NBA Latest Rumors: Celtics, Timberwolves and Sixers Trade; Chandler to Nuggets, Okafor to Lakers
NBA Trade rumors continue to be a hot topic this off-season. Some of these rumors are suggested as best-case scenarios for teams looking to expand their roster talent. Here are the latest NBA trade rumors to date.
1. Celtics, Timberwolves and 76ers in 3-way Trade
One of the latest NBA rumors point to a three-way trade between the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. Specifically, Nerlens Noel will be going to the Celtics, Ricky Rubio will go to the Sixers, and Amir Johnson will wear a new jersey for the Timberwolves.
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Some speculated that the 76ers and the Celtics initially had trading plans between Nerlens Noel and Amir Johnson, but this didn't push through when the Sixers got a power forward for their first overall pick, Ben Simmons.
Already filled with strong power forwards, it would make sense for the Sixers to get a guard who can help facilitate the offense. That's why another team got into the trading picture.
If the trade pushes through, the Celtics will benefit from Noel's defensive prowess, and he will pair up well with the offensive-minded Al Horford.
2. Phoenix to Trade Chandler
Sportsrageous reports that it might be a good idea for the Suns to trade Chandler. One suggestion is that Tyson Chandler can be traded for another Chandler, Wilson Chandler of the Denver Nuggets.
The Chandler-Chandler trade works well when you look at both players' salary caps. Nuggets getting Tyson will give the team a veteran center who can teach Serbian center Nikola Jokic a thing or two about defense. Suns getting Wilson will give the team a solid small forward who can replace P.J. Tucker who might leave through free agency next season.
If you ask Chandler though, he said, "Me and my management have a great relationship and we communicate. If there is a decision and they want to go young and stay young, then we'll have that conversation. But we're not there."
3. Jahlil Okafor to Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year contract with Timofey Mozgov worth $64 million. This was seen as one of the most surprising moves during the off-season. While Mozgov had an excellent 2014-15 Season with the Cavaliers, Mozgov's performance last season was forgettable.
In fact, last season he only averaged 6.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes played per game.
The Lakers are pushed out of good luck once again when Mozgov injured his groin while playing in the 2016 Rio Olympics. That means that he may be unable to play for the Lakers during the early stages of the season.
Reports say that the Lakers are now actively pursuing Jahlil Okafor of the Philadelphia 76ers. The team needs Okafor to add a paint protector to the Lakers roster. To get Okafor, they might have to trade Anthony Brown and Nick Young, but definitely not the young talent which represents the core and the future of the Lakers.
