The Raptors may be willing to deal both Kyle Lowry (left) and Norman Powell before Thursday’s trade deadline.
As we close in on the official trade deadline (March 25, 3 p.m. ET), keep up with the latest rumblings around the NBA — and the latest deals that have been agreed to — as deadline day approaches.
March 22 | March 23 | March 24
Report: Raptors discussing Lowry, Powell with multiple teams
Toronto is discussing potential deals for guard Kyle Lowry and forward Norman Powell, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 76ers and Heat are believed to be among the teams with interest, but it’s unknown how far each would go to pull off a trade for either player. This season, Lowry is averaging 17.6 points and 7.4 assists, while Powell is averaging 19.5 points and 3 rebounds. Toronto has lost 9 straight and is in danger of falling out of the playoff chase in the East.
Sources: Raptors discussing Kyle Lowry and Norman Powell deals on multiple fronts and those talks are expected to extend into Wednesday — and perhaps even Thursday. Philadelphia, Miami are interested in Lowry, but both have shown restraint in how far they'll go to get a deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 24, 2021
— 10:10 p.m.
Report: Heat, Knicks reluctant to offer top packages for Oladipo
Victor Oladipo started 2020-21 with the Indiana Pacers, got dealt to the Houston Rockets in the James Harden mega-trade and, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, could be on the move again. The Miami Heat and New York Knicks are pursuing the former All-Star, but are hesitant to offer a “premium package” for Oladipo, Wojnarowski reports. One thing that seems clear, however, is that Houston — per ESPN — will likely part with Oladipo before March 25. This season, Oladipo is averaging 21.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.2 spg with Houston and turned down a reported two-year extension with the Rockets back in late February.
ESPN Sources: Heat and Knicks – w/ summer cap space – are reluctant to offer premium packages for Victor Oladipo, but market’s developed of capped-out teams bidding w/ young player/first-round pick combos. One thing’s become clear: Houston’s likely moving Oladipo before deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 23, 2021
— 1:42 p.m.
Pacers reportedly listening to offers for Brogdon
As mentioned below, the Indiana Pacers would need a lot of incentive to part with center/forward Myles Turner. That may not be the case with starting point guard Malcolm Brogdon, writes Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports. He reports the Pacers could be willing to part with Brogdon as they feel Caris LeVert can handle the point guard duties. The LA Clippers could be a potential suitor for Brogdon, per Yahoo Sports. Additionally, Indiana could be willing to move Aaron Holiday, too.
Trade deadline notes for @YahooSports: Pacers listening to pitches on Malcolm Brogdon; Could Sabonis be next? Spencer Dinwiddie to Miami? Knicks monitoring Evan Fournier https://t.co/CMgWJY0Hw1
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) March 23, 2021
— 12:22 p.m.
Will Aldridge and Drummond get dealt?
Former All-Star big men Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge are technically still members of the Cavs and Spurs, respectively. However, neither has played in weeks as their teams try to find new landing places for them. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports that the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls have shown interest in Drummond, while the Celtics and Miami Heat are interested in Aldridge. However, the hefty contracts both players sport continue to make them perhaps more likely to be bought out (and sign wherever they wish) than traded on or before March 25.
The Cavaliers and Spurs remain hopeful for Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge trades, but each big’s buyout market has already taken shape. Plus more info on JJ Redick and George Hill, and the Bulls as sneaky potential buyers: https://t.co/Zz8WEnW02t
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) March 23, 2021
— 11:12 a.m.
Pacers aren’t shopping Turner, per report
In terms of total blocks and blocks per game, no one in the NBA this season is better than the Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner. The center/forward is enjoying one of his best overall seasons (13.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.4 bpg) and has Indiana in the mix for — at worst — a shot in the Play-In Tournament. J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star reports while the list of suitors for Turner is lengthy, Indiana would need to get a “no-brainer” trade scenario to part with him. Among the teams interested in Turner, per Michael, are the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers and New York Knicks.
Insider: A 'no-brainer' deal that blows them away the only way to pry Turner from Pacers. https://t.co/7Xd7UjkPHD pic.twitter.com/V4cgBB2MnL
— IndyStarSports (@IndyStarSports) March 23, 2021
Blazers have reported interest in Cavs’ McGee
UPDATE: Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reports the Portland Trail Blazers are showing interest in McGee, but are in a tricky spot in getting him since regular starter Jusuf Nurkic should be on the way back soon.
— 12:19 p.m.
Before the 2020-21 season began, the Los Angeles Lakers traded veteran big man JaVale McGee to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a small deal that few may have noticed. Yet McGee has been better than expected with the Cavs, averaging 8 ppg and 5.2 rpg and 1.2 bpg in mostly reserve minutes while carving out a solid role in the rotation. It is not likely he will be bought out, which means he will either be with the team going forward or be traded, writes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. The Cavs are happy with what McGee has brought to the team on a variety of fronts — playing time, mentoring and more — and are reportedly hesitant to move him.
— 8:15 a.m.
Report: Magic want first-round pick for Gordon
UPDATE: The Magic, per Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, are seeking a first-rounder and a young asset in return for Aaron Gordon. The Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in Gordon, but the Magic aren’t high on the Wolves’ offering of Jarrett Culver.
— 12:21 p.m.
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon has reportedly asked to be traded from there and it appears the Boston Celtics may be the current leaders to land him. Matt Moore of The Action Network reports several teams — including the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers are in pursuit of Gordon. The Celtics have reportedly offered two first-round picks for Gordon, and the trade might also include swingman Evan Fournier moving to Boston as well. However, as with most things at this stage, these are mostly trade talks and all aspects of that remain quite fluid.
Sources: The Boston Celtics are the *current* frontrunners for Aaron Gordon, having offered two first round picks (with protections, definition unknown) as part of a larger deal involving Evan Fournier and others. https://t.co/0IRmxWHuY9
— Matt Moore Action Network NBA (@MattMooreTAN) March 23, 2021
— 8 a.m.
Grizzlies have decision to make on Dieng
The Memphis Grizzlies have some of the most intriguing frontcourt talent in the NBA with the likes on Jaren Jackson Jr., Justise Winslow, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Anderson and Brandon Clarke in that mix. However, they also have a potential trade chip in that mix in veteran center Gorgui Dieng, who is on the last year of his contract. Evan Barnes of The Commercial Appeal reports it seems more likely that the Grizzlies will buy out Dieng than trade him, but his situation bears watching over the next few days. In addition, Barnes reports the Grizzlies are highly unlikely to trade a rotation player, especially considering all the injury woes Memphis has dealt with this season.
— 7:58 a.m.
