The NBA’s most surprising teams so far
Which team has shocked the league so far? The For The Hoops crew make their picks for most surprising team here!
The NBA trade deadline is a week away and rumors continue to swirl.
Jimmy Butler‘s situation with the Miami Heat remains ongoing. De’Aaron Fox is the latest big name involved in speculation. There are several teams expected to be interested in acquiring Fox from the Sacramento Kings … including the Heat.
The league saw some early movement in December when the Brooklyn Nets sent Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors. The Heat also sent center Thomas Bryant to the Indiana Pacers for draft consideration.
Where will De’Aaron Fox be traded?
USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt named six potential destinations for Fox.
The San Antonio Spurs are reportedly the preferred destination for Fox, but the Spurs already have a veteran point guard with Chris Paul on the roster.
The Spurs have pieces, such as first-round picks and rookie Stephon Castle, that could interest the Kings, but it might be worth noting how Paul may fit in with Fox on the roster — or in the potential trade itself.
While the Spurs will do what they think is best to help rising star Victor Wembanyama, the Kings will do what’s best for them. That includes taking calls from other potential suitors.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic could also be in play for Fox.
Fox grew up in the Houston area. He is also a Klutch Sports client; the same agency that represents the Lakers’ star duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Will the Los Angeles Lakers make a big move?
The Lakers could be in the market for a center before the deadline. Anthony Davis told ESPN last week that he would like to see the team make a move to bring in another center so that he can go back to playing power forward.
“I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the (power forward) and having a big out there,” Davis told ESPN.
Pacers big man Myles Turner and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler could be potential targets for the Lakers.
Turner is set to become a free agent after this season, which may make him available before the deadline. The Lakers will need to have some reassurance that he will be around beyond this season if they are asked to give up any key assets.
Kessler is a younger player who can come in and learn from someone like Davis while having an impact on both ends of the floor. Turner’s next contract could be somewhere between $25 to 30 million.