Per Joe Cowley, the Chicago Bulls are open to trade discussions for everyone on their roster except for young standout Matas Buzelis, who is deemed untouchable. This signals a potential shift toward rebuilding the team’s future around the talented prospect.
The Bulls seem poised to make significant moves, signaling a readiness to reshape their roster and invest in a new direction centered around Buzelis.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns have engaged in talks about the possibility of Bradley Beal heading to Chicago. The report was shared during the Hoop Collective podcast and later highlighted by Bleacher Report.
The concept of the trade has been discussed, though no specifics about players or picks involved have been disclosed. This potential move could significantly alter the trajectory of both franchises.
The Dallas Mavericks have waived guard Jazian Gortman and signed center Kylor Kelley to a two-way contract, addressing their need for additional big man depth with Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber sidelined due to injuries.
Gortman appeared in 16 games this season, logging 56 total minutes. Kelley, a 7-foot center, has been a standout in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, where he started 20 of 23 games. He averaged 11 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 27.6 minutes per game. Kelley will join the Mavericks as they seek reinforcements in the frontcourt.
Fonte: RealGM Staff Report
According to Bill Simmons on The Ringer, there is growing “buzz” about former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers potentially joining the Philadelphia 76ers in a front office role. Simmons indicated that Myers has a good relationship with 76ers owner Josh Harris, which could pave the way for a collaboration.
Myers, a two-time NBA Executive of the Year, built the Warriors’ dynasty during his tenure and is regarded as one of the league’s top executives. The 76ers’ potential interest in Myers reflects their intent to strengthen their organizational leadership.
Fonte: The Ringer, Bill Simmons
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly showing strong interest in Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. Sources suggest Vucevic is one of the Lakers’ top trade targets as the deadline approaches.
With Vucevic averaging 17.7 points and 11 rebounds this season, his addition would provide Los Angeles with a significant interior presence. However, the Lakers’ willingness to part with assets to secure the deal remains unclear.
Fonte: ClutchPoints, Brett Siegel
The Miami Heat are actively seeking a trade package for Jimmy Butler that includes players capable of contributing immediately, young talent, draft capital, and expiring contracts by summer 2026, per Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Both Miami and Butler appear motivated to reach a resolution before the trade deadline. However, offers received so far have not met the Heat’s specific demands, delaying progress in trade discussions.
Fonte: ESPN, Brian Windhorst
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly a team to watch in the Zach LaVine trade market, according to Jake Fischer. Sources suggest Phoenix might consider trading Bradley Beal for LaVine, depending on how the trade landscape evolves in the coming weeks.
This potential move would signal a shift in the Suns’ roster construction, possibly aiming to add younger talent and athleticism. With the trade deadline approaching, Phoenix could make a significant move to shake up its lineup.
Fonte: Jake Fischer
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly approached trade discussions with a conservative stance, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Sources indicate that the franchise is hesitant to part with its future first-round picks, maintaining the same cautious approach seen in recent seasons.
This reluctance reflects concerns about the team’s current position and the long-term value of their draft assets, signaling that the Lakers may not make any aggressive moves before the trade deadline.
Fonte: ESPN, Brian Windhorst
The Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly made Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton available in trade discussions, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Sources suggest the Bucks are actively pursuing deals to acquire an impact player as they position themselves for a deep playoff run.
This move could signal Milwaukee’s willingness to shake up its roster in pursuit of maximizing its championship window with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the team.
Jimmy Butler is reportedly open to playing for any team except the Miami Heat or Memphis Grizzlies, according to Marc J. Spears on NBA Today. Despite Memphis being viewed as a strong fit, Butler has expressed no interest in joining the team. His preferred destination remains the Phoenix Suns.
Butler is currently serving his second suspension this season with Miami, following a two-game penalty after completing a prior seven-game suspension. Trade talks are ongoing, with Butler’s stance adding complexity to the situation.
The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly engaged in trade talks with the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Sources suggest Memphis is looking to bolster its playoff chances while also clearing salary to potentially extend Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract this summer.
Butler has indicated he may opt out of his contract to test free agency this offseason. The Grizzlies are believed to be exploring a scenario where they can secure Butler for a postseason run and simultaneously create cap flexibility for future moves.
Bradley Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, dismissed reports suggesting Beal might waive his no-trade clause for teams like Milwaukee, Denver, Miami, or the Lakers. Speaking to The Arizona Republic, Bartelstein said, “These reports are created out of thin air. Brad’s focus is on getting healthy and turning things around for the Suns.”
Bartelstein emphasized the value of Beal’s no-trade clause, noting, “It’s an asset we would never relinquish lightly. While we keep an open mind, there have been no trade discussions, as Brad is committed to Phoenix.”
Beal, averaging 17.1 points this season, returned from an ankle injury Monday after missing two games.
The long-anticipated Jimmy Butler trade may be finalized in the coming days, according to Yahoo Sports’ Vince Goodwill. Sources suggest teams such as the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors could join as trade partners, while the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets might act as facilitators to help structure a multi-team deal.
The Miami Heat star has been at the center of trade rumors for weeks, and momentum is reportedly building toward completing the deal soon. The complexity of a potential multi-team trade reflects the need to balance contracts and assets across the teams involved.
The Phoenix Suns traded their 2031 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz for three lesser picks (2025, 2027, and 2029), positioning themselves for a potential Jimmy Butler acquisition. Reports suggest a multi-team trade involving the Bucks and Heat is in the works.
Under owner Mat Ishbia, the Suns continue to prioritize immediate success, risking their long-term future. With an aging roster, limited cap space, and no premium draft assets, Phoenix is betting big on Butler. While his arrival could help in the short term, the team is edging closer to an inevitable decline as their resources dwindle.
NBA insider Chris Haynes analyses the possible connection between Bradley Beal and the Milwaukee Bucks.
«Contrary to popular belief, I was just informed that the Milwaukee Bucks have not inquired about Phoenix sun star Bradley Beal. In fact, it was explained to me that a connection between the two is non existent.
So if Phoenix is able to acquire Jimmy Butler, it would not come via the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Star guard. This is Chris Haynes and you’ve been».
Sources: A Milwaukee Bucks, Bradley Beal connection is nonexistent. #haynesbriefs https://t.co/X7H7eQE347 pic.twitter.com/nC5M55zRw6
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 23, 2025
Shams Charania, in Sport Center, took stock overnight of the future of Jimmy Butler, who has been suspended again by the Miami Heat.
The host asked Charania how close the Phoenix Suns are to a deal, the answer was negative.
«Kevin, this may surprise you, but they’re not as close as a lot of people think with this [Utah] trade. However, it gives them flexibility and options, because instead of just one first-round pick, they now have three first-round picks to use.
Any trade involving Jimmy Butler going to Phoenix would likely require a three- to five-team deal. Because of that, the multiple first-round picks have significantly increased their asset pool — instead of just one first-round pick to trade, they now have three. They’ve unlocked their next six years of draft picks, but it takes two to tango, and in this case, it’s going to take more than just two teams to get Jimmy Butler to Phoenix.
Those talks remain ongoing».
“Shams, how close are the Suns to putting together a package for Jimmy Butler?” @SportsCenter
“This may surprise you, but they’re not as close as a lot of people think with this [Utah] trade. It does give them flexibility & optionality—Those talks remain ongoing.” @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/WZghXmGZVd
— Dru (@dru_star) January 23, 2025
According to Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls have reportedly been approached by teams interested in Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic.
The guard got new admirers thanks to his positive first-half of the regular season: 24 points with 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 51 percent from the field and 45 percent from long range -both career-highs.
On Vucevic the reporter confirms the Warriors’ interest.
Lavine still has 3 years left on his contract for about $137.8 million, while Vucevic has one more season at $20 million.
The Windy City team between now and the deadline might decide to give up on the rest of the regular season, in order not to lose the first round pick in the upcoming Draft – protected only if among the top 10- in favor of the Spurs.
The Milwaukee Bucks could be looking to acquire a top-tier veteran, with Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal emerging as potential targets, according to The Athletic.
The Bucks’ intentions are twofold: reducing their payroll to get under the second tax apron, a legal prerequisite for trade deals involving contract aggregation, and securing a talented, high-paid player to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the NBA’s leading scoring duo.
Whether it’s Beal, LaVine, or another star, the Bucks are actively exploring scenarios to strengthen their championship aspirations.
The Milwaukee Bucks could be looking to add a high-level veteran, with Zach LaVine and Bradley Beal as potential targets, per @TheAthletic
“Per league sources, the Bucks’ motives would be two-fold: Cut enough salary from their payroll to get under the second apron — the only… pic.twitter.com/wTV27HoLJO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 22, 2025
The Suns moved closer to acquiring Jimmy Butler by trading their 2031 unprotected first-round pick to the Jazz for three future first-rounders (2025, 2027, 2029). This increases Phoenix’s trade flexibility ahead of the February 6 deadline.
However, Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause remains a critical hurdle. The Suns must also address Jusuf Nurkić’s contract to finalize any potential deal.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly monitoring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Milwaukee Bucks. According to a report from ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, the franchise is looking for a superstar to change franchises, and the situation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo is one to watch closely.
If the Greek does not exercise his player option with the Milwaukee Bucks this summer, the Golden State Warriors would be very interested in Antetokounmpo, although the financial commitment would be significant and there would be a balancing act to be done. In fact, The Greek Freak earns $48,787,676 for the current season, a very important figure considering that the Warriors also have Stephen Curry on their roster, a player who earns $55.7 million.
The Golden State Warriors are approaching the February 6 trade deadline without pressure to make a major move but remain open to improving their roster. Head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the team’s goal: “We want to be as competitive as possible around Steph without mortgaging the future.”
Veteran center Nikola Vucevic has been linked to the Warriors, but decisions will depend on the team’s trajectory in the standings. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. may also explore deals to address luxury tax concerns.
Stephen Curry expressed trust in the front office: “If there’s no action, I just hope it’s not due to a lack of effort. My priority is winning, and I can accept whatever happens as long as every effort is made toward that goal.”
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk/ESPN
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns. This move could either be part of a larger trade scenario that sends Jimmy Butler to Phoenix or a separate deal altogether.
Milwaukee has shown interest in Beal in the past, dating back to his time with the Washington Wizards. However, to make the trade work under the NBA’s financial rules, the Bucks would need to clear cap space, likely by offloading Pat Connaughton’s $9.4 million contract without taking on any additional salary.
Source: Marc Stein/The Stein Line
The Mavericks have made center Daniel Gafford available as they seek to strengthen their perimeter defense.
Gafford, in his sixth season, is averaging 11.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. His $13.4M contract for this season adds flexibility to trade negotiations.
Source: Christian Clark/The Athletic
The Detroit Pistons are pivoting from asset collection to targeted roster improvements.
With $14M in cap space, Detroit aims to add depth without making major changes. GM Trajan Langdon is focused on bolstering the roster while maintaining financial flexibility.+
Source: Jake Fischer/The Stein Line
Despite speculation about their interest in Cam Johnson, the Oklahoma City Thunder are focusing on their roster’s health.
The team expects Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein to return soon, bolstering their strong start to the season.
The Thunder, tied for the best record in the NBA, are reluctant to disrupt their chemistry with external acquisitions.
Source: Jake Fischer/The Stein Line
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.
Heat wing Jimmy Butler met in person with president Pat Riley, as reported by ESPN. The player reportedly confirmed that he is not willing to renew at the end of the season, declining the 52.4 million player option for 2025/26, reiterating his desire to leave the franchise in a trade. Thus confirmed Butler’s long-suspended wishes. And denied, at the same time, rumors about his possible reinstatement at the end of the sanction. Butler has already missed six games, so Wednesday’s game against the Lakers will be the seventh and final game of that disqualification. According to ESPN there will be a new meeting later this week to discuss with Butler how to move forward.
According to several reports, the Heat have looked for trade possibilities with several franchises without being able to receive an attractive offer. The Heat are said to be looking for players who can help them win this season, as well as short-term contracts that will allow management to generate salary cap flexibility in the future. “The Heat have been talking to several teams about trade scenarios with Butler and have received offers, but have been hesitant to negotiate further, the sources said. Riley has shown no urgency in these negotiations as the trade deadline expires on Feb. 6,” The Athletic added.
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
