The NBA’s trade deadline eve is upon us, and the talks involving buyers and sellers are at an all-time high. More and more names and contracts are being thrown into the conversation, and we’re finding out which players are more than likely the switch uniforms.
The first domino to fall was when the Sacramento Kings sent Marcus Thornton to the Brooklyn Nets in a three-team deal in exchange for Jason Terry and Reggie Evans. The move allowed the Kings to save about $1 million in salary for the 2014-15 season, but mostly it let both sides shed some of their disappointing players
The Nets were previously connected to veteran point guard Jarrett Jack, so this may affect their ability to make that happen. But it has not precluded the Kings from trying to continue dealing.
One player that has just jumped to the forefront of trade talks is Kings guard Isaiah Thomas. The 5-foot-9 crowd favorite is averaging 20.2 points and 6.3 assists per game while shooting almost 57 percent from the field, yet the Kings are shopping him around, ESPN reported.
Thomas will be an restricted free agent after the year and the team does not believe it will be able to ink him, especially given the career year he is enjoying. Sacramento made a play for Rondo, unsuccessfully, but are trying to “sell high” and get as much value as they can for Thomas now.
Most intriguing Sacramento-based deadline story is increasingly loud buzz out there that Isaiah Thomas is available in midst of career year
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2014
Kings moved swiftly today to make it clear Ben McLemore will NOT be dealt this week but strong word in circulation is Thomas CAN be had
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 18, 2014
One player that has caught the fancy of many teams, including the Boston Celtics, is Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz. According to CSN New England, the Celtics are trying to assemble a package to acquire Hayward, one that does not include Rajon Rondo. Though the Jazz have a need at point guard, the report indicates the team doesn’t expect Rondo to sign a long-term deal with the club so it doesn’t make sense to try and bring him in.
Jeff Green is another piece Boston is offering, but the Jazz are not believed to be interested in him either.
Is it also time for a reunion? In an ESPN podcast featuring Chad Ford and Bill Simmons, the point guard-thirsty New York Knicks, who have been connected to Kyle Lowry, Jeff Teague, and Rondo, could look to bring back former Madison Square Garden favorite Jeremy Lin. Either or both Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. would be included in a package for the Houston Rockets, though it’s believed Hardaway is untouchable.
Check out the latest NBA Trade Rumors and Updates with the NBA trade deadline just hours away!
