NBA rumors

Cam Johnson has emerged as a prime trade target with the February 6 deadline approaching. While the Nets are not under pressure to trade him, the Kings and Pacers have shown significant interest.

Sacramento’s potential offer of Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, and a first-round pick appears strong. Cleveland Cavaliers are also monitoring the situation but have yet to engage in advanced talks.

The Chicago Bulls are actively exploring trade opportunities for Patrick Williams ahead of the February 6 deadline. General Manager Arturas Karnisovas cited Williams’ inability to meet coaching expectations as a driving factor.

Williams, in the first year of a $90 million, five-year deal, is having a down year, averaging 9.2 points on a career-low 37.7% shooting and 3.8 rebounds per game.

With a flat $18 million annual salary and a player option for the 2028-29 season, Chicago aims to find a trade partner willing to bet on his potential.

The Philadelphia 76ers have signed Pete Nance to a 10-day contract. Nance, originally signed on a two-way deal on December 3, appeared in one game for the Sixers on December 30 against Portland, scoring 3 points.

This season, Nance has played 14 G League games with the Cleveland Charge and Delaware Blue Coats, averaging 16.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 50% from the field.

Source: RealGM Staff Report

During an episode of First Take, Stephen A. Smith commented on Zion Williamson’s one-game suspension by the New Orleans Pelicans for violating team rules, citing repeated tardiness, including for a team flight.

Smith asserted that Williamson’s actions indicate a desire to leave New Orleans: “Zion doesn’t want to be there. He wants to be in a major market like LA or New York for the marketability.”

Smith also questioned Williamson’s commitment to professionalism, adding, “He’s got superstar potential, but he doesn’t seem to care about being a professional. It’s clear he wants out, but why would any team want him if this is what you’re getting?”

Source: RealGM Wiretap

The Phoenix Suns are reportedly targeting Jimmy Butler, according to Marc Stein. Butler is said to be interested in joining the team, but significant obstacles remain.

Before Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause becomes a factor, a third team willing to take on Beal’s substantial contract must emerge to make the deal feasible.

The New Orleans Pelicans are waiving center Trey Jemison, according to HoopsHype.

Jemison has averaged 5.1 points (53.6% shooting) and 4.3 rebounds in 18 minutes across three seasons with the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, and Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans are waiving two-way center Trey Jemison, league sources told @hoopshype. Jemison has averaged 5.1 points on 53.6 percent shooting and 4.3 rebounds in 18 minutes over three seasons combined with the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies and Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/eGdwW3bysB

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 9, 2025

The New Orleans Pelicans don’t have Zion Williamson on the trade block but might consider a “great offer.”

Williamson recently returned after a two-month injury in a tough season for the team, which has the worst record in the Western Conference. Brian Windhorst stated, “The Pelicans want him on the court, not in a trade.”

Williamson is under contract until 2028 and recently signed with agent Bill Duffy.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal has not discussed waiving his no-trade clause, his agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN.

Beal remains focused on helping the team recover after losing 17 of their last 24 games. Speculation about a trade involving Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, who was recently suspended, intensified after Suns coach Mike Budenholzer moved Beal to the bench.

Beal, under a $110 million contract for two more years, emphasized he controls any trade decision, though no discussions are currently underway.

Bradley Beal came off the bench for the first time in nine years, scoring 25 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 109-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Beal tallied 20 of his points in the second half, helping the Suns snap a four-game losing streak.

Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to bench Beal sparked speculation about a potential trade. However, Beal, who has a no-trade clause, dismissed the rumors. “If so, I need to be addressed. Until I’m told otherwise, I’m a Sun,” Beal told ESPN. While accepting the lineup change, he reiterated his belief in being a starter in the league.

Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, who also came off the bench, led the Suns’ reserves to a dominant performance, outscoring Philadelphia’s bench 54-7.

According to veteran NBA insider John Gambadoro, Bradley Beal would waive his no-trade clause to join the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, or Denver Nuggets.

Gambadoro also mentioned the Detroit Pistons as a potential third team in a trade scenario, though he finds this unlikely. Beal, currently with the Phoenix Suns, was reportedly close to joining the Milwaukee Bucks before landing in Arizona.

No discussions have been reported between the Suns and Utah Jazz for John Collins, who is drawing interest from multiple teams.

As for Beal the no-trade looms large. He could have went to Milwaukee before he ended up in Phoenix but that was turned down. Have heard he would waive no trade for LA, Miami, Denver but I do believe there are a few others that he could ultimately decide work for him.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025

Lots of talk about Detroit being a 3rd team for Beal. Doesn’t make a lot of sense to me as to why they would want him but have to do some more digging. They have cap space but young team on the rise so unless heavily incentivized no real reason. Still need to do more work on that

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025

Some of the rumbling I have heard are that Memphis and Milwaukee are teams having ongoing discussions about a trade for Jimmy Butler. Miami weighing if it is better to trade him now or in offseason via sign and trade.

— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025

The Pacers have emerged as a serious trade suitor for the Nets’ Cameron Johnson, according to Brett Siegel NBA.

Conversations between the two sides have sparked whispers of a potential package including Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, at least one unprotected first-round pick, and other draft assets.

The Detroit Pistons are switching 2 Two-Way Players, with Ron Harper Jr and Tolu Smith taking the spots of Alondes Williams and Cole Swider.

Harper Jr was scoring 22.8 points per game in G League play with the Maine Celtics, while Smith arrives from the Pistons’ affiliated team (Motor City Cruise), where he was averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks.

The Miami Heat are actively pursuing trade talks to move Jimmy Butler after the player requested a trade and received a seven-game suspension.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Miami is aiming to complete the trade “as soon as possible.” Teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets have been linked to potential deals, with additional interest from the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and New Orleans Pelicans.

However, the trade is complicated by the Heat’s salary cap restrictions, likely requiring a third team to facilitate the move before the February 6 trade deadline.

Teams like the Warriors and Suns are reportedly out due to financial concerns, while other teams will need to construct creative offers. There is no guarantee that a deal will be finalized.

The Miami Heat have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games due to “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team.” After scoring just nine points in a loss to the Indiana Pacers, Butler publicly admitted he had lost the joy of playing in Miami and formally requested a trade. This prompted the team to start exploring trade offers.

Tensions escalated after internal accusations that Butler hadn’t given his best effort during a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Head coach Erik Spoelstra benched Butler in the fourth quarter of the last two games.

The suspension will cost Butler $2.35 million, while the NBA Players Association plans to file a grievance against what they deemed an “excessive” punishment. Butler is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, with a $52 million player option for next season.

Miami now faces a challenging trade market to resolve the situation. Butler will miss the next seven games, including a home matchup against Utah and a West Coast road trip.

According to Brett Siegel the New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly open to discussing CJ McCollum’s future with other teams.

The veteran guard, earning $33.3 million this season, will see his contract value decrease by approximately $2.67 million next year. Whether a market exists for the 33-year-old ahead of the trade deadline remains uncertain.

According to Brett Siegel the Miami Heat reportedly want Jonathan Kuminga included in a potential trade sending Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors.

While discussions have taken place, the Warriors are hesitant to part with Kuminga, who is seen as a young talent with long-term potential.

The Indiana Pacers and guard RayJ Dennis have agreed to a two-way contract, league sources told @hoopshype. Dennis has averaged 16.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals with the San Diego Clippers in the G League. pic.twitter.com/m1iwUxTOuI

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) January 1, 2025

The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a two-way NBA contract with forward Tosan Evbuomwan, agent George S. Langberg of GSL Sports Group tells ESPN.

In his rookie season, Evbuomwan played 17 NBA games with the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 38% from three-point range.

The Dallas Mavericks are considering adding a top-tier perimeter defender before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, The Athletic reports.

Herb Jones of the New Orleans Pelicans, a standout All-Defensive First Team player, is an ideal target but is unlikely to be traded.

Without a deal, the task of guarding Gilgeous-Alexander in a potential playoff rematch will fall to Washington, Marshall, and Grimes. “I feel like I can guard anybody,” Washington stated.

In recent days, Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has been the subject of numerous trade rumors in the United States. According to ESPN, Butler has expressed a preference to be traded before the February 6 deadline, identifying the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets as his preferred destinations.

In response to these reports, Heat President Pat Riley issued a statement saying, “We are not trading Jimmy Butler.” Riley emphasized that the speculation had become a distraction for the team and sought to clarify the franchise’s position.

Butler, who holds a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, has been non-committal about his future. When asked about his desire to remain in Miami, he responded, “Does it matter? I honestly do not care about getting traded, where I’m supposed to go, who’s saying what… All of that is out of my control anyway.”

This season, Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Heat currently have a 16-14 record, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference.

The New Orleans Pelicans are prioritizing trading Brandon Ingram ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. Despite extension talks, no progress has been made. Ingram, now represented by Klutch Sports, may become a free agent this offseason. According to ESPN, the Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz are among the teams interested.

Source: ESPN

The Sacramento Kings’ dismissal of head coach Mike Brown has sparked widespread debate and criticism across the NBA. After a 5-13 slide, Sacramento parted ways with the reigning NBA Coach of the Year—a move many, including league insiders, have labeled “shocking” and “classless.” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports on the unraveling of the Kings’ early promise and the internal challenges that led to Brown’s departure.

A Rocky Season Despite Strong Numbers

The Kings entered the 2024-25 season with high hopes, bolstered by the offseason acquisition of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan. On paper, the team looked solid: an eighth-ranked offense and a defense holding at 16th in the league. Yet, Sacramento repeatedly blew substantial leads and faltered in clutch moments, despite having two proven closers in De’Aaron Fox and DeRozan.

The frustrations culminated in a disastrous loss to the Detroit Pistons, where the Kings squandered a 19-point lead. Brown’s candid postgame criticism of the team—and specifically of Fox—seemed to signal growing tensions, though Fox later refuted claims of conflict, emphasizing his respect for Brown’s tough coaching style.

Internal Struggles and the Decision to Part Ways

Behind the scenes, the Kings’ front office was searching for solutions. General Manager Monte McNair and his team explored potential roster moves, inquiring about players like Zach LaVine and Brandon Ingram, but no deals materialized. Ultimately, management felt a coaching change was necessary.

Despite widespread support for Brown, the decision was finalized after Sacramento’s 0-5 homestand. Brown was informed of his dismissal en route to the airport, a move criticized by coaches like Steve Kerr, who called the handling of the situation “awful.”

A History of Turnover

Mike Brown’s firing makes him the 13th Kings coach since 2006, a period marked by instability and missed playoff opportunities. Assistant coach Doug Christie has been named interim head coach, marking Fox’s fifth coach in eight seasons. Christie, a former Kings player, faces the challenge of reviving a roster that many believe has ample talent.

Looking Ahead

While Fox, DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis remain optimistic, the Kings are now tasked with reinventing their approach. As guard Malik Monk pointed out, opponents have adjusted to Sacramento’s style, forcing the team to “change things up.”

Mike Brown’s tenure may have been short-lived, but his initial success highlights the potential within the organization. Whether Christie can harness that potential remains to be seen.

This report is based on an article by Ramona Shelburne for ESPN.

According to rumors circulating in the NBA, Fox will try to get a trade before the deadline of February 6 and the Kings would probably consider every possibility.

The Houston Rockets are by far their greatest possible trading partner.
Fox, who aims to achieve All-NBA honors and a supermax contract starting at around $59.5 million in 2026–2027, will be eligible for an extension this offseason. His maximum extension would start at $51 million, which is still a huge payout, and he could get that amount from any team (unlike the supermax, which could only come from Sacramento). That sounds unattainable.

The news was reported by Bleacher Report.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line predicts that a number of veterans, including Bruce Brown, Jordan Clarkson, Kelly Olynyk, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jonas Valanciunas, will be available for a second-round selection.
Prior to signing Dorian Finney-Smith on Sunday, it was anticipated that the Lakers would pursue Valanciunas and Brogdon.

According to reports, the Nets are asking for several first-round selections in return for Cam Johnson.

Although that market isn’t developing, the Bulls are also seeking to get a first-round selection for Nikola Vucevic.