NBA Trade Rumblings: Ja Morant’s Market Narrows, Cam Thomas Draws Interest, and Frontcourt Moves Take Shape
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and Ja Morant’s name continues to hover near the top of the list. While Sacramento has been loosely linked to the Grizzlies star, there’s little traction between the two sides. According to league sources, Morant and his camp have little interest in a move to the Kings, favoring other potential destinations like Miami or Minnesota.
And it turns out that feeling is mutual. Sacramento hasn’t ruled out the idea entirely, but they’re not exactly rolling out the red carpet either.
If they were to engage in serious talks, they’d reportedly want Memphis to sweeten the deal with draft compensation to offset Morant’s hefty max contract, which runs through the 2027-28 season. That’s a major financial commitment, and Sacramento is understandably cautious, especially with questions about fit and locker room chemistry looming large.
From Memphis’ perspective, the Grizzlies are looking to flip Morant for draft picks-even if it means absorbing some less desirable contracts in return. That mismatch in priorities makes a Kings-Grizzlies deal unlikely at this point.
So who’s left in the mix? Miami and Minnesota are still on the radar, and there’s a new name quietly emerging: the Milwaukee Bucks. While no formal offer has been reported, Milwaukee could jump into the conversation-though any serious pursuit may hinge on clarity surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term outlook with the franchise.
Cam Thomas a Trade Candidate?
Elsewhere in the league, Cam Thomas is drawing attention-though not for anything on the court at the moment. The Nets guard didn’t travel with the team to Orlando and is officially out for Thursday’s game due to personal reasons. But behind the scenes, his name continues to circulate in trade discussions.
Thomas, who effectively holds a no-trade clause after signing his qualifying offer in 2025, is still considered a realistic trade candidate. The Cavaliers and Bucks have reportedly expressed interest, and while nothing is imminent, Thomas’ scoring ability and upside make him an intriguing option for teams looking to add firepower before the deadline.
Hawks Eyeing Gafford, Add Landale
The Atlanta Hawks are still shopping for help in the paint, with Dallas center Daniel Gafford firmly on their radar. The Mavericks are holding out for a first-round pick, but so far, Atlanta has only been willing to part with second-round assets.
That negotiation got a little more complicated-or perhaps a little more strategic-after the Hawks acquired Jock Landale from Utah. Landale comes on a minimum deal and an expiring contract, so he doesn’t block a potential move for Gafford. But his arrival could give Atlanta just enough depth to hold firm on their current offer and avoid overpaying.
Gafford is under contract for three more seasons beyond this one, so any team trading for him is making a long-term investment. For the Hawks, it’s a question of whether Gafford is worth a premium pick to solidify their frontcourt rotation.
Raptors Exploring Big-Name Bigs
The Toronto Raptors have been active behind the scenes, making inquiries about some of the league’s top frontcourt talent. Before Dallas sent Anthony Davis to Washington, Toronto had been in talks with the Mavericks about acquiring the All-Star big man. They also reportedly checked in with Memphis on Jaren Jackson Jr. before he was shipped to Utah.
Toronto’s front office isn’t stopping there. They’ve also held discussions about Domantas Sabonis, though talks with Sacramento have reportedly hit a wall. It’s clear the Raptors are in the market for a serious upgrade in the frontcourt-but whether they can close a deal before the buzzer remains to be seen.
As the trade deadline approaches, expect the chatter to intensify. Teams are positioning themselves for playoff pushes, roster resets, or something in between-and with names like Morant, Thomas, and Gafford in play, the next few days could get very interesting.