There has been no shortage of trade discussion in the week prior to the league’s February 23 deadline, basketball fans even saw two significant deals already go through. Here’s a look back at the week that was.
News
Former NBA player Fab Melo passed away of a heart attack at age 26. The big man played for the Celtics during the 2012/13 season.
The Knicks and Lakers are the NBA’s most valuable franchises in Forbes’ latest update of their annual valuation list.
The Heat have hired retired forward Shane Battier as Director of Basketball Development and Analytics.
Warriors guard Klay Thompson has changed agencies.
The NBA Developmental League will be renamed the NBA Gatorade League in 2017/18.
Retired forward Charles Oakley is the latest to be named a BIG3 League player coach.
Injuries
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love will miss six weeks as he undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery.
Rumors
The Pacers are willing to trade their 2017 first-round pick in an effort to support Paul George with more help.
The Sixers have been in talks with several teams regarding Jahlil Okafor. Okafor recently returned to the team after being held out of two games during the discussions.
The Knicks could possibly have several options interested in Derrick Rose as a trade candidate.
The Pistons and Magic supposedly discussed a Reggie Jackson–Jeff Green swap.
The Trail Blazers are looking to trade Festus Ezeli and shed his contract.
The Pelicans and Nets reportedly discussed a deal centered around Brook Lopez.
The Bulls are said to be seeking a 2017 first-round pick in exchange for center Robin Lopez or forward Doug McDermott.
The Lakers are allegedly shopping sixth man Lou Williams.
The Hawks are looking to add to their roster, as opposed to previous notions that they may be embracing a rebuild.
Updates
The Magic will re-evaluate general manager Rob Hennigan this summer and not during the 2016/17 season.
The Lakers are the latest team linked to Larry Sanders.
Recently signed Lakers executive Magic Johnson clarifies that he’d like to eventually be the final decision maker.
For a second time this season, Lance Stephenson may be released by a team because of an injury.
The Timberwolves are intent on making the playoffs this season.
The Lakers have been more involved in trade talks than they have been in previous seasons.
Despite the whirlwind of trade rumors that surrounded Paul Millsap earlier this year, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer insists the forward is not going anywhere.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonagh says Eric Bledsoe is unlikely to be traded.
Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue denies that he played Kevin Love despite knowing about his knee injury.
Sixers rookie Ben Simmons is progressing from a broken foot at a slow, cautious pace.
Transactions
The Magic have traded Serge Ibaka to the Raptors in a deal for Terrence Ross and a 2017 first-round pick.
The Nuggets traded Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first-round pick (from Memphis) to the Trail Blazers for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second-round pick and cash.
The Hornets traded a 2017 second-round pick to the Cavaliers in exchange for injured center Chris Andersen, Charlotte then immediately waived the veteran big man.
The Warriors signed Briante Weber to a second 10-day contract.
The Spurs have signed center Joel Anthony for the remainder of the season.