NBA Trade Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 18 at Noon Pacific Time
The NBA Trade Deadline is just about here! While the trade window closes at Noon Thursday, please keep in mind that it's very common for last-minute trades to be approved by the NBA, but not reported by the media until sometime between Noon and 1pm.
As we approach zero hour, all is quiet from the Blazers. Here is the most recent news from the trade world. For a recap of the situation, here is Dave Deckard's trade deadline primer for the Blazers.
Rumors:
Update: 7:25am: Boston is reportedly unwilling to pay up to "rent" top tiered big men this season, including Atlanta's Al Horford and Houston's Dwight Howard. Both Horford and Howard are free agents at the end of this season.
Update 6:15am: Utah and Houston are in serious talks for a trade involving Ty Lawson. Lawson, who hasn't been a good fit in Houston, may provide some backcourt relief for the Jazz in their second-half push for the postseason. However, if Houston can't move Lawson at the deadline, the Rockets may simply wave Lawson.
ESPN sources say Rockets, if Ty Lawson trade talks with Utah were to collapse, would strongly consider waiving Lawson if they can't move him
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016
Update 6:00am: Chicago's Pau Gasol could be on the move prior to Thursday's Noon trade deadline. According to a variety of sources, Gasol, 35, may be an answer to getting the Kings to the postseason. This story comes on the heels of Kings GM Vlade Divac firing assistant Vance Walberg.
The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly calling teams about recent draft pick Jahlil Okafor. A while back, Blazer's Edge discussed the possibility of Portland acquiring him. However, this last-minute development is still somewhat unexpected, with any movement pretty unlikely.
ESPN sources say Sixers indeed have listened to pitches this week but NOT looking to trade any of their bigs unless it's a motherlode offer
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2016
In the "not exactly surprising" department, Houston is reportedly making a major push to move Dwight Howard. There are conflicting reports about Howard's happiness, but all reports seem to agree that Dwight and James Harden simply cannot co-exist, and that Howard is likely to opt out of his contract after the season regardless of the the jersey he's donning. As such, teams do not seem to be making overwhelming offers.
Completed Trades:
Memphis Grizzlies receive: Chris Anderson (Heat), PJ Hairston (Hornets), four possible second round picks
Charlotte Hornets receive: Courtney Lee (Grizz)
Miami Heat receive: Brian Robets (Grizz)
Details via RealGM
Detroit Pistons receive: Tobias Harris
Orlando Magic receive: Brandon Jennings, Ersan Ilyasova
Details via HoopsRumors