Several contending teams in the Eastern Conference are reportedly expected to take varying approaches to the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been engaged in trade talks as they sit fifth in the East, with an anonymous Eastern Conference executive saying, “Cleveland is active [in trade talks]We’re not sure what they’re trying to set up—and they may not be either—but they’re active.”
Per Marc Stein of The Stein Line, the Cavs are one of several teams that have discussed acquiring Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis.
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer added that the Kings could look to add either forward DeMar DeRozan, guard Malik Monk or both to a trade package involving Ellis.
Bontemps and Windhorst noted that sources believe Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens will look to make improvements at the deadline as usual, particularly in the frontcourt.
The expiring contract of guard Anfernee Simons is reportedly expected to make a major trade chip for the Celtics, although they aren’t considered likely to take a big swing by trading for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo or Memphis Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr.
As for the first-place Detroit Pistons and sixth-place Philadelphia 76ers, neither is reportedly expected to do anything big.
Per Bontemps and Windhorst, a “blockbuster isn’t likely” for the Sixers, and the Pistons are considered “more likely to be a facilitator at the deadline” than a team making a big add.
This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.
Make Bleacher Report one of your preferred sources on Google by selecting Bleacher Report on the “source preferences” page here.
For more from Bleacher Report, check out our B/R app, homepage and social feeds—including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.