby and Precious Achiuwa, while the Toronto Raptors would receive Anfernee Simons and a 2025 first-round pick that is top-4 protected. Portland's addition of Anunoby, who ranks third in the league in Defensive Estimated Plus/Minus, would help rebalance their roster, which is currently struggling defensively. Precious Achiuwa, with his physical tools, has the potential to become a versatile two-way player.

Memphis Grizzlies

Toronto may hold out on trading Anunoby until they can find a young player who can fill the same role, thus making the deal more appealing. In the offseason, Bleacher Report predicted that Toronto could trade Anunoby to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for draft capital, a new backup point guard, and a young prospect who could become a rotation player. A recent trade that sent Anunoby to Memphis saw the Raptors receiving Ziaire Williams, PG Tyus Jones, and two first-round picks in 2023 and 2025 (top-3 protected) along with a second-round pick in 2024 via TOR.

Overall, Anunoby is a highly coveted player in the NBA due to his reliable scoring, efficiency from 3, and elite on-ball defense. Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and the Portland Trail Blazers are looking to bolster their roster with Anunoby, who could cost at least $30 million in his next deal. Toronto is currently in a position of strength with Anunoby, who they may hold onto until the right trade opportunity presents itself.

NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown Top 3 Potential Trade Suitors!

Here are the top 3 potential destination of Jaylen Brown.

#1 Houston Rockets

 The Houston Rockets are reportedly interested in signing Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Brown is a crucial player for the Celtics and is having a career year, averaging 26.7 points per game. He has a $30.7 million contract for the 2023-24 season and will become an unrestricted free agent after that. The Rockets may want to make Brown the face of their team, but it remains to be seen if they can convince him to move.

#2 Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have also been linked to Brown in trade rumors, although some feel that it would be unfair to have such a talented player join an already successful team. The Warriors would need to find a way to make the money work to make the trade happen.

#3 Atlanta Hawks

Another potential destination for Brown could be the Atlanta Hawks. In a proposed trade scenario, the Hawks would send Dejounte Murray, John Collins, and a future first-round pick to the Celtics for Brown and Payton Pritchard. This trade would make sense for both teams, as the Hawks could use Brown's scoring ability and the Celtics could benefit from Murray's playmaking skills and Collins' size.

It's unclear whether Brown is interested in leaving the Celtics, but if he does, he will have no shortage of suitors. As a young player in his prime, he has the potential to be a franchise-altering acquisition for any team that is able to sign him.

NBA Trade Rumor: Atlanta Hawks superstar top 3 potential destination this offseason!

 The Atlanta Hawks have been in the news as NBA trade rumors suggest that the team is exploring potential trades for their young superstar Trae Young. Jared Weiss of The Athletic suggests that the Hawks may begin exploring trades for Young this offseason. This could result in another chaotic offseason for the Hawks, who would be at the center of the offseason madness. With the number of changes made to the front office structure and the search for a new head coach, it appears that roster changes could be next on the docket.

Although it may seem outlandish that the Hawks would trade their 24-year-old superstar, Trae Young, it could be a smart move to help the team jump-start whatever changes they want to make. Despite any internal concerns the Hawks may have with Young, his trade market would be colossal, and the Hawks would likely be able to recoup multiple future first-round draft picks along with some young talent in exchange for him on the open market.

#1. Lakers

There are several potential destinations for Trae Young if he were to be traded. One of the top destinations is the Los Angeles Lakers, who could offer a deal around their future 1st round pick, D'angelo Russell and Jared Vanderbilt. Although it may not seem likely, this deal could be beneficial for both teams, with the Hawks getting a fresh start, and the Lakers adding a big three of Young, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James to catapult them to contender status.

#2 Knicks

Another possible destination for Young is the New York Knicks, who have the assets to make a trade. R.J. Barrett or Julius Randle could be included in the trade as matching salary, and Jalen Brunson, who has played alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas, could be a potential addition. Defense is a concern, but Young and Brunson could make it work offensively. However, the price could be an issue for the Knicks, who are loaded with draft picks.

#3 Heat

Another potential destination for Trae Young if he were to be traded is the Miami Heat. The Heat have been in search of a star point guard to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, and Young could fit that role perfectly. Miami has some interesting trade assets, including Tyler Herro, that could entice the Hawks into making a deal. However, it remains to be seen if the Heat are willing to part ways with their young assets and future draft picks for a player like Young. Nonetheless, if the trade were to happen, it could make the Heat an even stronger contender in the Eastern Conference.

It is unclear whether the Hawks will trade Young this offseason or keep him as their franchise player. Nonetheless, it is clear that the Hawks are looking to make big changes to their roster. With a young superstar like Trae Young, the Hawks have an opportunity to make a significant trade and receive valuable assets that could help them build a stronger team in the future. The next few months will be interesting as the Hawks weigh their options and make decisions that could impact their future success.

NBA Controversy: How crazy is Memphis superstar Ja Morant?

In Memphis last summer, several incidents allegedly involving Memphis Grizzlies basketball star Ja Morant were mishandled by police, according to a Washington Post report. In one incident, a 17-year-old basketball player alleged that Morant punched him repeatedly during a fight on a basketball court. Despite the seriousness of the accusation, police failed to interview any witnesses or Morant's best friend who also allegedly punched the teenager. By October 2020, prosecutors quietly shelved the case due to a lack of evidence.

In two other incidents, police reportedly neglected to interview key witnesses or follow up on leads. One involved a shoe salesman who reported being threatened by Morant, while another involved an associate of Morant's allegedly threatening teenagers at a high school volleyball game. In both cases, police reportedly failed to follow up adequately or identify suspects.

The shoe salesman, Givon Busby, alleged that Morant threatened him and left him cowering in the back of the store for nearly an hour. However, police did not list Morant as a suspect and recorded his mother's name as "unknown," shielding both from public scrutiny.

In another incident, the 17-year-old basketball player, Joshua Holloway, said he had idolized Morant, but the star attacked him after he threw a ball that hit him in the chin. Holloway said Morant kept hitting him even after he fell to the ground. He filed a lawsuit against Morant and his friend, Davonte Pack, in September 2020. Morant and Pack's lawyers called the lawsuit a "shakedown."

In all three incidents, police in multiple departments allegedly failed to ask basic questions or interview key witnesses, and didn't follow up with alleged victims. The mishandling of the cases raises questions about the culture of police departments in Memphis and how they handle cases involving high-profile individuals.

NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic TOP 3 potential next team!

 

The Dallas Mavericks are having a rough season, and after their latest loss, rumors have surfaced about the possibility of Luka Dončić asking for a trade. While Luka hasn't given any indication that he wants out, if he did, several NBA teams would be interested in acquiring him. Here are the top three potential destinations for the superstar.

Oklahoma City Thunder

If the Mavericks were to trade Luka, they would likely demand at least one or two young players, salary filler, and a combination of first-round picks and swaps. The Oklahoma City Thunder could meet these requirements, and they may be able to do it without including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In this scenario, OKC could offer a prime package of picks, Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and Luguentz Dort as the salary filler, with Jalen Williams as another possible addition to the framework. While the roster would be thin, a backcourt of Luka and SGA would be a formidable force in the Western Conference.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have a plethora of future draft picks, and they could try to lure Luka to the Big Apple with a package similar to what they offered the Jazz for Donovan Mitchell. New York could offer multiple draft picks, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes to the Mavericks. Luka would be reunited with former teammate Jalen Brunson, and he would have a dynamic rim protector in Mitchell Robinson, assuming Dallas doesn't insist on him being in the deal. However, the Knicks may need to find another team for Julius Randle, given the amount of ball-handling in the lineup at that point.

Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James and the Lakers have struggled with the lack of consistent availability of Anthony Davis. The Lakers have been frustrated with Davis's lack of accountability and the pressure being put on James to play too many minutes. Pursuing Davis would provide a defensive anchor to cover up Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on that end of the floor. According to NBA sources, the Dallas Mavericks and Anthony Davis may be a potential trade scenario to keep an eye on. While it remains to be seen whether the Lakers could land Luka, it's clear they would be interested in acquiring him if the opportunity arose.

It's too early to say whether Luka will demand a trade from the Mavericks, but if he does, he will undoubtedly have no shortage of suitors across the league.

NBA Trade Rumors: Houston Rockets wants Boston superstar!

 The Houston Rockets are expected to add a major talent to their team in the near future, with a projected $72.6 million in cap space for the 2023-24 season. However, it's unclear whether this will still be James Harden, who has been linked to the Rockets but recently admitted to having an Achilles injury at 33 years old. Despite this, it's the addition of Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown that is far more intriguing than the former face of the Rockets franchise.

Brown has seemed disgruntled in Boston as of late, with rumors persisting that the Celtics are looking to trade him. He has reportedly received racial epithets from his own team's fans, and even called up teammate Jayson Tatum to ask if Tatum was angling for Kevin Durant to be his running mate instead of him. Brown will become a free agent in 2024, which may be why the Celtics would entertain a trade involving him.

Should Brown be named to an All-NBA team, which he has a fair chance of making, he would be eligible for a supermax contract. Even if he doesn't, the Celtics haven't shown enough commitment to him to suggest that they will reach an extension agreement this offseason. Brown, 26, has entered his prime, and is currently in the midst of a career year, averaging 26.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.

Brown is in a winning environment with all the responsibility a star player can handle. His Celtics were two wins away from the NBA championship in 2022, and see few peers in the Eastern Conference getting in their way this year. However, if Houston wants to acquire Brown, they would likely have to offer him a boatload of money and re-tool their roster to appeal to his thirst for a championship, as the Rockets have been at the bottom of the standings for the past three years. The situation remains complex, but the Rockets' cap space gives them a fighting chance to land a major talent like Brown.