NBA Rumor Mill Heats Up as Moratorium Ends
Saturday marks a pivotal moment for the NBA with the moratorium ending at noon Eastern, validating previously announced deals. The California Classic kicks off in Sacramento, giving fans a first glimpse of Dalton Knecht and Bronny James in Lakers jerseys. Meanwhile, rumors continue to swirl: interest in Trae Young from the Lakers and Spurs remains minimal, shifting the Hawks toward potential rebuilding. The challenge of orchestrating a trade for Lauri Markkanen is underscored by his favorable contract and the high asking price from Utah’s Danny Ainge.
The Sacramento Kings are aggressively seeking roster upgrades, targeting notable names including Markkanen, Brandon Ingram, and now DeMar DeRozan. With mutual interest reported, DeRozan’s standout performance last season could make him a valuable asset for the Kings. In other trade news, Jarrett Allen’s potential move from Cleveland seems less likely with the arrival of new coach Kenny Atkinson, who aligns with Donovan Mitchell’s preference to retain Allen.
Evan Fournier’s future also hangs in the balance as he explores options to stay in the NBA. While teams were deterred by his previous contract, a more affordable deal could reignite interest. This weekend will be vital for shaping the directions teams will take leading into the new season.
