With the NBA trade deadline just days away, the rumor mill is in full swing - and while all eyes might be on the biggest names, there’s plenty of movement happening just beneath the surface. Let’s break down some of the most intriguing storylines making the rounds, from the Lakers’ search for reinforcements to the Kings’ quietly valuable trade chip.
Lakers Eyeing De’Andre Hunter, Day’Ron Sharpe in Multi-Team Deal
The Lakers are in the market for wing help and backup size - and they’re not being subtle about it. According to multiple reports, Los Angeles has been in talks with Cleveland and Brooklyn on a potential three-team deal that would bring De’Andre Hunter and center Day’Ron Sharpe to L.A.
The framework being discussed would send Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht out of Los Angeles, with Hunter heading from Cleveland and Sharpe from Brooklyn. The money math here is tricky - Cleveland is operating over the second apron, which limits flexibility, and the Lakers are hard-capped at the first apron, sitting less than $1 million beneath it. That means any deal has to be razor-sharp in terms of salary matching.
One wild card in all of this: the Lakers’ 2031 first-round pick. It’s the only first they can currently trade, and it’s considered a valuable asset. There’s chatter that L.A. has explored flipping that pick for multiple lesser first-rounders, one of which could be used in this deal.
So what’s the appeal for the Lakers? Hunter, while not the defensive stopper Cleveland hoped he’d be, still brings scoring punch (13.9 points per game) and size on the wing - two things L.A. could use, especially with LeBron James and Anthony Davis shouldering so much of the load. He’s struggled from beyond the arc this season (30.9%), but the tools are there.
Adding Sharpe would also help shore up the frontcourt depth behind Davis. The Lakers have been searching for a reliable backup center all season, and Sharpe could be a sneaky-good fit in that role. Giving up Hachimura - who’s had his moments - isn’t ideal, but if the Lakers can walk away with two rotation pieces, it’s a move worth considering.
Michael Porter Jr. Looking More Likely to Stay Put
Just a few weeks ago, it looked like Michael Porter Jr. could be on the move. Now? Not so much.
Initial reports suggested Brooklyn might be willing to part ways with the former Finals contributor, but that talk has cooled. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today that he hasn’t heard Porter is available, adding, “If he is, I’ll wait for Shams to tell me because I haven’t heard that.”
The Nets, who continue to be linked to a potential blockbuster pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo, may prefer to keep Porter in the fold as part of a win-now supporting cast. He’s got championship experience and can stretch the floor - two things that could be crucial if Brooklyn does land a superstar.
Keon Ellis Drawing Heavy Trade Interest
One of the most talked-about names on the trade market right now? Kings guard Keon Ellis.
The 6'4" wing has quietly become a hot commodity, with reports indicating that as many as 14 teams have reached out to Sacramento about his availability. That list includes some heavy hitters: the Lakers, Clippers, Celtics, Cavaliers, Knicks, and Warriors are all reportedly in the mix.
Why all the interest? Ellis is a strong perimeter defender who’s shooting 36.2% from three this season - and he’s doing it on a minimum contract that expires this summer. He’s extension-eligible after February 9, but if no deal gets done, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
Sacramento is reportedly exploring deals that could package Ellis with either Malik Monk or DeMar DeRozan. Pairing Ellis with Monk gets you to $21 million in outgoing salary; with DeRozan, that number jumps to $27 million. That kind of flexibility gives the Kings options - whether they’re looking to retool around De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis or add another impact piece for a playoff push.
Quick-Hitters from Around the League
- Rich Paul sets the record straight: The high-profile agent denied rumors that he pushed Dallas to trade for Anthony Davis. Paul called the report a product of internet aggregation and firmly stated there’s no truth to it.
- Cleveland staying active: The Cavaliers are reportedly working the phones in search of a spark to turn around a disappointing season. What exactly they’re targeting remains unclear, but they’re in the mix.
- Thunder monitoring Isaiah Hartenstein: Oklahoma City has been linked to Knicks big man Isaiah Hartenstein, who has a $29 million team option next season. With max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams looming, OKC’s cap sheet is about to get a lot tighter. Whether they pull the trigger remains to be seen, but it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on.
- Magic looking to duck the tax: Orlando is $5.6 million into the luxury tax and could look to shed salary. Tyus Jones, with his $7 million expiring deal, is a logical candidate to be moved in a cost-cutting deal.
With the deadline fast approaching, front offices across the league are weighing whether to buy, sell, or stand pat. And while the blockbuster names will always dominate headlines, it’s often the under-the-radar moves - like a Keon Ellis deal or a Sharpe-to-L.A. trade - that end up making the biggest impact come playoff time. Stay tuned.