The window for NBA teams to make trades will soon come to a close as the season heads into the 2019 All-Star Game in North Carolina. The trade deadline is set for 3pm (Eastern Time) on Thursday, and teams around the NBA are currently gearing up to make a number of trades before the deadline comes into effect.
Anthony Davis is being linked with a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, while NBA fans can also expect plenty of fallout from the blockbuster Knicks-Mavericks trade that resulted in Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke exiting New York in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two future first-round draft picks.
So as we head into the final few days of the trade window, here are the biggest trade rumours circling the league for February 3rd.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
The Trail Blazers are interested in Otto Porter Jr.
The Portland Trail Blazers currently boast a 32-20 record, and the team looks to be in a strong position to claim homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Nevertheless, Portland have struggled to compete during their recent postseason appearances, and Zach Lowe of ESPN is reporting that the team wants to add Otto Porter ahead of the deadline:
Portland stands a potential buyer, an under-the-radar really good team with questions about its postseason viability. The Trail Blazers have put their first-round pick in play, per sources around the league. They have investigated Porter's availability.
Porter Jr. was selected with the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the Wizards, and the 25-year-old has been a regular starter in Washington since 2015. So far this season, Porter Jr. is averaging 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game and the small forward is under contract until 2021.
Also read: Lakers Trade Rumors Roundup, February 3rd
Also read: NBA Daily Schedule, Latest Results, and TV Listings
Also read: Nuggets vs Pistons - Starting Lineup and Match Prediction
Lakers trade package for Anthony Davis revealed
It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers want to add Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, although ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the New Orleans Pelicans were left 'underwhelmed' by the Lakers first offer:
As the Los Angeles Lakers pursue New Orleans Pelicans All-NBA center Anthony Davis ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, the initial offers have been underwhelming, including the Lakers' first offer of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley and a first-round pick, league sources told ESPN.
Davis is contracted to the Pelicans until 2020, so New Orleans will feel under no pressure to deal the 6-time All-Star ahead of the trade deadline. The situation is also further complicated by the fact that the Boston Celtics cannot make a trade for Anthony until the summer, as the 'Rose Rule' currently prohibits the Celtics from having both Kyrie Irving and Davis on the same team.
The Pelicans won't allow Jrue Holiday to leave
Anthony Davis' future is currently dominating the Pelicans' news cycle, however, teams around the NBA are also reportedly showing interest in New Orleans' lesser stars. Among them is Jrue Holiday, as ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Holiday is attracting interest, despite the Pelicans' reluctance to trade him:
Amid the Anthony Davis talks, teams calling on New Orleans' next best player guard Jrue Holiday tell ESPN that the Pels are indicating no interest in moving him. Beyond this season, Holiday has three years, $77M left on deal through 2022.
Holiday was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Pelicans back in 2013, and the 28-year-old has gone on to make more than 250 starts for New Orleans. So far this season, Holiday is averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game, and the guard is under contract until 2021.
Pelicans Fan? Check out the latest New Orlean Pelicans depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.