With a couple of big trades already made, the NBA trade deadline is expected to cause a number of player shuffles. Many contenders are looking to add the missing link to their roster while others attempt to rebuild.
- Siakam Traded To Pacers
- Dejounte Murray Moving On From Atlanta
- Zach LaVine Trade Rumors Continue
- Lakers & Knicks Look To Pick Up Bruce Brown
Siakam Traded To Pacers
Pascal Siakam, formerly of the Toronto Raptors, was traded to the Indiana Pacers for three players and three future picks. The New Orleans Pelicans were also a third party in the trade.
The Raptors received: Bruce Brown, Kira Lewis, Jordan Nwora, Two 2024 first-round picks and conditional 2026 first-round pick (via Pacers).
The Pacers received: Pascal Siakam and future second-round pick.
By adding Kira Lewis to the deal, New Orleans allowed Indiana to match Siakam’s salary without including another player. The move allows the Pelicans to get below the luxury tax threshold.
The 29-year-old Siakam is having a solid season, averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. The two-time All-Star (2020 and 2023) and All-NBA Second Team in 2020 should put the Pacers in a good spot to challenge for the Eastern Conference title. Siakam has an expiring $37.9 million contract.
Dejounte Murray Moving On From Atlanta
It’s no secret that the Atlanta Hawks are interested in trading Dejounte Murray ahead of the deadline. There are multiple teams looking to pick up the former all-star which even include the Milwaukee Bucks.
There isn’t a clear frontrunner so far in trade talks but you would expect Murray to go to a team with excess resources. In order to match Murray’s $18.2 million salary, teams will need to be willing to give up some key pieces and future picks.
Expect Murray to end up on a team which is looking to make a run in the playoffs. With his ability to get his own shot and distribute the ball he would be a welcome addition to almost any team.
Zach LaVine Trade Rumors Continue
Based on the rumors swirling around Zach LaVine in the past few months, it would be shocking if he wasn’t traded. For a long time, it seemed as if LaVine was going to be the biggest name to be moved at the deadline but things have cooled off in the past few weeks. Those injury concerns along with LaVine’s contract of another three years at $138 million, have put the brakes on a deal getting done
LaVine is averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season while shooting 45.2 percent from the field. While his numbers are down from previous years he has been playing with an injury most of the season.
The Bulls aren’t really in a position to be restructuring their roster but they might not have a choice. LaVine was once considered an integral part of the team’s future but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. A trade is what makes sense for both sides at this point.
LaVine is clearly a talented offensive player who could be a great No 2 or No 3 guy on any of the top teams. The Lakers were said to have been interested in LaVine but they may fall short in resources to pick him up. Los Angeles could be the perfect fit, slotting in as a role player with Lebron and Anthony Davis leading the way.
Lakers & Knicks Look To Pick Up Bruce Brown
After already being part of the trade that moved Pascal Siakam to Indiana, Broce Brown might find himself on another team in a matter of weeks. The championship-winning guard has got a lot of attention from both the Lakers and the Knicks.
Both teams will be looking to strengthen their defense and have a solid long range threat. Expect Brown to go to a team that has championship aspirations this year. Some other possible suitors include Milwaukee, Oklahoma City or Dallas.
Brown is due $22 million this season and has a $23 million team option next season.
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