Let’s get to the latest buzz from around the NBA, including the Wizards, Russell Westbrook, and Karl-Anthony Towns trade rumors:
Wizards Rumors
Wes Unseld Jr.’s job is safe. Despite the Wizards’ poor start, the Unseld’s job isn’t in danger, according to a report from Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Washington ushered in a new front office this offseason and the new regime is prepared to give Unseld “significant leeway” this season.
As for the players on the court, it’s possible that changes are coming. Marc Stein reports (via substack) that Jordan Poole isn’t viewed as a long-term prospect in Washington. Stein alludes that the Wizards simply want to rehabilitate Poole’s trade value and move him elsewhere. With Washington focused on the long-term rather than a strategy that produces wins this season, Poole may not be the only Wizards in trade rumors ahead of the deadline.
No inside information here but I don’t expect Poole to be a member of the Wizards to start the 2024-25 campaign.
More Trade Rumors
While there is widespread belief that Karl-Anthony Towns is available in trade talks, Matt Moore of The Action Network hears from a Minnesota source that the notion isn’t correct. The Wolves are open to discussions, though they are not shopping the big man by any means.
The Knicks are among the teams interested in trading for Towns. Moore indicates that New York’s package could include Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley, adding that Mitchell Robinson is not expected to be available in talks with the franchise looking to add KAT to the frontcourt to replicate the success that Minnesota has found with the former No. 1 pick sitting alongside a defensive-minded center.
The inclusion of RJ Barrett could be a critical point in negotiations, per Moore. The Knicks apparently view the 23-year-old as the type of centerpiece who could net a star in a trade and they might not be included to include him for Towns, which is interesting and perhaps ironic because many have touted Towns as a superstar.
Over the past several seasons, Towns has been the subject of trade rumors pretty consistently, including two years ago when “FreeKAT” was trending on Twitter and the big man was reportedly sleeping the entire time that it was trending. Whether or not Towns, who received the third-most brand deals among all NBA players during the 2021-22 season, gets out of Minnesota remains to be seen. Yet, with his CAA ties, the Knicks will always be linked to the marketable star.
Former Wizards News
- Russell Westbrook is coming off the bench in Los Angeles. According to Chris Haynes, Westbrook requested to come off the bench in order to help the team establish more continuity. Terance Mann will start for the Clippers now.
- Kelly Oubre isn’t playing for the Sixers after suffering broken ribs in what was originally reported as a hit-and-run which occurred while Oubre was walking home. The good news is that he’s expected back within weeks rather than the “significant time” timeline he originally was designated with.
- Bradley Beal continues to be sidelined with back issues. Beal has appeared in three games for the Suns this season, though he hasn’t seen action alongside both Devin Booker and Kevin Durant yet.
