Coaching Pressure Mounts in Cleveland, Trade Rumors Swirl Around Harden, Sabonis, and Coby White
The Cavaliers are feeling the heat, and so is Kenny Atkinson. After leading Cleveland to the best record in the East just a season ago, Atkinson now finds himself coaching a team that’s barely above .500 and sliding in the standings. At 15-14, the Cavs are clinging to play-in territory, and the whispers around the league are getting louder: Atkinson’s seat is warming up.
The frustration in Cleveland is real. The team has dropped eight of its last 11 games, including several to bottom-tier opponents - the kind of losses that raise eyebrows and test patience.
Expectations were sky-high coming into the season, with hopes of challenging New York for Eastern Conference supremacy. Instead, the Cavs are searching for answers as the calendar inches toward the midway point.
One report over the weekend suggested that owner Dan Gilbert is “very unhappy” with the team’s recent performance. That kind of sentiment from the top can often signal change is coming.
But according to league sources, Gilbert isn’t likely to make a coaching move just yet. He was a major advocate for Atkinson during the hiring process, favoring him over other candidates, including James Borrego - who’s now serving as the interim head coach in New Orleans.
Still, support can be fleeting in this league, especially when expectations aren’t being met. The next few weeks could be critical for Atkinson and the Cavs, as they try to right the ship before the All-Star break.
James Harden’s Name Surfaces in Trade Chatter
Meanwhile, out West, the Clippers may be facing a decision of their own. James Harden’s name has started to make the rounds in trade conversations, and according to one rival front office executive, there’s a growing belief that L.A. might be open to dealing him before the deadline.
Now, there’s a wrinkle here - Harden holds veto power over any trade, thanks to the terms of his deal. While he technically signed a two-year contract, the second season is a player option with a partial guarantee, giving him the leverage to steer his own path. That complicates things for any team looking to make a move, but it doesn’t stop the speculation.
The Clippers have had their ups and downs since adding Harden, and while the fit has shown flashes, the clock is ticking. If L.A. doesn’t see a clear path to contention with this core, exploring options - even ones involving Harden - might be on the table.
Sabonis Injury Clouds Kings’ Deadline Strategy
In Sacramento, the Kings are facing a different kind of uncertainty. Domantas Sabonis is expected to miss another four to five weeks as he recovers from a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. That timeline bumps right up against the February 5 trade deadline - and could force the front office into some tough decisions.
As of now, it’s unclear if the Kings are even open to discussing trades involving Sabonis. The sense is they’d prefer to move off veterans like DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine if they pivot toward a rebuild. But if they go all-in on reshaping the roster, Sabonis would instantly become one of the most sought-after names on the market.
He’s a proven All-Star, a versatile big who can anchor an offense and rebound with the best of them. And in a league where frontcourt depth is always in demand, there would be no shortage of suitors. Whether the Kings are ready to entertain those calls remains to be seen.
Coby White Drawing Interest as Bulls Reassess
Over in Chicago, there’s a growing sense that the Bulls might finally be ready to test the waters on a Coby White trade. The 23-year-old guard is in the final year of his deal, earning $12.9 million, and set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer.
White’s name has come up in trade talks before, but the Bulls have typically been reluctant to part ways. That may be changing. According to league chatter, teams believe Chicago is more open to moving him than they’ve been in the past.
The challenge? His salary makes it tough to get back equivalent value without packaging him alongside another piece. But for a team looking to add scoring punch or backcourt depth, White could be an intriguing midseason addition - especially if the Bulls decide to retool ahead of the deadline.
What’s Next?
With the trade deadline looming and teams reassessing their direction, the league is entering one of its most volatile stretches. Coaches are under pressure, stars are nursing injuries, and front offices are weighing short-term results against long-term vision.
The next few weeks could bring clarity - or chaos. Either way, buckle up. The NBA rumor mill is just getting started.