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The upcoming Feb. 7 NBA Trade Deadline has seen former Portland Trail Blazers players Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews mentioned in trade rumors. Let’s check in on them and other ex-Blazers around the league:
Robin Lopez drama in Chicago
It appears things between Robin Lopez and the Chicago Bulls have reached a boiling point. Chicago refuses to give Lopez a buyout so he would be free to sign elsewhere; he would head to the Golden State Warriors if given the chance, per Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes:
If the Bulls were to change course and reach a buyout agreement with Lopez, the Golden State Warriors would be his next destination, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Instead, the Bulls are seeking at least a second-round pick in exchange for Lopez’s expiring deal, per ESPN’s Malika Andrews:
The Bulls are working to get at least a second-round pick in a trade for Lopez and his $14 million expiring contract, league sources said. So far, there have been no discussions of a contract buyout, league sources said. If teams sense that Lopez could be bought out and become a free agent, there’s less of an incentive for a team to give up an asset to acquire him prior to the deadline in a trade.
Andrews’ report came as Lopez and Kris Dunn engaged in a heated exchange during a Bulls practice Monday.
Wesley Matthews mentioned in Smith Jr. trade packages
The Dallas Mavericks are actively trying to find a new home for point guard Dennis Smith Jr. Among possible trade scenarios, a package including Wesley Matthews has at least been discussed by Dallas, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Dallas has also searched for deals that would include veteran Wes Matthews, who is making $18.6 million in the final year of his contract, league sources said.
Lighter news and notes
- Matthews has offered support for Mavs guard JJ Barea after news of the latter’s recently torn Achilles, an injury that Matthews suffered while with Portland, writes Dwain Price of Mavs.com.
- Nicolas Batum provided support for friend and teammate Tony Parker as the former Spurs point guard made an emotional return to San Antonio, details Jabari Young of The Athletic.
- Pat Connaughton and Giannis Antetokounmpo wagered a public bet against Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
- The Nets are raving about Ed Davis’ leadership, especially with young big man Jarrett Allen.