With Leonard's injury coming in the second round of last year's playoffs, Clippers brass approached team governor Steve Ballmer about treating this 2021-22 season as more of "a gap year," league sources told B/R, and Ballmer gave his approval to take a page of out of Golden State's recent team-building pamphlet.
...Rival executives have since gathered that Los Angeles is willing to discuss the majority of its veteran roster in trade scenarios. "They're pretty much open for business for anyone except their main guys and Terance Mann. I think they really are fine falling out of the playoffs and regrouping for next year," said one Western Conference official.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952391-paul-george-injury-could-dictate-la-clippers-direction-at-trade-deadline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Fischer/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;According to Fischer, the Clippers are "operating under the assumption" that Paul George will be out for the remainder of the season due to a UCL injury in his elbow. Kawhi Leonard is also still rehabbing his torn ACL. L.A. is 21-21 on the season but 5-9 since Dec. 15.

The Clippers could reportedly opt to enter a Warriors-like mini-rebuild.

Clippers reportedly willing to discuss 'majority of veterans' in trades

Quin Snyder on center position for Jazz tonight: 'Well, it's a position'

Quin Snyder on center position for Jazz tonight: 'Well, it's a position.'

Quin Snyder on what he's doing at center tonight: "Well, it's a position."

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source:&nbsp;

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: Andy Larsen/

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: Andy Larsen/Salt Lake Tribune

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1481421209434656768?s=20">Andy Larsen/Salt Lake Tribune</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Jazz are without centers Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside,

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1481421209434656768?s=20">Andy Larsen/Salt Lake Tribune</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Jazz are without centers Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside, and Udoka&nbsp;

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1481421209434656768?s=20">Andy Larsen/Salt Lake Tribune</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;
The Jazz are without centers Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside, and Udoka Azubuike tonight.
They are currently projected to start the&nbsp;

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/andyblarsen/status/1481421209434656768?s=20">Andy Larsen/Salt Lake Tribune</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;
The Jazz are without centers Rudy Gobert, Hassan Whiteside, and Udoka Azubuike tonight.
They are currently projected to start the 6'6" forward Eric Paschall at center tonight.&nbsp;

Quin Snyder on center position tonight: "Well, it's a position."

Quin Snyder on center for Jazz tonight: 'Well, it's a position'

James Harden and Kyrie Irving will play tonight vs the Bulls.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1481417783447629826?s=20">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

James Harden and Kyrie Irving will play tonight vs the Bulls.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1481417783447629826?s=20">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Harden had missed the last game with a knee hyperextension while Irving&nbsp;

James Harden and Kyrie Irving will play tonight vs the Bulls.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1481417783447629826?s=20">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Harden had missed the last game with a knee hyperextension in which Irving suffered an ankle injury.
It is a bit suprising to see them already back to the court, though it is invaluable for the Nets 'Big 3' of Harden, Irving, and Durant to get more experience playing together.
&nbsp;

James Harden and Kyrie Irving will play tonight vs the Bulls.

James Harden and Kyrie Irving to play tonight vs. Bulls

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also among the&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also among the teams pursuing a Simmons trade.&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also among the teams pursuing a Simmons trade. Towns and Edwards are both averaging over 22 points per game this season.

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also among the teams pursuing a Simmons trade. Towns and Edwards are both averaging over 22 points per game this season. Krawczynski&nbsp;

The Timberwolves have maintained interest in Simmons throughout this saga.
The Wolves continue to have conversations with Philadelphia, but the challenge has been finding common ground to meet Morey&rsquo;s high demands. Karl-Anthony Towns and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/player/nba/timberwolves/anthony-edwards/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anthony Edwards</a>&nbsp;are off the table in any discussions.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3066096/2022/01/12/nba-trade-deadline-looms-but-ben-simmons-remains-a-sixer-what-do-we-know-and-which-teams-could-deal-for-him/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sam Amick and Jon Krawcynzski/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Amick reports that the Hawks, Pacers, Kings and Trail Blazers are also among the teams pursuing a Simmons trade. Towns and Edwards are both averaging over 22 points per game this season.&nbsp;
Amick adds: "In terms of Minnesota&rsquo;s level of interest, multiple rival executives have indicated that the Timberwolves aren&rsquo;t expected to do anything else trade wise that might take them out of the running for Simmons so long as they&rsquo;re still in it."

The Timberwolves have won nine of their last 15 games and are right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

Wolves interested in Ben Simmons, Towns and Edwards untouchable

&nbsp;
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>

<a class="link rapid-noclick-resp" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/portland/" data-ylk="slk:Portland Trail Blazers">ortland Trail Blazers</a>&nbsp;star&nbsp;<a class="link rapid-noclick-resp" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/5012/" data-ylk="slk:Damian Lillard">Damian Lillard</a>&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>

<a class="link rapid-noclick-resp" href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/portland/" data-ylk="slk:Portland Trail Blazers">ortland Trail Blazers</a>&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle.&nbsp;

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle. Lillard was averaging 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game&nbsp;

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle. Lillard was averaging 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game in&nbsp;

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle. Lillard was averaging 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game in 29 games prior to injury.&nbsp;

Portland Trail Blazers&nbsp;star&nbsp;Damian Lillard&nbsp;will undergo surgery Thursday to address his abdomen injury and he will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Source: <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-damian-lillard-to-be-sidelined-at-least-6-8-weeks-after-abdominal-surgery-224953181.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chris Haynes/Yahoo Sports</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle. Lillard was averaging 24.0 points and 7.3 assists per game in 29 games prior to injury. The Blazers are just 16-24 with five wins since the start of December.

Portland's superstar will be out for the available future as the Blazers continue to struggle.

Damian Lillard to be re-evaluated in 6-8 weeks after abdominal surgery

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Toss

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with youn prospects.&nbsp;

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with youn prospects. Harris is averaging 11.6&nbsp;

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with youn prospects. Harris is averaging 11.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting a solid 37.2% from three. Ross, meanwhile, is&nbsp;

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with youn prospects. Harris is averaging 11.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting a solid 37.2% from three. Ross, meanwhile, is averaging 12.8 points per game but shooting a career-low 30.6% on three-pointers.&nbsp;

Competing executives say Orlando is shopping Gary Harris and Terrence Ross, but several are curious what the Magic do with Mo Bamba.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS: Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with young prospects. Harris is averaging 11.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting a solid 37.2% from three. Ross, meanwhile, is averaging 12.8 points per game but shooting a career-low 30.6% on three-pointers.&nbsp;

Harris and Ross have both been productive veterans for the Magic, who are still in the midst of re-tooling with young prospects.

Magic reportedly shopping Gary Harris, Terrence Ross in trade talks

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Suns have the ability to match any contract offered. The&nbsp;

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Suns have the ability to match any contract offered. The 23-year-old is averaging 16.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game with Phoenix this season, anchoring one of the NBA's best teams. The Suns did not offer&nbsp;

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Suns have the ability to match any contract offered. The 23-year-old is averaging 16.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game with Phoenix this season, anchoring one of the NBA's best teams. Detroit recently acquired a young center in Bol Bol from the Denver Nuggets.

As noted, the Pistons are believed to be targeting a big man with their projected cap room this summer. Deandre Ayton may be their primary target, but many around the league expect the Phoenix Suns to retain him despite failing to reach an extension with him before the season.
Source: <a href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952328-nba-rumors-binge-a-desperate-ben-simmons-suitor-how-lakers-can-keep-monk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Pincus/Bleacher Report</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Suns have the ability to match any contract offer. The 23-year-old is averaging 16.8 points and 11.0 rebounds per game with Phoenix this season, anchoring one of the NBA's best teams. Detroit recently acquired a young center in Bol Bol from the Denver Nuggets.

Ayton will be a restricted free agent this offseason, meaning the Suns have the ability to match any contract offered.

Report: Pistons may target Deandre Ayton, Suns expected to keep him

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic
&nbsp;

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;LeVert&nbsp;

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;LeVert has not played this calendar year since joining the league

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;LeVert has not played this calendar year since joining the league's health and safety protocols. But the wing was averaging&nbsp;

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;LeVert has not played this calendar year since joining the league's health and safety protocols. But the wing was averaging 17.8 points and 4.0 assists per game prior to being sidelined. With the Pacers reportedly looking towards a rebuild, a LeVert trade could make sense for both sides.&nbsp;

The Cavaliers are among interested teams in LeVert, those sources said, as he would provide a combo guard able to handle the ball and playmaker in the season-ending absence of&nbsp;Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;LeVert has not played this calendar year since joining the league's health and safety protocols. But the wing was averaging 17.8 points and 4.0 assists per game prior to being sidelined. With the Pacers reportedly looking towards a rebuild, a LeVert trade could make sense for both sides.&nbsp;
On Indiana star Domantas Sabonis, Charania wrote: "The Pacers have an extremely high value on Sabonis, rival executives say, which makes a trade unlikelier for the two-time All-Star big man."

LeVert has not played this calendar year since joining the league's health and safety protocols.

Cavaliers showing trade interest in Caris LeVert

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/hornets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hornets</a>&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a full-scale rebuild&nbsp;

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a rebuild, and these r

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a rebuild, and these rumors would seem to indicate that.&nbsp;

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a rebuild, and these rumors would seem to indicate that. Turner is averaging

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Turner, sources said. The Lakers and&nbsp;Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a rebuild, and these rumors would seem to indicate that. Turner is averaging 13.1 points per game and leading the NBA with 2.9 blocks per game. The Pacers are 15-25 and currently 13th in the East standings.

The Mavericks and Knicks are expressing interest in trading for Myles Turner, sources said. The Lakers and Hornets&nbsp;have had a level of interest in Turner as well, sources added.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Athletic reported back in December that the Pacers were embracing a rebuild, and these rumors would seem to indicate that. Turner is averaging 13.1 points per game and leading the NBA with 2.9 blocks per game. The Pacers are 15-25 and currently 13th in the East standings.

Turner is averaging 13.1 points per game and leading the NBA with 2.9 blocks per game.

Mavericks, Knicks, Lakers, Hornets showing interest in Myles Turner

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistons star forward&nbsp;Jerami Grant: The&nbsp;Wizards,&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/knicks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Knicks</a>, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistons star forward&nbsp;Jerami Grant: The&nbsp;Wizards,&nbsp;Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistonsstar forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistonsstar forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistonsstar forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Grant is one of the most sought-after trade targets, Charania writes. The&nbsp;

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistonsstar forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Grant is one of the most sought-after trade targets, Charania writes. The 27-year-old is currently sidelined due to a UCL injury in his right thumb. Grant was averaging 20.

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistonsstar forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Grant is one of the most sought-after trade targets, Charania writes. The 27-year-old is currently sidelined due to a UCL injury in his right thumb. Grant was averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game prior to injury, and has cleared 20 points per game in each of his two seasons with the Pistons.

Several playoff teams are pursuing Pistons star forward Jerami Grant: The Wizards, Knicks, Blazers and Lakers among others, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Grant is one of the most sought-after trade targets, Charania writes. The 27-year-old is currently sidelined due to a UCL injury in his right thumb. Grant was averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game prior to injury, and has cleared 20 points per game in each of his two seasons with the Pistons.

Grant was averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game prior to a thumb injury.

Lakers, Knicks, Wizards, Blazers interested in Jerami Grant trade

The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league&rsquo;s bottom five defenses.
Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league&rsquo;s bottom five defenses.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;

The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league&rsquo;s bottom five defenses.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Charania also lists the <a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/sac-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sacramento Kings</a>,&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/blazers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Portland Trail Blazers</a>,&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/timberwolves/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/pacers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indiana Pacers</a>

The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league&rsquo;s bottom five defenses.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Charania also lists the Sacramento Kings,&nbsp;Portland Trail Blazers,&nbsp;Minnesota Timberwolves&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="ath_autolink" href="https://theathletic.com/team/pacers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indiana Pacers</a>

The Hawks are an emerging potential landing spot for Simmons, whose Defensive Player of the Year-caliber play would surely elevate one of the league&rsquo;s bottom five defenses.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;Charania also lists the Sacramento Kings,&nbsp;Portland Trail Blazers,&nbsp;Minnesota Timberwolves&nbsp;and&nbsp;Indiana Pacers as other possible suitors for Simmons, who has still not played this season. According to Charania, Hawks big man John Collins has grown frustrated by his role on the team. Collins would be eligible for inclusion in a Ben Simmons deal (or any other trade) on Jan. 15.

Shams Charania also lists the Kings, Trail Blazers, Wolves and Pacers as other possible suitors for Simmons.

Hawks emerging as a potential landing spot for Ben Simmons

The 19-21 Celtics have indicated to rival teams that they want to build around&nbsp;Jayson Tatum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jaylen Brown&nbsp;&mdash; and have no interest to split up the two All-Star forwards right now, sources said.
Source: Shams Charania/The Athletic

The 19-21 Celtics have indicated to rival teams that they want to build around&nbsp;Jayson Tatum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jaylen Brown&nbsp;&mdash; and have no interest to split up the two All-Star forwards right now, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Tatum-Brown pairing has been heavily scrutinized by fans due to the Celtics' lackluster season, but it makes sense that the team would look to keep one of the best wing duos in the league intact. Tatum and Brown are each averaging&nbsp;

The 19-21 Celtics have indicated to rival teams that they want to build around&nbsp;Jayson Tatum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jaylen Brown&nbsp;&mdash; and have no interest to split up the two All-Star forwards right now, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Tatum-Brown pairing has been heavily scrutinized by fans due to the Celtics' lackluster season, but it makes sense that the team would look to keep one of the best wing duos in the league intact. Tatum and Brown are each averaging over 24 points and 6 rebounds per game. Charania did add that&nbsp;

The 19-21 Celtics have indicated to rival teams that they want to build around&nbsp;Jayson Tatum&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jaylen Brown&nbsp;&mdash; and have no interest to split up the two All-Star forwards right now, sources said.
Source: <a href="https://theathletic.com/3060724/2022/01/10/update-on-ben-simmons-trade-talks-frustrated-hawks-star-john-collins-a-possible-match-nba-news-and-notes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shams Charania/The Athletic</a>
ANALYSIS:&nbsp;The Tatum-Brown pairing has been heavily scrutinized by fans due to the Celtics' lackluster season, but it makes sense that the team would look to keep one of the best wing duos in the league intact. Tatum and Brown are each averaging over 24 points and 6 rebounds per game. Charania did add that the Celtics appear "open for business" regarding trades with other players.

Tatum and Brown are each averaging over 24 points and 6 rebounds per game.