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Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors has now landed on the NBA trade rumor mill.<\/p>\n
It is August and still, there is movement on the NBA trade rumor mill. Nothing is pending, to be clear, but we do figure to see some activity in the coming weeks\u2013remember, training camp is less than eight weeks away.<\/p>\n
We feel for Jon Karalis, the excellent Celtics reporter who worked for MassLive before moving to SI.com and the \u201cLocked on Celtics\u201d podcast. It\u2019s the dead of summer, and Karalis noted in a column<\/a> that if the Warriors did take trade offers for Stephen Curry, Brad Stevens and the Celtics would be first in line with an offer. \u201cIf\u201d is the key word there.<\/p>\n But that got twisted by aggregators into Stevens calling the Warriors and making a Curry offer. To be clear, that didn\u2019t happen, and Karalis did not report that. While Curry could seek a trade to end his career elsewhere, he has not done so yet and the consensus around the NBA is that he won\u2019t do so.<\/p>\n NBA Trade Rumors: Peyton Watson Chatter<\/p>\n Nuggets restricted free agent forward Peyton Watson remains in limbo, and it\u2019s important to remember that RFAs being unsigned as August gets rolling is really not a new thing. Denver is not panicking. Yes, they\u2019re taking offers for sign-and-trades on Watson, but Denver\u2019s priority remains keeping him in place even with the team already dealing with being over the second apron.<\/p>\n \u201cOption 1 has always been keeping him in place,\u201d one Western Conference executive said. \u201cThey\u2019ve made that pretty clear. They\u2019re working against the apron but the sense you get is that they\u2019re going to put everything together, then decide how to proceed, whether they move salaries or see what their options are. But they\u2019re not that eager to move (Watson).\u201d<\/p>\n \u2026..<\/p>\n ESPN caught up with Chet Holmgren at a USA Basketball event, and Holmgren was matter-of-fact about the way the Thunder had to peel off pieces this summer to limit their luxury-tax hit.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s how the business of this game goes,\u201d Holmgren said. \u201cNo team, all 17 guys, sticks together forever. But it doesn\u2019t make it hurt less when you see guys go.\u201d<\/p>\n Holmgren himself was tossed around in NBA trade rumor chatter after his disappointing showing against the Spurs in the Western Conference finals, but that was all chatter\u2013the Thunder never shopped him and no one was calling to make offers.<\/p>\n NBA Trade Rumors: Stars on the Block<\/p>\n No, we do not think that Stephen Curry will be traded from the Warriors. But it\u2019s a fascinating mid-summer exercise to ponder what it would look like if he asked to be traded, so he will lead us off \u2026<\/p>\n Stephen Curry, Warriors. (Remaining contract: one year, $62 million.) We\u2019ll believe it when we see it, but if Curry is unhappy with the direction of the Warriors and does not sign an extension next month, the implication will be clear\u2013the greatest player in franchise history will look to end his career elsewhere. There are a ton of variables that would have to align to make it possible, but it will be a topic for the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Anthony Davis, Wizards<\/a>. (Remaining contract: two years, $121 million, including player option.) Davis has been the subject of much speculation this offseason, but around the league, there isn\u2019t a sense he is going to be dealt. The Wizards would like to get Davis on the floor and see if he can help them compete for a playoff spot. If not, he could be dealt by the February trade deadline.<\/p>\n Zion Williamson, Pelicans. (Remaining contract: two years, $87 million<\/a>.) We\u2019re not expecting Williamson to be moved by the end of the summer, but if he stays on the floor early in the year, New Orleans has plenty of incentive to find a new spot for him. A frontcourt of Derik Queen and Williamson makes little sense.<\/p>\n Kevin Durant<\/a>, Rockets<\/a>. (Remaining contract: two years, $90 million, player option.) There does not seem to be a market for Durant, who is 37 and has $90 million over two years on his contract. Rumors of Pistons<\/a> interest has faded as the focus there is on re-signing Jalen Duren. Maybe a Durant deal comes back up after that gets done? It\u2019s a longshot.<\/p>\n Jamal Murray<\/a>, Nuggets<\/a>. (Remaining contract: three years, $160 million.) The Nuggets are on track to operate over the second apron, which is not a place any team\u2013especially a Kroenke team\u2013likes to operate. Dealing Murray could shave some money off the cap but he was an All-Star last year and dumping him might be too much to ask of the Nuggets.<\/p>\n Jimmy Butler, Warriors. (Remaining contract: one year, $57 million.) It just does not appear that the Warriors are looking to move Butler. He\u2019s the team\u2019s main path to adding another star, as he is probably out until Christmas or later as he recovers from January ACL surgery. There are not many teams looking to add a rehabbing 36-year-old to their mix, and the Warriors are not likely to find a player who is better than Butler when healthy.<\/p>\n NBA Trade Rumors: Young Targets<\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to bring in a young star\u2013or even a young potential star\u2013on the trade market. But there could be some wrangling for these guys, the 25-and-under (OK, 26 for Trey Murphy) crowd.<\/p>\n Moses Moody, Warriors. (Remaining contract: two years, $26 million.) Moody him self said he is \u201ccurious\u201d about what will happen to him on the trade market. Will James\u2019 decision change that? Moody is still on the roster, and James is not. He has developed into a valuable piece for Golden State, but a nasty knee injury could keep him out for much of next season.<\/p>\n Jalen Duren<\/a>, Pistons. (Remaining contract: restricted free agent.) Sign-and-trade options for Duren are all but extinguished\u2013were the Pistons ever really weighing a deal with the Kings for Domantas Sabonis? The Pistons have made moves to be able to give Duren more money, and that\u2019s the likely way this all plays out.<\/p>\n Trey Murphy<\/a>, Pelicans<\/a>. (Remaining contract: three years, $88 million.) Murphy is a favorite in NBA trade rumors, but there are questions on how serious New Orleans would be about trading him. One exec says it will take a Desmond Bane-style offer (four first-round picks) to pry him from New Orleans, though that price has dropped a bit. Still, there\u2019s been no movement yet, but perhaps the James logjam will get Murphy\u2019s market moving again.<\/p>\n Peyton Watson, Nuggets. (Remaining contract: restricted free agent.) The long restricted free-agent slog is on for Watson, and the Nuggets have surprised many by not being aggressive in moving players to create some breathing room to keep Watson. The sign-and-trade market reportedly includes the Clippers<\/a>, Hawks and Bucks<\/a>, but there is not much yet that would attract the Nuggets\u2019 attention on a deal.<\/p>\n Nikola Jovic, Heat. (Remaining contract: four years, $62 million.) There is trepidation about trading for Jovic, who is certainly available and is still only 23 years old. But the remaining contract is a hefty bite for teams to take.<\/p>\n NBA Trade Rumors: Eastern Conference Targets<\/p>\n The market is not done moving, and there in an Eastern Conference that should be wide open this year, there should be plenty of possibilities.<\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga, Hawks. (Remaining contract: Free agent.) The Hawks have the rights to Kuminga so, though he is a free agent, his next deal could come via sign-and-trade. The Lakers and Cavs are of interest.<\/p>\n Michael Porter Jr., Nets<\/a>. (Remaining contract: one year, $40 million, partial guarantee.) Porter is in the final year of his deal and wants an extension that starts at about what he is making now. The Nets likely won\u2019t go that high, and if no middle ground is found, we are in for another heap of trade talk. Even if Porter is extended, he could be a trade candidate by next February\u2019s deadline.<\/p>\n Grant Williams, Hornets<\/a>. (Remaining contract: one year, $15 million.) The Hornets are not quite done with their roster, and Williams\u2019 expiring deal has some value. He can still be a worthy big man off the bench.<\/p>\n Royce O\u2019Neale, Hornets. (Remaining contract: two years, $21 million,) The Hornets would not be able to trade O\u2019Neale with anyone else yet, so they could wait on a deal. But the team has gotten calls about moving him on after he\u2019s come over from the Suns<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jarrett Allen<\/a>, Cavaliers. (Remaining contract: three years, $90 million.) It\u2019s doubtful that the Cavaliers will make a big move on their frontcourt pieces\u2013Allen and Evan Mobley\u2013now that James is not coming to Cleveland. But there would be a market for Allen, who would be an easier pieces to trade.<\/p>\n Max Strus, Cavaliers. (Remaining contract: one year, $16 million.) The Cavs are trying hard to fit everything under the second apron, and that could mean moving off Strus, if they can find a taker.<\/p>\n Dennis Schroder, Cavaliers. (Remaining contract: one year, $14.6 million.) Schroder has played for 11 teams in the NBA so far, and the Cavs would be open to making it 12 as they seek to duck the second apron and still stay in the contending picture.<\/p>\n Myles Turner<\/a>, Bucks. (Remaining contract: three years, $80 million.) Two things may well both be true on Turner\u2013the Bucks are not shopping him because they want some veterans on hand, and there is no interest in him from other teams because of his contract. He\u2019s still a logical target for a team that needs its young players to get minutes.<\/p>\n Kyle Kuzma, Bucks. (Remaining contract: one year, $20 million,) His expiring contract is attractive and if the Bucks pull a sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson, Bennedict Mathurin or Jonathan Kuminga, he figures to be involved.<\/p>\n Getty Max Strus<\/p>\n NBA Trade Rumors: Western Conference Targets<\/p>\n Zeke Nnaji, Nuggets. (Remaining contract: four years, $32 million). Dumping Nnaji would get the Nuggets under the second apron and free them up to resolve Peyton Watson\u2019s situation. The Hornets are a potential landing spot.<\/p>\n Jake LaRavia, Lakers<\/a>. (Remaining contract: one year, $6 million.) Hustles, plays every game, but inconsistent. His contract makes him an attractive piece, though, as the Lakers figure out how to finish their roster.<\/p>\n Herb Jones, Pelicans. (Remaining contract: four years, $82 million, including player option.) Jones is a popular name on the market, but the Pelicans are said to want two first-round picks, and with Jones having struggled with injuries and his 3-point shot in the past two seasons, that\u2019s probably too steep. His remaining contract scares off potential suitors, too.<\/p>\n Derrick Jones Jr., Clippers. (Remaining contract: one year, $10 million.) Jones is a defensive ace still, and his expiring contract gives the Clippers some wiggle room to move him. They\u2019re caught in the Aspiration pause, however.<\/p>\n Rudy Gobert<\/a>, Timberwolves<\/a>. (Remaining contract: two years, $74 million, including player option.) The Wolves, according to a report in The Athletic<\/a>, were offered Jaylen Brown with the Celtics wanting Rudy Gobert, plus picks, as part of a trade package. The Wolves turned that down, though there still has been interest in Gobert, who is up for an extension.<\/p>\n Keldon Johnson, Spurs<\/a>. (Remaining contract: one year, $17.5 million.) The reigning Sixth Man of the Year is heading into the final season of his contract, and San Antonio is likely to phase out his minutes in favor of younger players. He is still a valued leader on the team, but he could be a chip worth cashing in if the Spurs can land a first-round pick.<\/p>\n Domantas Sabonis<\/a>, Kings<\/a>. (Remaining contract: two years, $93 million.) Sabonis has had some nibbles, but no bites. There was a rumor that the Hornets were planning to trade for him, but that proved fruitless. Then there was the Jalen Duren sign-and-trade with the Pistons, which was far-fetched from the beginning. This one might have to wait until the season gets going.<\/p>\n Jrue Holiday, Blazers. (Remaining contract: two years, $72 million, with player option.) Certainly, something has to give in Portland with the arrival of Morant. Holiday is not getting any younger, but he has value around the NBA.<\/p>\n Zach LaVine<\/a>, Kings. (Remaining contract: one year, $49 million.) LaVine picked up the player option worth $49 million. There was some hope that he could be waived, but after the Kings let DeMar DeRozan go, they\u2019ll keep LaVine on the books and hope they can find a place to dump him.<\/p>\n Aaron Gordon, Nuggets. (Remaining contract: three years, $110 million.) Gordon has struggled to stay healthy, but is still a valued connective piece when he plays. He needs to be a No. 3\/4 option on a good team, and teams aren\u2019t falling over themselves to cough up assets for that, and the Nuggets have not pushed hard for a trade.<\/p>\n Daniel Gafford<\/a>, Mavericks<\/a>. (Remaining contract: 3 years, $54 million.) Gafford will be 28 in October, and with the Mavs focused on getting younger, moving him along has been one of the team\u2019s top options. The concern is whether the guy the Mavs want to be their stalwart center\u2013Dereck Lively\u00a0II\u2013can stay healthy. Lively has played 98 games<\/a> in three seasons.<\/p>\n PJ Washington, Mavericks.\u00a0(Remaining contract: 4 years, $90 million.) Like Gafford, Washington is aging out of the Mavericks\u2019 timeline, as he turns 28 this summer. He\u2019s a stretch 4 who plays good defense, but his shooting has been suspect\u2013he made just 32.5% of his 3s last year. Washington\u2019s extension kicks in this year, though, so he might be a better trade target down the line.<\/p>\n Klay Thompson<\/a>, Mavericks. (Remaining contract: one year, $17 million.) Another aging Mav! Thompson does not fit Dallas\u2019s timeline, and if the Mavs can get anything\u2013youth, a few second-rounders\u2013for him, they will. He\u2019s still a 38% 3-point shooter. The addition of Tarik Biberovic is more incentive to move Thompson, who could be bought out.<\/p>\n Cam Johnson, Nuggets. (Remaining contract: one year, $23 million.) Johnson has been a disaster in Denver, and he has been a prominent feature on the NBA trade rumor mill for years now. He still has enough of a reputation around the league to warrant trade interest, but the Nuggets value the fact that he has an expiring contract.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n What\u2019s Been Done: NBA\u2019s Big Deals<\/p>\n The NBA trade rumor mill has had a busy summer, interspersed with some controversy. Here are the top rumors that sprouted into actual trades \u2026<\/p>\n Celtics-Sixers Trade<\/p>\n Boston\u2019s controversial decision to move Brown as he neared an extension on a supermax contract set off a round of second apron discussion in the NBA.<\/p>\n Celtics get: Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick that could convert to a swap, Philly\u2019s 2031 unprotected first-rounder, and two second-round picks.<\/p>\n Sixers get: Jaylen Brown.<\/p>\n Heat-Bucks Trade<\/p>\n The deal that kicked off the summer was the one most expected to be expanded, but wound up staying a two-teamer. The Bucks are banking on this being enough for a rebuild, and the Heat were hoping this precedes a LeBron James return. Alas \u2026<\/p>\n Bucks get: Tyler Herro, Kel\u2019el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis go to Milwaukee. Also Bucks got the 13th pick in the draft (Nate Ament) and future first-rounders, in 2031 and 2033, plus a future pick swap and a second-round pick.<\/p>\n Heat get: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.<\/p>\n Getty\u00a0Giannis Antetokounmpo #7 of the Miami Heat<\/p>\n Hornets-Timberwolves-Nets-Bulls Trade<\/p>\n The Wolves combined their two major transactions, taking a chance on bringing in LaMelo Ball and getting off the contract of Julius Randle.<\/p>\n Timberwolves get: LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, No. 33 pick (Isaiah Evans).<\/p>\n Hornets get: Naz Reid, Mouhamadou Gueye, rights to Matteo Spagnolo, Minnesota\u2019s first-round pick in 2033, second round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033, plus three swaps, also from Minnesota.<\/p>\n Nets get: Julius Randle, No. 28 pick (Joshua Jefferson).<\/p>\n Bulls<\/a> get: Nic Claxton<\/p>\n Grizzlies-Blazers trade<\/p>\n Memphis finally moves on from Ja Morant, and was able to do so by taking on Jerami Grant\u2019s contract\u2013but did not have to include outgoing draft capital.<\/p>\n Grizzlies<\/a> get:\u00a0Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.<\/p>\n Blazers get: Ja Morant.<\/p>\n Clippers-Pistons-Grizzlies-Mavericks-Wizards-Bucks Trade<\/p>\n A classic NBA deal that started as Isaiah Stewart going to Memphis, but ballooned since.<\/p>\n Grizzlies get: Isaiah Stewart, D\u2019Angelo Russell, AJ Johnson, five second-round picks. (Lose: Santi Aldama.)<\/p>\n Pistons get: John Collins, Taurean Prince, Gary Harris. (Lose: Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser.)<\/p>\n Clippers get: Trade exception. (Lose: John Collins.)<\/p>\n Wizards get: Khris Middleton. (Lose: D\u2019Angelo Russell.)<\/p>\n Bucks get: Caris LeVert. (Lose: Taurean Prince, Gary Harris, AJ Johnson.)<\/p>\n Mavericks get: Santi Aldama, Marcus Sasser. (Lose: Khris Middleton.)<\/p>\n Raptors-Clippers Trade<\/p>\n Now,\u00a0 this trade has been undone punishment for the Aspiration scandal has yet to be doled out, but it\u2019s still likely to get done once that situation is settled. There are still a lot of questions about when that might be, though.<\/p>\n![\"Max](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-2276130376-e1783531107753.jpg\")
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