For the Detroit Pistons (10-25) and Cleveland Cavaliers (14-22), however, there is no doubt.
The two teams have been pegged by rival teams as sellers. Sources tell me and The Athletic’s James Edwards III that the Pistons are expected to work toward a contract buyout with forward Blake Griffin, and sharpshooter Wayne Ellington is expected to receive interest from contending teams. The Cavaliers remain in discussions to find a landing spot for two-time All-Star center Andre Drummond, having engaged in conversations with the Toronto Raptors in the past month. Cleveland has also been open to discussing forwards Cedi Osman and Taurean Prince and center JaVale McGee in the right deal, sources said. Several teams have called on the Cavaliers’ wing players, those sources said. For the Cavaliers, Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro have established themselves as centerpieces of the long-term core.
The Rockets have a veteran player who has the intrigue of many of the league’s contenders: Forward PJ Tucker. The Nets, Bucks, Heat, Nuggets and Lakers are expressing interest in Tucker, sources said. Multiple teams have sensed a deal could develop sooner rather than later for Tucker, but the timing is likely dependent on the Rockets’ asking price. As of now, Houston has sought a young player back in a trade, sources said.
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For Sacramento, forwards Harrison Barnes and Nemanja Bjelica will receive interest from suitors. Barnes, one of the team’s veteran leaders, has had a productive season in averaging 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game. Bjelica spent time out of the Kings’ rotation but has since returned. He’s averaging 8.3 points and 31 percent 3-point shooting in 18 games this season. Philadelphia, Miami, Golden State, Milwaukee and Boston are among teams that have shown interest in Bjelica, sources said.
Boston Celtics
Among top trade targets for the Celtics: Detroit’s Jerami Grant, sources said. Grant is having a breakout season, averaging 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He is a leader for the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
Brooklyn Nets
Several teams have pursued Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie in trade talks, sources said. Dinwiddie, who suffered a partially torn ACL in late December, is progressing in his rehab and is not ruling out a return later this season. There is appeal in acquiring Dinwiddie via trade in order to receive his Bird rights and offer him a deal for up to five years in free agency. Dinwiddie is expected to opt out of his $12.3 million player option for next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Bulls have registered interest in Drummond, sources said. Cleveland has had some exploratory calls on Drummond, but skepticism remains on whether the team can find a desirable trade. The center is owed $28.7 million this season.
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota has shown interest in power forwards around the league, including Atlanta’s John Collins and Orlando’s Aaron Gordon, sources said. Both players have significant asking prices in the marketplace. The Timberwolves had substantive conversations with the Magic on Gordon prior to his severe ankle sprain last month, sources said, and those talks are expected to resume as he nears his return to the floor.
Orlando Magic
The Celtics and Hornets are among teams interested in Magic two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic, sources said. Rival teams expect that any haul for Vucevic would have to be massive. The 7-foot big man is having his best NBA season, averaging 24.5 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 41.8 percent from 3-point range. Vucevic has spent nine of his 10 NBA seasons in Orlando.
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San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are receiving calls on their veteran players who are pending free agents — LaMarcus Aldridge, DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay, Trey Lyles and Patty Mills — and are listening to inquiries, sources said. San Antonio is the sixth seed in the Western Conference at 18-13, blending its veterans and talented young core of Keldon Johnson, Dejounte Murray, Derrick White and Lonnie Walker IV.
