NBA Trade Rumors 2020: Are Lakers Trying to Move Kyle Kuzma?

The NBA‘s Feb. 6 trade deadline is coming up and already rumors are coming out ranging from teams looking to bolster their lineup for a championship push to teams looking to tank for a top draft pick.

The Eastern Conference has five teams competing for the two seed while the Western Conference has four teams battling for the same seed. With the Warriors dynasty having fallen this season, several teams are going all in at a shot for a title.

Which teams will attempt to bolster their core for a playoff push at the trade deadline? Which teams will get rid of veterans as they gear up for a run at a top pick in the draft? Check back here as we will update with the latest rumors between now and the February 6th deadline.

Feb. 6: Heat looking to add Gallinari

The Miami Heat traded for Andre Iguodala on Wednesday and it now appears they would like to add the Oklahoma City Thunder to the trade. Miami has a deal in place with Memphis but is working to add the Thunder to the deal so they can acquire Danilo Gallinari.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Miami wants to trade for him as well as extend his contract.

Feb. 5: Clippers and Lakers want Marcus Morris

Brad Turner of the LA Times is reporting that the Lakers and Clippers are both trying to acquire Knicks F Marcus Morris. Turner has heard the Knicks are interested in Kyle Kuzma from the Lakers and Landry Shamet from the Clippers.

Feb. 5: Pistons F Markieff Morris attracting attention from contenders

Kevin O’ Connor of the Ringer has heard that several contenders are interested in Pistons F Markieff Morris. He names the Clippers and Lakers being interested as well as Bucks, Celtics, Sixers, and the Rockets.

Feb. 5: Rockets looking for a center

The Houston Rockets traded away their starting center Clint Capela last night in a four-team trade. Now the Rockets are trying to trade for a player to replace Capela’s open spot. Sam Amick of The Athletic is reporting that Houston would take a bad contract to help get a player they desire.

Feb. 5: Knicks continue to discuss Warriors Russell

Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the New York Knicks are still talking to the Golden State Warriors about a deal centered around D’Angelo Russell. The Timberwolves failed to reach a deal with Golden State before moving on so now the Knicks will attempt to.

Golden State is looking for first-round picks and it prefers them in next year’s draft due to this year’s draft class being underwhelming.

Feb. 4: Knicks make Marcus Morris available

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Knicks are now listening to offers for F Marcus Morris. With the firing of Steve Mills, it appears that the Knicks are now open to dealing the forward.

Feb. 4: Tristan Thompson prefers to be traded

Joe Vardon of The Athletic is reporting that Cleveland Cavaliers C Tristan Thompson would prefer to be traded. Thompson is having a career year and the Cavaliers are focused on trading him for a first-round pick.

Feb. 4: Nuggets make Gary Harris and Malik Beasley available

The Denver Nuggets have been mentioned as a team that could make a move or two at the deadline. Chris Mannix is reporting that the Nuggets have made SG Gary Harris “very available” in hopes of making a move for Pelicans G Jrue Holiday.

Mike Singer of The Denver Post is reporting that the Nuggets have made Malik Beasley available as well but that Denver is looking for a first-round pick in exchange.

Feb. 4: Timberwolves, Rockets, and Hawks discussing trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves have initiated trade talks with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks. The Timberwolves are hopeful that the three-team trade could become a four-team trade involving the Golden State Warriors.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Timberwolves are trying to acquire more draft picks to entice the Warriors to trade D’Angelo Russell to them. Among the players being discussed in the potential deal include Clint Capela, Robert Covington, and Brooklyn’s first-rounder via the Hawks.

Feb. 4: Heat emerge as a potential destination for Iguodala

Shams Charania is reporting that the Heat and Grizzlies are talking about a potential Andre Iguodala deal. Iguodala has made it known he will sit out the season if the Grizzlies do not trade him to a preferred team.

Iguodala is one of the most talked-about trade targets but the Grizzlies remain adamant that they can get a deal they want for the forward.

Feb. 4: Suns and Pistons discussing Luke Kennard trade

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Suns and Pistons are discussing a deal centered around Kennard and a first-round pick. Kennard has had a career year but has had injury issues this season.

Kennard hasn’t played since December 21 due to a knee injury.

Feb. 4: Clippers want Timberwolves F Robert Covington

Sean Deveney of Heavy.com reports that the Clippers are one of the teams that are discussing a potential deal with Minnesota regarding Covington. The Clippers can offer a first-round draft pick as well as Moe Harkless and a young player such as Jerome Robinson.

Feb. 4: Knicks and Hornets discussing Julius Randle trade

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has heard that the Knicks have engaged the Charlotte Hornets about a deal involving F Julius Randle.

Feb. 3: Celtics talking to Rockets about Capela

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Boston Celtics are engaged in trade talks with the Houston Rockets regarding C Clint Capela. Boston has been linked to several centers that are available so its no surprise to hear they are looking at Capela.

Wojnarowski reports that the Hawks could be a potential landing spot as well for Capela.

Feb. 3: Knicks interested in Warriors G Russell

The New York Knicks are interested in D’Angelo Russell and have discussed trade packages with the Golden State Warriors. According to Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski the Knicks are looking to acquire the guard but they are not sure what the Knicks are offering.

Feb. 3: Cavaliers make Thompson available

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made starting center Tristian Thompson available according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Thompson is having a career year and should receive interest. He is more likely to be traded then fellow teammate Kevin Love.

Feb. 3: Pelicans not shopping JJ Redick, Wizards not shopping Bertans

ESPN’s Zach Lowe is reporting that New Orleans has no desire to trade Redick and that teams are being “shooed away” when calling.

Lowe is also reporting that the Wizards will not be looking to trade away Davis Bertans who has received a lot of interest from other teams.

Feb. 3: Pistons not close to a deal for Drummond

Lowe is also reporting that the talks involving Pistons C Andre Drummond are not going the way Detroit wanted. If the Pistons want to trade Drummond they will likely need to agree to a deal that nets them much less than they envisioned.

Feb. 3: Wolves want two First-Rounders for Robert Covington

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Timberwolves have set the price for F Robert Covington at two first-round picks. Stein reports that the 76ers and Rockets are the most interested in Covington.

Feb. 3: Rockets are shopping Clint Capela

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Houston Rockets are engaged with several teams on a possible trade involving the center. He reports that the Rockets are talking to several Eastern Conference teams and some multi-team deals have been discussed.

Feb. 3: Warriors want to see Russell play with Curry

The Golden State Warriors have been frequently mentioned as a team that could make a move before the deadline. However, according to Wes Goldberg of the Mercury News, the Warriors would like to see D’Angelo Russell play alongside Steph Curry before deciding to trade the guard.

However, Marc Stein reports that the Warriors are listening to offers for Russell and that Minnesota wants Russell badly.

Jan. 31: Pistons want a lottery pick for Rose

The Pistons are listening to offers for G Derrick Rose but according to Shams Charania, the asking price is high. He reports that Detroit wants a “lottery-level first-round pick.”

Rose is having a great season but due to the Pistons asking price it appears he may be staying in Detroit.

Jan. 31: Hawks interested in Rockets Capela

The Hawks have been linked to several centers as they look for a player to pair with their star guard Trae Young. Atlanta was talking to Detroit about Andre Drummond before walking away and it appears they are now inquiring about another center in Clint Capela.

Shams Charania is reporting that the Hawks have expressed interest in the center but that the Rockets have received offers from multiple teams for Capela but do not want to trade him unless they receive a massive offer.

Jan. 31: Expect a quiet deadline?

ESPN’s Bobby Marks predicts that this year’s trade deadline will be more quiet than usual. Marks believes that there will be more players bought out then traded at the deadline.

Marks is not the only analyst to say that he envisions this year’s trade deadline is more quiet than usual.

Jan. 31: Timberwolves are active

Kevin O’Connor reports that the Timberwolves have had contacted the Orlando Magic about Aaron Gordon but that was earlier in the season and he isn’t sure how far those talks made it.

He also reports that the Timberwolves are actively shopping F Robert Covington.

Jan. 31: Knicks not interested in Drummond

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News has heard that the New York Knicks are still not showing interest in acquiring Detroit Pistons C Andre Drummond. He reports that the Pistons asking price is too high as well as the thought that Drummond could be a one-year rental.

Bondy has also heard that the Knicks would like to keep Marcus Morris and that Bobby Portis is more likely to be traded if the Knicks make a move.

Jan. 31: Rockets being aggressive

The Houston Rockets are always one of the most frequently mentioned teams when it comes to the trade deadline and this year is no different. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that Houston is indeed being very active despite not having many assets.

Feigen believes that the Rockets would like to trade their 2020 first-round pick in hopes of acquiring a frontcourt player.

Jan. 31: Do the Grizzlies have an Iguodala offer?

ESPN’s Tim MacMahon has heard from other NBA executives that they believe the reason that Memphis is certain that it can trade Andre Iguodala is that they already have a fallback offer from the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas has refuted any report about them being linked to Iguodala so far this season.

Jan. 28: Whiteside 50/50 to be traded

The Athletic’s Jason Quick is reporting that the Trail Blazers are listening to offers for the big man who is a free agent after this season. Quick believes that the odds of him being traded are 50/50.

Whiteside is averaging 15.6 PPG and 14.0 RPG on the season.

Jan. 28: Kings may keep Dedmon

Dewayne Dedmon was fined after he made his trade request to reporters back in December. It seemed he would be a likely candidate to be dealt at the deadline.

However. that might not be the case according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. Anderson has heard that the team is open to keeping Dedmon if they don’t get an offer they like. Sacramento is also open to mending the relationship despite the current state it is in.

Jan. 27: Love could stay in Cleveland

Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com believes that Love will remain in Cleveland this season despite his name being frequently mentioned in trade rumors. Fedor has heard that it would be easier for the Cavs to trade Love this offseason when his cap hit won’t be as much.

Love has stated previously that he would like a trade to a contender so his situation should be monitored over the next week.

Jan. 23: Clippers and Mavericks exploring the market

Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting that both the Mavericks and Clippers are exploring the trade market in hopes of landing a piece that will help come playoff time.

The Clippers are looking for size and wing depth while the Mavericks are looking for a move to help with the loss of Dwight Powell.  The Clippers have been linked to Marcus Morris and Thaddeus Young.

Kevin O’ Connor of the Ringer has heard that the Mavericks are interested in Danilo Gallinari and Robert Covington.

Jan. 23: Bucks not looking to move G Eric Bledsoe

Despite rumors of the Milwaukee Bucks exploring the trade market for G Eric Bledsoe, Howard Beck of Bleacher Report has heard from Bucks GM Jon Horst that the rumor is not true.

Milwaukee is currently the league’s top team and one of the title favorites. Despite Bledsoe’s playoff struggles don’t expect the Bucks to make a move that could shake up a core that is playing the best basketball in the NBA.

Jan. 23: Kings unlikely to move Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdanovic is one of the primary trade targets for several playoff teams and at one point he had been linked to the LA Lakers but according to James Ham of NBC Sports California, he is unlikely to be moved.

The Kings have made it clear that they value Bogdanovic and what he can do so expect the forward to remain in Sacramento past the deadline.

Jan. 20: Lakers, 76ers among those interested in Pistons G Derrick Rose

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports has heard that the 76ers, Lakers, and several other contenders are interested in Pistons G Derrick Rose. Haynes mentions that the Clippers have also checked in on Rose’s availability.

Rose is having a good season so far and has expressed his desire to remain with the Pistons. He is averaging 8.3 points and 5.9 assists on 50.3 percent shooting while playing over 25 minutes per game.

Both the Lakers and 76ers could use another point guard who can score so expect Rose’s name to be frequently mentioned over the next few weeks. Detroit is expected to be sellers at the trade deadline.

Jan. 19: Kings shopping Dewayne Dedmon

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Sacramento Kings are still interested in finding a trade involving C Dewayne Dedmon. The Kings were involved in a five-player deal with Portland on Jan. 18.

The Atlanta Hawks have been mentioned as a possible destination and Dedmon did play for them from 2017-2019. However, Sam Amick is reporting that the King’s asking price is too high at the moment.

Jan. 17: Rockets no longer interested in Covington

The Rockets are looking for ways to improve their team and one player that they have had an interest in acquiring is Timberwolves F Robert Covington. However, Kelly Iko of The Athletic is reporting that the Rockets are now out on the forward.

While the Rockets are currently not a bidder for Covington anything could change and Covington is expected to have multiple teams interested in him.

Jan. 17: Clippers interested in Knicks F Morris

The Clippers are one of the best teams in the NBA but they are still interested in acquiring a player or two. One of the players that have been frequently linked to LA is Knicks F Marcus Morris.

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Morris would prefer to stay with New York despite the interest from the Clippers. The Clippers have also been linked to Grizzlies F Andre Iguodala.

Jan. 17: Could Bradley Beal become available?

As reported by David Aldridge, Wizards G Bradley Beal has become immensely frustrated with his team. After their loss Wednesday to the Bulls, Beal said that he was tired of losing and the franchise needed a culture change.

Beal has several potential suitors interested in him should he become available. The Miami Heat have long been rumored to want the guard to pair with their superstar Jimmy Butler.

Jan. 16: Timberwolves want Warriors G D’Angelo Russell

Shams Charania is reporting that the Timberwolves are intensifying their pursuit of Russell after failing to trade for him this past offseason.

The Warriors have been rumored to want to trade Russell this upcoming offseason but they could always decide to keep him and see how he fits with a healthy Warriors roster next season.

Jan.16: Hawks out on Drummond

The Atlanta Hawks are no longer interested in trading for Detroit Pistons C Andre Drummond according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Atlanta has been frequently mentioned as a potential suitor for Drummond and with the Hawks moving on they could turn their attention to other centers such as Steven Adams of the Thunder.

The Pistons are looking for draft assets in any Drummond deal.

Jan. 16: Timberwolves looking for a point guard

The first trade of the 2020 calendar year has happened and it featured the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Hawks are trading Allen Crabbe to the Timberwolves in exchange for Jeff Teague and Treveon Graham.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said that the Timberwolves continue to look for a ball-handler so expect another move or two before the deadline from Minnesota.

The Hawks have several expiring contracts as well so they could be involved in trade discussions as the deadline approaches.

Jan. 15: Lakers have talked to multiple teams about Kyle Kuzma

Not only are the Lakers shopping Kyle Kuzma around the league but according to Tania Ganguli of the LA Times, the Lakers have had talks with more than one team. The Lakers were previously reported to have been interested in Kings F Bogdan Bogdanovic but the Kings were not interested. 

Despite being involved in the trade rumors, Kuzma has been playing great basketball lately. He had 26 points in a win over Dallas and then dropped 36 on 15-24 shooting vs Oklahoma City.

The Lakers are fully committed to winning a championship this season and except for LeBron James and Anthony Davis, anyone is available from their roster.