NBA Trade Rumors: Mavericks are targeting Jerami Grant
The Feb. 10 NBA Trade Deadline is just two weeks away, and it feels like things are accelerating as we approach it, like a canoe nearing roaring rapids just beyond view.
As the noise continues to build, let’s take a look at some of the most interesting rumors from around the Association.
Mavs are in hot pursuit of Jerami Grant
Arguably the most sought-after player on the trade market this year is Jerami Grant. While he isn’t the most talented player in the league, he is a legitimate scorer and solid defender with zero baggage (Yup, we're looking at you Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook). The NBA is a league filled with mercurial and polarizing figures, but Grant has no reputation for any kind of disruptive behavior and appears to be an excellent fit no matter where he lands.
As a result of his solid contributions and 20+ points per game scoring average, many teams covet Grant as a wing addition to provide scoring relief. One team now being mentioned as a potential suitor is the Dallas Mavericks, who have been involved in many trade rumors this winter as they look to supplement star guard Luka Doncic and strike now on championship aspirations.
NBA Rumors: Mavs 'Dark-Horse' For Jerami Grant Trade; Linked to Collins & Smart https://t.co/ovdeEeGvut
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) January 25, 2022
The Mavs are reportedly willing to part with Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell in a move that would give them a stronger starting five and the Pistons replacement-level professionals that can help rookie Cade Cunningham continue to blossom as their star.
Lakers are still eyeing Terrence Ross
The Orlando Magic are lost in what now feels like an endless rebuilding mission, while the Los Angeles Lakers have championship aspirations but a non-cohesive group. Now there are rumors that they will pursue a player they have valued from afar for many years in Terrence Ross.
Going all the way back to 2015, the Lakers have been linked to Terrence Ross in various trade and free agency rumors, and NBA teams expect them to pursue the veteran guard again at the deadline. https://t.co/tfr60Kb5iL
— Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN) January 24, 2022
Ross is a scorer and would provide immediate relief to the veterans on the Lakers roster that don’t have the first-step they once had. However, questions would certainly still remain on if he makes enough difference to warrant the pursuit at the cost of draft capital and/or young guard Talen Horton-Tucker.
Timberwolves have expressed interest in Robert Covington
The Portland Trail Blazers are having a forgettable season at 20-28, but still have an opportunity to make the playoffs. One reason for their poor record is injuries, especially at the forward position, where Robert Covington, Nassir Little, and Larry Nance Jr. have all missed time.
TRADE RUMOR: The #Timberwolves are interested in a reunion with Robert Covington. đź‘€
— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) January 26, 2022
RoCo played 70 games for Minnesota from 2018-2020. pic.twitter.com/aAM9mG53pn
Now rumors have come out that the Blazers could be looking to offload Covington to any number of teams that may appreciate a forward that can shoot from deep. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz have been floated as likely landing spots.
With Little being a very athletic and talented young forward it makes sense that the Blazers would look to split with the veteran Covington and continue to give those minutes to the younger weapons on their roster.
Westbrook and Simmons are likely staying put
Two of the highest profile names on the trading block for months now are the Philadelphia 76ers’ Ben Simmons and Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook. While an exciting blockbuster involving either of these players would be highly entertaining, it doesn’t appear they're going to be moved before the deadline. Something taking place in the offseason is more likely at this point.
Russell Westbrook for John Wall could be the craziest trade rumor this season https://t.co/FGsYGrFZWB pic.twitter.com/7HRpNUaPV8
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) January 26, 2022
We'll continue to keep an eye on these two players, but won’t hold our breath on something happening in these final weeks.
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