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The trade deadline is already heating up in a way it rarely has before, as NBA superstar DeMarcus Cousins leaves the Sacramento Kings to join All-Star MVP Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans.
But this might be the tip of the iceberg: rumors are pouring in about other established players every hour, and some of them include huge names (Jimmy Butler? Paul George? Carmelo Anthony?). Discuss the latest deals and rumors here.
The Deal: DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans
The Read: The Kings and Lakers are dumb
The Skinny: Sacramento Kings dump a franchise cornerstone who, right or wrong, they determined isn’t worth the trouble. “Boogie” finds himself in N’awlins, teaming up with fellow Kentucky Wildcat Anthony Davis. The Pels are just 2.5 games out of the eighth seed in the west, which means there’s a fair chance the Warriors see these two towers, and former assistant Alvin Gentry, in the postseason this year.
The Deal: Los Angeles Lakers add a little Magic to the front office
The Read: Kupchak, Buss out; Magic in
The Skinny: The Lake Show fired longtime Mitch Kupchak, and also relieved owner Jim Buss of duties. That means the more highly regarded (and really, obvious pick from the start) Jeanie Buss and Earvin “Magic” Johnson take over in La-La Land. And in another move that may look familiar to Warriors fans, they tapped Rob Pelinka as the new general manager. For those keeping track at home, that’s another Arizona grad for a coach, a Lakers GOAT in the front office, and a general manager hired straight from a NBA player agency. 73-wins here they come?
The Rumor: NBA big man Brook Lopez on the block, with a new low price!
The Read: Nets drop Lopez asking price
The Skinny: The Brooklyn Nets are a disaster. How big of a disaster? Well, I’m currently debating whether to start an NBA 2K17 franchise with them or Sacramento, only I can’t decide which will be harder. Their star player, Stanford alum and center Brook Lopez, has been on the market as a big man with scoring ability. Now, ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the asking price has dropped to one first and one second round draft pick. Lopez could add some offensive punch to a playoff contender if they’re willing to deal.
The price on Brook Lopez has dropped, league sources say. Instead of two first-rounders, word is Brooklyn would accept a first and a second.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 21, 2017
The Deal: Rockets trade Corey Brewer and a first round pick for Lou Williams
The Read: Rockets add Lou Williams before the deadline
The Skinny: The Lakers are not in win-now mode, and that makes a microwave scorer like Sweet Lou an unnecessary luxury. The Houston Rockets jumped on the veteran guard because, apparently, you can never have enough scoring in H-town.
Stay tuned for more news as it happens and feel free to drop any additional news you see in the comments.