trade rumors

Chicago Bulls Reportedly Finding It Impossible To Trade Zach LaVine

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The Chicago Bulls’ plan to potentially trade Zach LaVine has reportedly hit a major roadblock. While it was reported earlier in the offseason that the Bulls were testing the trade market on LaVine, it appears that there is no market to speak of.

However, this is not due to LaVine as a player. He is coming off a strong year statistically. Instead, the Bulls’ demands are simply too high for anyone to be able to offer a feasible trade.

It is believed that the Bulls have taken the Washington Wizards’ trade of Bradley Beal as a benchmark are looking to go well past the package Washington got. However, this has left them without anyone who is willing to part ways with that much capital.

Related: Victor Oladipo exercises player option with the Miami Heat

Bulls Shoot Themselves In The Foot On LaVine Trade

As mentioned, the Bulls are looking for a monster package for LaVine. This likely includes multiple first-round picks and at least one “elite” player. There are just a few problems with that demand.

Firstly, a trade like that would have been most useful before the draft, when there was at least one immediate draft pick on the table. This would have especially been the case for Chicago, who made just one pick midway through the second round. However, there is also the issue of LaVine’s contract.

LaVine is about to start the second year of a full-guaranteed $215 million contract. His 2023-24 salary is $40 million, equivalent to nearly 30% of the salary cap. So not only would the Bulls have to find someone who would both want LaVine and have adequate capital to give up for LaVine, they would also need to find someone who could take on LaVine’s massive salary. With free agency set to start on Friday, it appears that LaVine will be staying in Chicago for the time being.

Related: Moriah Mills claims she’s pregnant in latest chapter of Zion Williamson drama

Raptors Fielding Multiple Calls About Pascal Siakam

One player who is getting a lot of trade attention is the Raptors’ Pascal Siakam. Per Michael Grange of Sportsnet, the Raptors are fielding calls from at least six teams about the player.

It was previously reported that the Hawks were eager to acquire Siakam, as were the Kings. However, it appears that in the past week, at least four other teams have joined the bidding. The Raptors would reportedly prefer to keep the eighth-year player. However, the right draft package could convince the team, and new head coach Darko Rajaković, to move on from him.

The news comes amid rumors that the Houston Rockets are preparing a massive bid for Fred VanVleet. Per Marc Stein, the Rockets are reportedly willing to offer VanVleet a 2-year, $83.6 million deal in free agency. VanVleet made $85 million over the last four years in Toronto.

Related: LeBron James reacts to ESPN mock draft sending Bronny to Atlanta

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Atlanta Hawks Pursuing Pascal Siakam

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We’re just hours away from the 2023 NBA Draft in New York. Already a flurry of draft-related moves have been made, but more are sure to come. In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks are eager to trade for the Toronto Raptor’s Pascal Siakam.

The Cameroonian power forward was a first-round draft pick for the Raptors in 2016 and has blossomed into one of the franchise’s most beloved players. A key piece in their 2019 championship, he is a fan-favorite and productive starter in Toronto. This past season, Siakam averaged a career-high 24.2 points per game.

However, the Raptors only managed a .500 record before losing to the Bulls in the Play-In Tournament. This led to the firing of five-year head coach Nick Nurse. While the Raptors made a promising hire in Darko Rajaković, the roster is in flux. Fred VanVleet could leave, and Atlanta is stepping up its pursuit of Siakam.

Related: Boston Celtics trade for Kristaps Porziņģis

Toronto’s Demands For Siakam Stall Trade Talks

Per Yahoo Sports‘ Jake Fischer, talks between Atlanta and Toronto have stalled due to the Raptor’s high floor for a Siakam trade. “Atlanta has also maintained a pursuit of Raptors forward Pascal Siakam, according to league sources. The Hawks’ have attempted several creative packages to land the All-NBA talent from Toronto, including at least one three-team scenario. Opposing front offices still believe the Raptors’ high valuation of their players, such as Siakam and OG Anunoby, marks the biggest roadblock to any potential trade of either Raptor.”

The language used indicates that the Raptors are likely looking for multiple first-round picks in exchange for Siakam. This is likely too rich a price for many suitors. Despite this, the Raptors are reportedly open to trading him. It’s just a matter of receiving an offer that meets their expectations.

These beliefs have likely been further amplified by recent trade activity. The Raptors will surely want to avoid the fate of the Washington Wizards, who failed to get any guaranteed first-round picks when trading Bradley Beal. Additionally, the Boston Celtics essentially managed to acquire two first-round picks in exchange for Marcus Smart.

Related: Golden State Warriors trade for Chris Paul

While Siakam Might Move, Paul George Likely Won’t

Paul Geroge playing for the LA Clippers against the Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 27: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers dribbles against Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on December 27, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

While Siakam may yet change teams, one NBA veteran who likely won’t is Paul George. The LA Clippers received some interest, namely from the Blazers, Rockets, and Knicks, for George’s services. However, it now appears that George will be staying in LA for the time being.

The Clippers reportedly turned down an offer that included the third-overall pick from the Blazers. Meanwhile, LA also broke off talks with the Knicks before things progressed too far. While the team was clearly open to trading George, it appears that the interest in the veteran is not where the Clippers would want it to be.

This means that in all likelihood, George will return to anchor the Clippers alongside Kawhi Leonard for at least one more season. Both players have a player option year for the 2024-25 season. However, that could all change if a genuinely enticing offer was made for George’s services.

Related: Charlotte Hornets consider Scoot Henderson with #2 pick

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Paul George Trade Appears Unlikely

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In the lead-up to the NBA Draft, one of the rumored trades surrounds Clippers veteran Paul George. According to March Stein, the Clippers have been gauging interest in George’s services. The veteran forward has been with the Clippers since 2019 and has a player option year in 2024/25.

“League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported.

Furthermore, Stein identified the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets as potential suitors. Both teams are in search of veteran talent. Furthermore, they have been reportedly willing to part with their high draft picks to acquire George. However, these trades, and other potential moves, appear to be in doubt.

Related: Paul George doesn’t want the Rockets to pursue James Harden

Clippers Not Moved By Current Offers

Reportedly, the Clippers have received several offers for George from around the league. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Blazers had an offer featuring the third-overall pick rejected. Meanwhile, Ian Bagley of SNY reported that the Knicks had made contact with LA about George. However, talks did not progress very far.

Furthermore, the Clippers were briefly involved in a failed trade for the Celtics’ Malcolm Brogdon. However, Brogdon’s injury history nixed the deal. While the Clippers could still make a move, it appears that their gauging of George’s value did not yield the results they were hoping for.

As a result, the Knicks will look to run it back with a team anchored by their tandem of George and Kawhi Leonard. Since George and Leonard joined the team in 2019, the team has had minimal success. After reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2021, the team missed the playoffs in 2022 and were eliminated in the first round in 2023.

Related: Boston Celtics snag Kristaps Porziņģis in three-team deal with Wizards, Grizzlies

Zion Williamson Also Unlikely To Be Traded

Zion Williamson playing for the New Orleans Pelicans
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 02: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Another player who has been linked with a move but will likely stay with his current team is Zion Williamson. The young New Orleans Pelicans star, who is currently in the midst of an infidelity scandal, has been linked with a potential move away from New Orleans.

One potential trade partner was the Charlotte Hornets. This would have sent Williamson to Charlotte in exchange for the second-overall pick in the draft. These rumors were based on the idea that the Pelicans were especially keen on the highly-touted prospect Scoot Henderson.

“Zion getting traded before Thursday’s draft is fairly unlikely [according to] multiple league sources” reported The Athletic. “The Pelicans have yet to even include Williamson in any formal offers made to the teams holding top-3 picks, league sources tell The Athletic. There have been varying reports about how much interest Charlotte or Portland would even have in shipping off the No. 2 or No. 3 picks in a potential Williamson trade.”

Related: Moriah Mills speaks out about Zion Williamson in the live chat of The Stephen A. Smith Show

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Kristaps Porziņģis Trade Saved By Memphis Grizzlies

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On June 22, it was revealed that the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards were working on a deal to send center Kristaps Porziņģis to Boston. It was the second major trade of the offseason, and also the second featuring the Wizards. On June 18, they sent Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and a package of picks. Porziņģis has been a key contributor for the Wizards. Joining the team via a trade in 2022, Porziņģis had a career-high 23.2 points per game. Furthermore, he had a career-high shooting percentage of 49.8%. Acquiring Porziņģis would earn the Celtics a definite upgrade at center. Porziņģis is a decade younger than current standing center Al Horford and had a much stronger 2022-23 season.

The Porziņģis trade was meant to be a three-team deal also featuring the LA Clippers. The Wizards would receive Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, the 30th pick in the 2023 Draft from the Clippers, and Danilo Gallinari from Boston. Meanwhile, Boston would receive Kristaps Porziņģis. Finally, the Clippers would get Malcolm Brogdon from the Celtics. However, around 90 minutes after the news was broken, the deal had reportedly fallen apart. With the Clippers pulling out, the Wizards and Celtics were left scrambling to complete the deal before the deadline on Porziņģis’ player option passed.

Grizzlies Join Porziņģis Deal

Per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Porziņģis deal was saved by the intervention of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies, who have been linked with trades elsewhere, took the place of the Clippers in the deal. The Celtics receive Porziņģis, Memphis’ 2023 first-round draft pick, and Golden State’s 2024 top-four protected first-round draft pick. Meanwhile, Washington receives Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies, and Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and a 2023 second-round pick from Boston. Finally, Memphis receives Marcus Smart from the Celtics.

It’s a complicated trade with a lot of moving parts. However, Boston gets a new franchise center and two first-round picks to play with. The Grizzlies get a workhorse veteran who could also help with their locker room atmosphere. Furthermore, the Wizards get a collection of veteran talent as they look to retool their roster and start their rebuild. Who do you think won this trade? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest NBA news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Boston Celtics Reportedly Pursuing Kristaps Porziņģis

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The Boston Celtics were so close and yet so far from the NBA finals this season. Maybe it wouldn’t have made a difference, given how dominant the Nuggets were. However, the Celtics became just the fourth team in league history to overcome a 0-3 deficit before also becoming the fourth team to then lose the subsequent game seven. While they have retained the star tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are eager to put together a roster to find them a championship.

Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards are at the other end of the contention spectrum. In recent days, they decided to finally trigger a full rebuild, trading Bradley Beal to the Suns. However, the return package was definitely less than expected, only netting them Chris Paul, Landrey Shamet, and some second-round picks. Perhaps because of this, recent reports suggest the Wizards aren’t done dealing.

Celtics Want Sign-And-Trade For Porziņģis

Per Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics are in talks with the Washington Wizards to acquire center and former fourth-overall pick Kristaps Porziņģis. Porziņģis is a Lativan star drafted in 2015 after beginning his pro career with Sevilla. He has been a key contributor for the Wizards. Joining the team via a trade in 2022, Porziņģis had a career-high 23.2 points per game. Furthermore, he had a career-high shooting percentage of 49.8%. 2023-24 represents a player option year for Porziņģis, who stands to make $36 million if he opts in. It’s believed that the Celtics would rather he opt-in and then be traded to them, rather than pursue him in free agency.

Acquiring Porziņģis would earn the Celtics a definite upgrade at center. Porziņģis is a decade younger than current standing center Al Horford. Furthermore, the Latvian had vastly superior numbers in every statistical category. He could be a crucial piece in a Celtics title run. However, it remains to be seen what sort of compensation the Wizards would want in return. Additionally, the loss of Porziņģis would mean that the Wizards would have parted ways with their top three scorers from last season. This would be the case after the Beal trade and Kyle Kuzma opting out of his player option year. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here on HotNewHipHop.

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Paul George Trade Rumors Surface

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June 18 saw the first blockbuster trade of the NBA offseason take place. Amid rumors that Zion Williamson and Damian Lillard may be on the move, it was the Washington Wizards who fired the first shot. Veteran guard Bradley Beal was traded to the Phoenix Suns for a package of players and picks. However, that trade may have been the first drops of water that break the proverbial dam in the coming weeks.

Paul George has played for the Clippers since 2019. After spending the first 7 years of his career with the Pacers, George had a brief stint in OKC before being traded to LA. George is an eight-time all-star, most recently this year. This season, the Clippers secured the Western Conference fifth-seed but suffered a first-round exit to the Suns. Now, George could be on the move.

Clippers Gauge Paul George Trade Value

Per NBA insider Marc Stein, the Clippers have been investigating what a potential trade for George could net them. “League sources tell The Stein Line that the LA Clippers have left various rival teams with the impression through their Draft Week conversations that they are, at a minimum, attempting to gauge Paul George’s trade value and, to hear some describe it, giving real consideration to the idea of disassembling the Kawhi Leonard/George tandem,” Stein reported in his pay-walled newsletter.

Additionally, Stein reports that two teams with high draft picks have been “identified as potential trade partners.” First, there is the Portland Trail Blazers. Holding the #3 pick in this week’s draft, the Blazers have made it no secret that they are willing to trade their pick away to build an immediate contender around Damian Lillard. Also in the mix is the Houston Rockets, who hold the #4 pick. The Rockets are eager to find a veteran leader for their young rebuild. However, they have also been heavily linked to a possible reunion with James Harden. With Geroge on a player option at the end of the season and the draft just days away, expect these rumors to heat up quickly. Follow all the latest NBA trade rumors here at HotNewHipHop.

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Zion Williamson Trade Rumors Get Crucial Update

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Zion Williamson has been at the center of some harsh reports over the last few weeks. Firstly, he was being accused by porn star Moriah Mills of being unfaithful. Overall, the Mills stuff has been extremely humiliating. Although the internet is largely on his side, having his alleged business aired out like this has been hard to watch. Moreover, it has come with all sorts of rumors about his status in New Orleans and what is going to happen to him, moving forward.

For instance, there are some people trying to say the New Orleans Pelicans want to trade him. Essentially, the Pelicans are reportedly looking at the second or third pick in the draft. However, in order to get this, they will need to trade someone like Brandon Ingram or Zion, hence all of the rumors. However, as William Guillory of The Athletic reports, these Zion rumors are extremely far-fetched right now.

Read More: Moriah Mills Hits Zion Williamson With Sex Tape Threats

Zion Williamson Speculation Grows Larger

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 25: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans is seen prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Smoothie King Center on January 25, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

“Zion getting traded before Thursday’s draft is fairly unlikely, multiple league sources tell The Athletic. Each was granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss potential trades,” Guillory wrote. “The Pelicans have yet to even include Williamson in any formal offers made to the teams holding top-3 picks, league sources tell The Athletic. There have been varying reports about how much interest Charlotte or Portland would even have in shipping off the No. 2 or No. 3 picks in a potential Williamson trade.”

At this point, it is unlikely that Zion will be in another jersey next year. However, the off-court drama needs to stop. Otherwise, the Pelicans may have to get involved. Hopefully, Williamson can leave it all on the court this year. Let us know what you think of all this, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports world.

Read More: Cam’Ron Coins Hilarious New Phrase After Zion Williamson Drama

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Phoenix Suns Finalizing Trade For Bradley Beal

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Bradley Beal has been the focus of the NBA this week. On June 14, Shams Charania revealed that the Washington Wizards were working with franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to find a trade the veteran would agree to. Beal has played his entire career in Washington after being drafted in 2012. However, the Wizards have only made the playoffs once in the last five seasons. Treading water at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they are in desperate need of a full rebuild. With Beal still in his prime, it seemed like the perfect time to maximize his value.

With Beal holding a valuable no-trade clause in his current $207 million contract, the Wizards would have to be careful about what trade offers they pursued. The Heat, Bucks, Kings, and Nets were all reported as possible trade partners. Later, it was reported that the Heat and Suns were the finalists for Beal‘s services. Both teams were reportedly offering major trade packages to secure the veteran’s services. Despite this, it appears that the Wizards have reached a deal.

Phoenix Suns Trade For Bradley Beal

Per ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Washington Wizards are finalizing a trade that will send Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. There he will form a big three alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. In exchange for Beal, the Suns are expected to send Chris Paul, Landry Shermet, a number of second-round picks, and some additional pick swaps to Washington. Reportedly, Miami had offered Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, and “multiple first-round picks” in exchange for Beal.

Speaking to ESPN, Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein opened up about the process that lead to the trade. “This was an extremely complicated process with so many different hurdles to get through, and Ted Leonsis and Michael Winger were unbelievable partners in making this happen.” The deal is expected to be finalized and officially announced later this week. The deal was likely helped by the fact that Bartelstein’s son Josh is the current CEO of the Suns. However, it shows that the Suns intend to keep their foot on the gas in their hunt for the so-far elusive NBA championship. Meanwhile, the Wizards will be able to rebuild under the veteran leadership of Paul. The trade also appears to resolve Paul’s uncertain future in Phoenix. However, this may be just the first of many dominoes to fall as the NBA Draft approaches. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Rumored Bradley Beal Trade Offers Revealed

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On June 14, Shams Charania revealed that the Washington Wizards were working with franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to find a trade the veteran would agree to. Beal has played his entire career in Washington after being drafted in 2012. However, despite Beal’s caliber, the Wizards had always let him down in terms of a supporting cast. After a handful of Conference Semifinal appearances in the late-2010s, Washington has just one playoff appearance in the last five years.

A variety of teams were immediately floated as good theoretical fits for Beal. However, Beal’s incredibly weighty contract ($207.7 million over the next four seasons) is a major part of the negotiations. Furthermore, Beal will be going from being the top player on the Wizards to like the second or third player on another team. A figure like $207.7 million is a lot of money for a guy who isn’t your best player. Over the past few days, rumors have linked four teams to Beal. However, the most recent development is that the Wizards are in “serious talks” with the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns.

Rumored Beal Trade Offers Revealed

Image of Bradley Beal in a grey hoodie
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 09: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on after the game against the Houston Rockets at Capital One Arena on April 9, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Per The Athletic, the Heat and Suns are offering major packages to try and secure Beal’s services. Miami’s deal reportedly pairs Kyle Lowery and Duncan Robinson with “multiple first-round picks.” Between now and 2030, the Heat currently own all but two of their first-round picks. The Thunder have the right to swap first-round picks with the Heat in 2025, as long as the Heat do not pick within the top-14. If they do, the Thunder retain the right to swap picks in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Suns’ package centers around star center DeAndre Ayton. The deal would additionally include “additional cap filler or future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and Landry Shamet.” However, The Athletic report makes no mention of the Suns including picks in the deal. These offers present two very different futures for Washington. Either they can slowly rebuild through the draft or attempt a faster retooling around Ayton. This is a developing story and we’ll have any updates here at HotNewHipHop.

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Washington Wizards In “Serious Talks” With Miami Heat And Phoenix Suns About Bradley Beal Trade

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On June 14, Shams Charania revealed that the Washington Wizards were working with franchise cornerstone Bradley Beal to find a trade the veteran would agree to. Beal has played his entire career in Washington after being drafted in 2012. However, despite Beal’s caliber, the Wizards had always let him down in terms of a supporting cast. After a handful of Conference Semifinal appearances in the late-2010s, Washington has just one playoff appearance in the last five years.

A variety of teams were immediately floated as good theoretical fits for Beal. However, Beal’s incredibly weighty contract ($207.7 million over the next four seasons) is a major part of the negotiations. Furthermore, Beal will be going from being the top player on the Wizards to like the second or third player on another team. A figure like $207.7 million is a lot of money for a guy who isn’t your best player. Despite this four teams have so far been linked with a move to acquire Beal – the Heat, the Bucks, the Kings, and the Nets. However, it appears that the trade talks are starting to heat up.

Heat And Suns Emerge As Frontrunners For Beal

Per Charania, the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns have emerged as finalists to acquire Beal’s services. The Suns, who were not previously mentioned in trade rumors, make for an intriguing trade partner. The team is looking to restructure after falling well short of their “win-now” objective for 2023. A trade for Beal could see DeAndre Ayton, Chris Paul, or both, heading to Washington. That would set up a Big Three of Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker anchoring the Suns next season.

Meanwhile, the Heat are $67.3 million over the cap. Furthermore, the Heat do not have a lot of weighty contracts they could offload to Washington to balance out Beal’s. A hypothetical trade could force the Heat to give up a lot of good depth talent. This could be somewhat mitigated by draft picks. Despite this, they will still need to find some way to balance the books to accommodate Beal’s massive contract. That said, securing Beal would allow the Heat to field their own Big Three of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Beal. Where do you think Beal will end up? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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