NBA rumors

According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Toronto Raptors may be approaching a moment of “win-now pressure,” potentially forcing the front office to pursue a high-profile trade.

With the Memphis Grizzlies reportedly open to discussing the future of Ja Morant, league dynamics could push Toronto to seriously explore a deal for the explosive guard. The Raptors have already been linked in the past to several star-level players, including Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Domantas Sabonis.

However, not all options appear realistic. Davis is expected to remain sidelined until after the trade deadline, complicating any potential move. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are reportedly uninterested in taking on the long-term contracts Toronto would need to include in a deal for Sabonis.

Toronto showed its willingness to act aggressively last season by acquiring Brandon Ingram at the trade deadline, and league observers believe a similar all-in approach could resurface if the front office feels the urgency to accelerate its competitive timeline.

Trae Young è passato ai Washington Wizards e iniziano le indiscrezioni sul suo futuro contrattuale.
Per Marc Stein si parla di possibili “rumblings” su un’estensione biennale, dentro un piano legato a taglia e ricostruzione.

Secondo Marc Stein, Washington “cerca apertamente lunghezza e taglia”, un profilo che rende Young non perfetto come fit di lungo periodo.
Allo stesso tempo, sempre Stein riferisce voci su una possibile estensione di due anni già nella capitale.

Young ha una player option da 48,97 milioni per il 2026-27, utile a Washington per centrare il salary floor e aggiungere playmaking.
Nel pezzo si ricorda anche che la riluttanza di Atlanta a estenderlo in estate sarebbe stata il primo domino verso la trade.

Lo scambio ha portato ai Hawks CJ McCollum e Corey Kispert, mentre i Wizards restano in modalità rebuild con record negativo.
Young ha giocato 10 partite (19,3 punti e 8,9 assist) e l’idea è capire se potrà diventare un punto fermo del progetto.

Speaking with Michael Scotto, James Harden reflected on his time with the Brooklyn Nets, a period filled with expectations, setbacks and unanswered questions.

“Some great memories. We had an opportunity to do something special. Me personally, I was injured. That was like the first time in my entire career that I wasn’t able to stay on the court and be effective like I can be and like I am. In that part, it was a little frustrating, but some great experiences for those two years. Obviously, it was Covid, so the world was in a crisis, but this organization has helped me and I appreciate them.”

Harden also addressed the idea that the Nets’ trio with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving represents one of the greatest “what ifs” in NBA history.

James Harden on his Brooklyn Nets tenure: “Some great memories. We had an opportunity to do something special. Me personally, I was injured. That was like the first time in my entire career that I wasn’t able to stay on the court and be effective like I can be and like I am. In… pic.twitter.com/bm7j8Zxg5b

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 10, 2026

“You’ve got that. My whole career — you’ve got two what if situations. OKC, Chris Paul and his hamstring. I don’t even think about that. I’m living in the moment.”

In the wake of growing rumors surrounding a possible departure of Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies, teammate Jaren Jackson Jr. reflected postgame on their bond and the emotional toll of the situation.

“The business of basketball, it takes a toll,” Jackson said. “And I told him too, I think we’ve seen it all. I think we’ve seen so many different things. But, you know, that’s my brother. I’m always feeling for him. Yeah, man. It’s just a tough thing, man. But he showed up to the game, he’s still around. You can understand the mood, something like that. And just, especially with someone like him, who’s just viral for freaking anything, it’s just intense, man.”

Jackson continued:

“We’re all growing up in the public eye, but it’s just intense. I feel for him. That’s my brother. That side of the game plays out like it plays out. No matter what, he changed my life coming here. You know who he is.”

Morant missed the game with a calf contusion, his fourth straight absence, with no clear timetable for his return.

On the court, Memphis blew a 21-point lead against the Oklahoma City Thunder, falling 117–116.

Grizzlies forward GG Jackson also commented:

“I’m not going to say I didn’t expect it, and I’m going to say I was expecting it. I kind of thought things would just mellow over and get back to him being on the floor with us. Right now, I really don’t have no reaction. He still comes in the facility smiling with us, doesn’t let any of the outside noise affect him.”

Via Memphis Commercial Appeal.

Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has seen his on-court role virtually vanish, logging just 10 total minutes since December 6 and sitting out 13 games completely as he approaches trade eligibility on January 15.

Around the league, the Sacramento Kings are considered the leading candidate to land Kuminga. League sources say the two teams held discussions last week and are expected to reopen talks soon.

Kuminga signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract with Golden State this past summer, but his relationship with head coach Steve Kerr has deteriorated to the point where his exclusion from the rotation is now widely viewed as public knowledge.

Any potential deal would likely require a third team, as Golden State has shown little interest in Sacramento’s available veteran players. The Kings previously floated a protected 2030 first-round pick and Malik Monk in a sign-and-trade scenario, but league sources indicate that the first-round pick is no longer on the table.

This shift represents a major loss of leverage for the Warriors. With Kuminga’s reduced role and strained relationship with Kerr increasingly evident, Golden State’s negotiating position has weakened significantly since the summer.

The Warriors continue to maintain that they are willing to keep Kuminga past the February 5 trade deadline if no acceptable offer emerges. However, such an outcome would likely be met with strong dissatisfaction, both internally and among the fan base.

Despite signing a lucrative extension just months ago, Kuminga has been completely removed from the rotation, a situation that underscores the growing disconnect between player and franchise as trade season intensifies, per The Athletic.

Per ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies are listening to potential trade proposals for Ja Morant before Feb. 5.
Rival executives expect Memphis to target draft picks and young players in return.

The Memphis Grizzlies are entertaining offers to potentially move Ja Morant ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, sources told ESPN.
This is the first time Memphis has engaged other teams in trade talks involving Morant, the No. 2 pick in 2019.

Multiple teams are pursuing Morant, and rival executives believe the Grizzlies would prioritize draft picks and young players in a deal.
Morant is under contract through 2027-28 and is eligible for an extension of up to three years and $178 million this summer.

He is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists in 28.3 minutes, with a career-low 40.1% shooting and 20.8% from three.
Morant has played 18 games due to injuries and a one-game suspension, after limited availability in recent seasons because of suspensions and injuries.

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking for a first-round pick in return for Keon Ellis, according to J.L. Edwards III. The report notes that the asking price could shift as the trade deadline approaches, but the current talk is a “late first-rounder.”

From a salary standpoint, Ellis is described as an easy fit for New York, as he is making $2.3 million this season. Within that context, a hypothetical deal is floated: Ellis and Doug McDermott to the Knicks for Yabusele and some second-round picks.

Still, the report stresses that “it takes two to tango.” Yabusele holds a player option for next season, a contract detail Sacramento may not be interested in, keeping the focus on the Kings’ current preference: extracting first-round value for Ellis.

According to league sources cited by J. L. Edwards III, the New York Knicks have shown interest in José Alvarado.
Alvarado is known for applying relentless pressure on ballhandlers and bringing intensity every night.

He’s described as an “infectious” presence, similar in impact and effort to Josh Hart, whose plays energize the entire group.
For New York, Alvarado would fit the team’s defensive-minded, high-motor identity.

Giannis Antetokounmpo firmly dismisses any trade narrative, saying there will never be a moment when he comes out and says, “I want a trade.”
He frames it as a matter of character, not circumstance.

The Bucks star repeats the idea in emphatic terms: “It’s… not… in… my… nature,” making clear he won’t take that public step.
The intent is to close the door on speculation and keep his stance unmistakable.

Antetokounmpo also says he is “invested in this team,” reinforcing his commitment to Milwaukee.
The quotes are positioned as a key chapter in the wider superstar storyline that continues to follow him.

Fonte Sam Amick

According to ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks have agreed to trade Trae Young to the Washington Wizards.
In return, Atlanta receives CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, ending Young’s seven-plus-year run as the face of the franchise.

Young heads to Washington as the Wizards’ primary ball-handler and centerpiece of their rebuild.
The move also reunites him with executive Travis Schlenk, who drafted Young in 2018.

Atlanta pivots to a new core built around Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher, gaining financial flexibility.
McCollum provides veteran leadership on an expiring deal, while Kispert boosts wing depth.

According to Shams Charania, the Washington Wizards are Trae Young’s preferred destination as the four-time All-Star point guard looks set to leave the Atlanta Hawks.

The Georgia-based franchise has reportedly begun working with Young’s representatives to find a solution that would satisfy all parties involved.

In Washington, Young would join a young, talent-rich roster that could benefit from his playmaking and creativity as the group continues to develop.

Meanwhile, there is significant optimism within the Hawks organization about the future. Next summer, Atlanta’s front office is expected to have substantial salary cap flexibility, along with an unprotected first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans—currently holding the league’s second-worst record, making it a potentially very high selection in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Trae Young has the Washington Wizards as his top preferred trade destination, sources tell ESPN. Atlanta is working to move Young, who has a $49 million player option in offseason that would make him an expiring contract; or opt out, leave and give Hawks significant cap space. https://t.co/LUm2hJCj1z

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 7, 2026

The Brooklyn Nets will fully guarantee Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin for the remainder of the season, according to league sources.

Wilson is averaging 7.4 points through three seasons with the Nets. Martin is averaging 8.3 points through two seasons in Brooklyn.

Per The Athletic, the Dallas Mavericks are not looking to acquire Trae Young in a trade structure involving Anthony Davis. The same report says the Atlanta Hawks have shown interest in Davis, yet view a Davis-Young pairing as financially unrealistic.

The story frames the core issue as money and team-building under the current CBA, given the salaries attached to Davis and Young. It also notes Atlanta cannot convince itself that Davis and Young would be a championship formula in 2026.

From Dallas’ perspective, adding Young is portrayed as a questionable fit with Kyrie Irving on the roster.
A three-team concept is mentioned (Davis to Atlanta, Young to Washington), but Atlanta is said to have strongly pushed back on including Zaccharie Risacher.

Sources told ESPN that Trae Young and his representatives are working with the franchise to explore a trade. The recent discussions with Onsi Saleh are described as “positive and collaborative.”

The sides have stayed in contact for months following Atlanta’s decision not to offer an extension to the 27-year-old guard. Young has this season and next season left on his deal at $95 million total, plus a player option in the offseason.

Young has been limited to 10 games due to leg issues and is currently out with a right quad contusion after a right MCL sprain earlier.

ESPN Research numbers cited show Atlanta’s results have been stronger without him, alongside the emergence of Jalen Johnson and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

According to Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are fully open to trade discussions and are not discouraging calls from around the league, as the franchise continues to navigate a difficult transition period.

“The Mavs are not discouraging anyone’s calls. They are open for business,” Stein explained, while also acknowledging the emotional toll the situation may be taking on the players. “I’m sure it’s not fun for the guys on this team.”

Stein noted that nearly 11 months have passed since the Luka Dončić trade, a stretch that has been particularly challenging for the organization. Dallas currently sits at 12–23, and aside from the emergence of Cooper Flagg, who is widely viewed as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate, little has gone according to plan.

“It’s been a very rough 11 months,” Stein said. “Everybody around the league knows it, understands it, and yeah — everyone wants to talk Mavs.”

Stein emphasized that Dallas’ front office approach is now crystal clear: every decision must be evaluated through the lens of Flagg’s development and long-term future.

“This is about building around Cooper Flagg,” Stein added. “Every move this team makes has to be looked at through the prism of ‘does this help Cooper Flagg? Is this in the best interest of Cooper Flagg’s future?’ That’s how every call coming in — and going out — has to be approached.”

Guerschon Yabusele addressed speculation surrounding a potential trade ahead of the February 5 deadline while speaking in the New York Knicks locker room, according to reporter Maxime Aubin.

Asked about the possibility of being moved, Yabusele made it clear that he has not received any information from the team and is focused on controlling what he can.

“I’m like you, I don’t know anything,” Yabusele said. “Like I said, I’m trying not to complain too much about my situation, to make do with what I have, to give everything on the court. And when I need to be informed [about a possible trade], I will be informed.”

The French forward later followed up with a reassuring message, emphasizing his resilience and commitment to the game.

“It’s going to be okay, guys,” Yabusele added. “Basketball is my life. I’ll always find a way to work hard and prove that I deserve to be where I am. Thank you all.”

League sources indicate that the Golden State Warriors have held internal discussions about the possibility of pursuing Michael Porter Jr., a situation that has quietly drawn attention across the NBA.

Porter has been on the radar of multiple teams in recent seasons. Sources say the Chicago Bulls engaged in serious trade talks with the Denver Nuggets last year centered around a potential swap involving Zach LaVine and Porter. That framework was reportedly favored by several decision-makers within Denver’s front office, though a deal ultimately failed to materialize.

As for the Detroit Pistons, sources say they have not yet reached out regarding Porter, but that could change. Should Detroit enter the conversation, the Brooklyn Nets could view such a move as an opportunity to build further on the assets they initially received in the Cam Johnson trade by adding more future draft capital.

For now, Porter’s situation remains fluid. While nothing appears imminent, league insiders describe it as a scenario worth monitoring as teams reassess their options heading deeper into the season.

News reported by Open Subastack.

Speculation about a potential partnership between LeBron James and Stephen Curry was firmly dismissed by LeBron’s longtime agent Rich Paul, who made it clear that such a scenario is not realistic.

The topic surfaced during a discussion led by analyst Max Kellerman, who outlined a hypothetical on-court fit involving multiple playmaking forwards and an off-ball point guard — a vision he admitted became more appealing the more he thought about it.

“I was thinking about Draymond, watching two point-forwards playing on the same team with a point guard who’s off-ball a lot,” Kellerman said. “Oh my god, the more I think about it, the more I need to see it. And the more I think about it, the more I think it actually makes basketball sense for both teams.”

Paul, however, was quick to shut down the idea with a mix of sarcasm and finality.

“Why don’t we just play Duck, Duck, Goose?” Paul replied, before cutting the speculation short. “It’s not going to happen. So why are we talking about things that are not going to happen?”

When pressed to explain why such a move was unrealistic, Paul declined to elaborate further, reiterating that the conversation itself was unnecessary.

NBA legend Pau Gasol has shared an interesting behind-the-scenes story from his playing days, revealing that he personally tried to recruit Andrés Nocioni before the Argentine forward signed with the Chicago Bulls as a free agent.

Gasol explained that the Memphis Grizzlies had both the interest and the financial flexibility to bring Nocioni to the franchise, prompting him to reach out directly.

“I called Chapu because we also had that option and that level of contract to bring him to Memphis,” Gasol said. “Of course, he was surprised by my call.”

According to Gasol, Nocioni initially believed there was tension between them due to their intense international matchups, particularly in clashes between Spain and Argentina.

“He told me, ‘I thought you didn’t like me, because whenever we played against Argentina, it was always very competitive,’” Gasol recalled. “And I said, ‘No, I compete against you, against whoever. We’ve had many tough battles, but I’d love to have you as a teammate.’”

Gasol emphasized his admiration for Nocioni’s style of play, competitiveness, and impact on the floor, describing him as someone who would have been a perfect fit alongside him.

Despite the personal pitch, Nocioni ultimately chose Chicago, leaving Gasol to reflect humorously on the failed recruitment effort.

“He ended up signing with the Bulls, so the call didn’t work out,” Gasol said. “It wasn’t convincing enough.”

As the Dallas Mavericks continue to prioritize young prospects and expiring contracts in trade discussions involving Anthony Davis, sources close to the Atlanta Hawks have strongly pushed back against speculation that the franchise would include 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in any deal.

While Risacher has experienced growing pains during his second NBA season, Hawks officials remain confident in his long-term trajectory. Team sources have emphasized the flashes he showed late in his rookie campaign — moments that helped solidify internal belief in his development and upside.

Atlanta’s front office views Risacher as a cornerstone piece rather than a trade chip, and despite outside interest, there is little appetite to move the young forward as part of a larger transaction, per NY Times.

With the possibility of a franchise-altering trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo appearing increasingly remote, the Golden State Warriors may be forced to come to terms with the idea that their current roster is largely set, per NY Times.

According to team sources, Golden State is firmly opposed to the idea of trading either Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler, a stance that significantly complicates any attempt to pursue high-profile upgrades.

The unwillingness to move either veteran creates a major obstacle when it comes to salary matching in blockbuster trade scenarios, effectively limiting the Warriors’ flexibility on the market. Without those contracts available, assembling a competitive package for a star-level player becomes increasingly difficult.

As a result, league observers believe the Warriors may have little choice but to ride out the season with their existing core, shifting focus from splashy acquisitions to internal growth and marginal adjustments.

At 36 years old, James Harden remains firmly in control of his NBA future. Thanks to the Bird rights attached to his current contract, Harden has the authority to veto any trade during the ongoing season, giving him significant leverage over his situation.

Harden also holds a lucrative player option worth $42.3 million for the 2026–27 season, further strengthening his position in any potential roster discussions.

Despite that flexibility, team and league sources indicate there are currently no indications that Harden is seeking a change of scenery. As of now, there has been no internal or external push suggesting dissatisfaction or a desire to be moved.

With his contractual power and veteran status, Harden remains a central figure whose future decisions will be dictated entirely on his own terms, as per NY Times.

It remains unclear whether the Milwaukee Bucks will be able to complete a truly impactful move, as the franchise is currently constrained by a lack of assets and limited roster flexibility — a situation largely of its own making.

League sources indicate that the internal list of potential trade targets is far broader than what has surfaced publicly so far. However, several notable names have begun to emerge as legitimate options under consideration.

Among them is Zach LaVine of the Sacramento Kings, who is believed to be a confirmed target for Milwaukee. According to ESPN, the Bucks are also monitoring LaVine’s teammate Malik Monk, as well as Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Additionally, league insiders suggest that Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets is another name to keep an eye on as the trade landscape continues to evolve, as per NY Times.

While Milwaukee’s front office continues to explore ways to upgrade the roster around its core, executing a deal that meaningfully shifts the team’s trajectory remains a significant challenge ahead of the trade deadline.

The Atlanta Hawks have shown interest in acquiring Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks as Kristaps Porzingis continues to battle an illness that has kept him sidelined for long stretches, as reported by NY Post.

Porzingis has missed 14 of Atlanta’s last 15 games, prompting the Hawks to explore options to reinforce their frontcourt. Gafford has emerged as a potential target, though league sources indicate that significant hurdles remain in trade discussions.

Gafford signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension last offseason that runs through 2029, with an annual salary comparable to that of Wendell Carter Jr. and Jarrett Allen. Hawks sources have firmly denied reports suggesting that Atlanta would include 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in any potential deal, stressing that the organization remains confident in Risacher’s long-term development despite his struggles in his second NBA season.

On the other side, Dallas is reportedly seeking young prospects and expiring contracts as it reshapes its roster, and appears open to moving Gafford under the right conditions.

However, health concerns loom large. Like Porzingis, Gafford has dealt with recurring injuries throughout his career, making him a risky acquisition for a Hawks team already facing durability questions in the frontcourt.

The potential move presents a complex dilemma for Atlanta’s front office. While adding Gafford could immediately address a positional need, it would also bring long-term financial commitments and medical risk.

Team officials have indicated a preference to evaluate the current roster more extensively before making major changes. Still, Porzingis’ continued absence and the Hawks’ recent struggles may accelerate decision-making.

Atlanta has lost 10 of its last 12 games and is currently riding a seven-game losing streak. Whether the Hawks pursue Gafford or another center option ahead of the trade deadline remains uncertain, with Onyeka Okongwu and Asa Newell also part of the team’s center rotation.