As the NBA trade deadline looms, teams around the league are trying to decide if they will be buyers or sellers. Teams have until Thursday, February 9, to make trades that could shake up what is already set to be an exciting playoffs.
With the deadline just around the corner, let’s look at some of the biggest stories from this week around the National Basketball League.
Kyrie Irving Wants Out Of Brooklyn
After contract negotiations broke down, Kyrie Irving officially requested a trade from the Brooklyn Nets. The 30-year-old guard is hoping to find himself on a new team, and spots like the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Mavericks could make sense.
Still, there is some concern over Irving, whether it has been health issues or some of the baggage that comes along with the superstar. He is currently in the final year of his contract and will be looking for max money in his next deal.
In 40 games this season, he is averaging 27.1 points per game on 48.6% shooting. He is also averaging 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
The Nets currently sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at 32-20, 4.5 games back of first. Still, with fellow superstar Kevin Durant on the shelf, the Nets have scuffled as of late, going just 5-5 in their last ten games.
The Nets currently have the eighth-best odds of winning the NBA Finals this season at +1400.
Curry To Have MRI On Knee
While the Golden State Warriors picked up a win over the Dallas Mavericks over the weekend, it may have come at a cost. Guard Steph Curry was forced to leave the game during the third quarter with a knee injury.
While x-rays came back negative on the knee, Curry is set to have an MRI to see if there is any further damage. Warriors’ fans are holding their collective breaths as Curry is the key to any chance of contending this season.
At 27-26, the Warriors currently sit seventh in the Western Conference, ten games back of the Denver Nuggets. One area that Golden State has really struggled is on the road. They are 20-6 at home but just 7-20 on the road.
Golden State ranks second in scoring, averaging 118 points per game, but that could be impacted if Curry is out. In 38 games this season, Curry is averaging 29.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
The Warriors have the fourth-best odds of winning it all this season at +950.
Clippers Likely To Part Ways With John Wall
The Los Angeles Clippers currently sit 30-26 overall, good for fourth in the Western Conference. While they are sitting in a solid position, it is likely that they will probably make at least one move before the deadline.
While there have been some murmurs of interest in Kyrie Irving, the most likely move is that they will break ties with John Wall. According to the LA Times’ Andrew Greif, the Clippers will likely trade or buy out Wall.
Signed to a two-year deal, Wall has not shown to be an ideal fit with Los Angeles. While an abdominal injury has hampered him, he has still played in 34 games, averaging 11.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds.
The Clippers have the sixth-best odds of winning the NBA Finals at +1200.
