Trade talks around the league are sort of in a holding pattern as the league deals with the latest wave of COVID absences.
Yet, discussions are expected to pick up leading up to the trade deadline and Joe Ingles is a name to watch, as ESPN’s Zach Lowe writes in his latest 10 Things column. Rival executives have speculated may be able to make an upgrade utilizing Ingles and first-round pick in a trade.
Ingles is a name to watch up to the trade deadline; in spitballing sessions, a lot of rival executives have wondered what the Jazz might be able to get in exchange for Ingles and a first-round pick. Ingles is on an expiring contract, and has lost maybe an eighth of a step.
He’s not as airtight on defense anymore. He basically only takes 3s; he has attempted 14 free throws all season. He’s a really good passer, but his assists are down and his playmaking doesn’t feel quite as essential as it once did with Mitchell, Conley, and Clarkson all getting tons of minutes. Quin Snyder may want to experiment with Rudy Gay in a larger role.
Lowe added that he would bet against Ingles being traded (it would be funny to see if there were actually any oddsmakers who have calculated such a thing). Still, the longtime ESPN scribe is keeping his eye on the situation.
More Buzz From Around The NBA
- The Nets and Kyrie Irving have agreed that the point guard will play in road games. However, with Irving entering the COVID health and safety protocols, his 2021-22 debut is currently on hold. Coach Steve Nash indicated that Irving will undergo some sort of ramp-up period once he’s back and Ohm Youngmisuk suggests that January 17 at Cleveland could be a target date.
- The Celtics were hit with a bevy of players heading to the COVID protocols, including Dennis Schroder and Enes Freedom. The team has added Al-Farouq Aminu and Norvel Pelle via a pair of 10-day deals to help weather the storm.
- The Timberwolves have eight players in the COVID protocols, including Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Chris Silva and Rayjon Tucker were added to the team via 10-day deals and there are rumblings that the team may add another player before Monday’s contest against the Celtics.
- Rui Hachimura traveled with the Wizards to New York for its recent game against the Knicks and while he sat on the bench, he did not play. Coach Wes Unseld Jr. told FortyEightMinutes and other media (via zoom) that the forward still doesn’t have a timeline to return.
- It appears unlikely that Damian Lillard gets moved before the trade deadline with ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (podcast link) reporting that he’s the only Blazer who isn’t available via trade talks. Jusuf Nurkic and Robert Covington are among those rumored to be garnering interest.
