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The NBA Trade Deadline on Feb. 7 is fast approaching. Teams with a chance of making the playoffs are exploring options to bolster their rosters, while teams seeking better draft position are looking to cash in on their assets. Let’s check in on the latest rumors dominating conversation around the league:
Dennis Smith Jr. on the outs with the Dallas Mavericks
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi reported Monday night that the Mavs have ramped up their efforts in finding a new home for second-year guard Dennis Smith Jr. Wojnarowski mentioned both the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic as potential landing spots...
The Dallas Mavericks are escalating discussions to find a trade for point guard Dennis Smith Jr., league sources tell ESPN. Phoenix and Orlando have engaged in ongoing talks with Mavs. Smith Jr., has sat out three straight games with what team has termed a sore back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 15, 2019
...yet Phoenix radio host John Gambadoro says the Suns are not interested:
The Suns have NO interest in Dennis Smith Jr from Dallas. There is nothing to any report suggesting the Suns have had any conversations with Dallas about him.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 15, 2019
“Whisper” of the end for Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies?
Marc Stein of the New York Times reported Monday night that a “whisper” has circulated about the Grizzlies being proactive and trading Marc Gasol before he possibly opts out of his player option this summer, which would see the big man leave Memphis for nothing:
One whisper making the rounds: Marc Gasol can become a free agent at season's and, amid a growing belief around the league that he will indeed exercise that option, Memphis could be moved to explore trading Gasol now rather than face the threat of losing him without compensation
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2019
Sacramento Kings join group of potential Jeremy Lin suitors
NYT’s Marc Stein revealed Tuesday that the Kings are also among the teams with initial interest in trading for Hawks guard Jeremy Lin:
Sacramento is among the teams that have expressed exploratory trade interest in Hawks guard Jeremy Lin, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2019
Lin isn’t the only Hawk available for trade, either, Stein said:
The Hawks are known to have made the veteran point guard Lin, big man Dewayne Dedmon and swingman Kent Bazemore available in advance of the Feb. 7 trade deadline in search of more draft picks.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 15, 2019
News of the Kings’ interest in Lin comes after a report last week by Sean Deveney of the Sporitng News that the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans were also interested in Lin.
Last summer’s extensions now eligible for trade
Several big-name players that signed extensions last summer are now eligible to be traded. This list includes the Blazers’ Jusuf Nurkic:
The below players are now trade eligible. https://t.co/QlmyWAAs7Y
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 15, 2019
For trade rumors involving former Blazers Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews, click here.