NBA Rumors: Jackson to Stay with the Knicks, Bogut to Celtics or Blazers
The 2016-17 NBA regular season is far from over; most teams have finished but a quarter of the 82 games they need to play to try and make it to the playoffs. Moreover, the trade deadline is during February 23, more than 2 months away. The following are the latest trade rumors for the season.
1. Phil Jackson to Stay with Knicks
Phil Jackson can opt out of his contract with the New York Knicks after this season. Because of this, many Lakers fans speculate that he will go back to the Los Angeles Lakers organization and contribute to the team in some way.
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However, according to a Lakers Nation article, this idea may be farfetched. "Jackson fully intends to finish the two years after this season on his Knicks contract, according to NBA sources. Despite all the attention on his opt-out clause in 2017, he might even want to do a new deal that starts in 2019."
Phil Jackson had a successful run as the Lakers head coach, giving the team 5 NBA titles. Now that Jackson is no longer leading the team, Los Angeles is currently in rebuilding mode. Based on the talent and the youth of this teams' roster, it may be heading in the right direction and may someday be in the winning end of the spectrum once again.
The Los Angeles Lakers currently have a standing of 11-18, putting them at 11th place in the Western Conference. The team is currently led by head coach Luke Walton, who has gained the respect of fans for the early success the team has enjoyed.
2. Andrew Bogut to the Celtics or Trail Blazers
The Dallas Mavericks currently have a standing of 6 wins and 20 losses, including a 2-game losing streak. This puts them at last place in the Western Conference. If this trend continues, then the team has a lot of rebuilding to do.
Andrew Bogut, the Mavericks newly-acquired center, has been the subject of many trade rumors because of how the team has performed this season. Two teams that may be interested in acquiring Bogut are the Portland Trail Blazers and the Boston Celtics.
Bogut going to either one of these teams will be useful, as both teams seem heading towards the playoffs and they need a great defensive player.
According to Nicholas Goss of NESN, "If a deal can be made that doesn't hurt the Celtics' long-term plan, [the Celtics] should consider him as a legitimate option before the trade deadline."
