Commerce Rumors: Williams, Blazers, Kings, Strus, Dieng -

The Path Blazers have been “purchasing” Robert Williams forward of the commerce deadline, based on Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints (Twitter hyperlink). The veteran massive man is on an expiring $13.3MM contract and has lengthy been seen as a doable commerce candidate.

As Sean Highkin of The Rose Backyard Report writes (Substack hyperlink), Portland values Williams, who’s “beloved” within the locker room on prime of being a “cultural tone-setter.” The 28-year-old has additionally been the healthiest he’s been in years, averaging 5.9 factors, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 33 video games (16.3 minutes per contest).

Nonetheless, it will likely be tough for the Blazers to get a considerable return for Williams given his lengthy damage historical past, Highkin notes. That spotty observe document additionally makes the opportunity of re-signing him in the summertime a transparent threat.

Listed below are some extra trade-related notes and rumors from across the NBA:

The Path Blazers reportedly have curiosity in buying and selling for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Incoming proprietor Tom Dundon is a wild card within the Giannis sweepstakes, writes Invoice Oram of The Oregonian (subscriber hyperlink). As Oram explains, Dundon has developed a status as somebody who is extremely aggressive and unafraid to take dangers. Whereas Dundon’s buy of the staff gained’t be finalized till after the deadline, the entrance workplace has gotten to know him effectively and acknowledges the forms of strikes he’d be prepared to log out on. Oram believes the Blazers ought to cross on Antetokounmpo, particularly if the Bucks ask for Deni Avdija (they usually undoubtedly would). For what it’s value, new Blazer Vit Krejci shares an agent (Alex Saratsis) with Antetokounmpo, Highkin notes.
The Kings proceed to be lively in commerce talks after the De’Andre Hunter deal, confirms James Ham of TheKingsBeat.com. The Kings created two openings on their normal roster by sending out three gamers for one, and Ham hears a kind of spots will finally go to Dylan Cardwell. Nonetheless, that gained’t happen till after the deadline. The extra roster flexibility might be helpful if Sacramento takes in a number of gamers (beginning with RJ Barrett) from the Raptors in a Domantas Sabonis commerce, Ham observes, although nothing is imminent on that entrance.
Along with on the lookout for trades involving Lonzo Ball, the Cavaliers have additionally obtained some exterior curiosity in swingman Max Strus, sources inform Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (subscriber hyperlink). Strus has but to play this season following offseason foot surgical procedure.
Fourth-year ahead Ousmane Dieng is taken into account one of many Thunder‘s prime commerce candidates and there’s a “actual chance” he’ll be on the transfer by February 5, based on Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman (subscription required). “I don’t actually give it some thought,” Dieng advised The Oklahoman. “I’m simply attempting to enhance day-after-day and assist the staff win.”