ESPN's NBA insiders are breaking down the moves contenders such as the Lakers, Bucks, 76ers and Pelicans need to make, and how each franchise can get them done.
The Lakers and Pelicans are among NBA teams that could be active in the trade market. But only one of them has real paths to a deal.
Kevin Pelton, Bobby Marks and more of ESPN's NBA insiders are breaking down these six contenders to see what they're currently lacking, what their options are ahead of the trade season and whether there are rumblings of potential moves., who played just 11 games in 2023-24 following December knee surgery, was supposed to help strengthen L.A.'s backcourt depth, but he is shooting 19% from 3-point range and is averaging a career-low 0.5 assists.to take a step forward.
The Bucks' roster is top heavy in salary: Antetokounmpo and Lillard each make $48.7 million, while nine players earn less than $2.8 million. The players who have sizable contracts -- Lopez, Middleton, Bobby Portis Jr. and-- could be free agents next offseason. Middleton, who has played just 88 games over the past two seasons, has a $34 million player option for 2025-26. Lopez, meanwhile, will turn 37 in April.
The lack of first-round capital is not the only roadblock. The Heat are over the first apron and $1.6 million below the second. Miami for now is not allowed to trade Adebayo,Miami came into the season with lots of questions about its future. After a middling start to the season, includinggoing down with an ankle injury, those questions remain. Given the extraordinarily forgiving nature of the East, don't expect Miami to make any early moves.
The Knicks have eight second-round picks available but are limited in first-round assets, with a 2025 top-10-protected first from Washington and the ability to swap firsts in 2026 or 2030.to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks seem inclined to wait things out on the trade market, even as the team's defense underwhelms in uncharacteristic fashion. New York ranks 28th in one-on-one defense -- highly disappointing given the reputation of stoppers Bridges and-- while rating 24th in rim protection.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA Insider Reveals Struggling Bucks Called 'Whole League' in Search of Early TradeIs Milwaukee (2-6) pressing the panic button?
Read more »
Bucks Star Has Home Burglarized During GameA Milwaukee Bucks star's home was robbed during the Bucks' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Read more »
NBA Trade Proposal Sends Bucks Champion to Western ConferenceThe Pelicans need to upgrade its center position and can do that by acquiring Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez.
Read more »
Bucks News: Wisconsin Herd Trade for Rights to Former NBA Top 10 PickMilwaukee's NBAGL club is adding a former elite prospect.
Read more »
Bucks News: Former Lakers Guard Went After Damian Lillard to Silence Darvin HamAnd silence Darvin Ham he did.
Read more »
Lakers' Jalen Hood-Schifino Has Trade Interest From Multiple NBA Teams: ReportThe Lakers may have some trade interest in Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Read more »