NBA Trade Rumors Ahead Of The Draft

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SteemSports Presenter: Scott Frank, @scottybuckets

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SteemSports Editor: Nolan Jacobson, @theprophet0, STEEM Witness & PeerPlays Witness.

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The internet is going crazy with NBA Trade Rumors ahead of the Thursday nights draft. The latest shock-wave is the Lakers trade on Tuesday of D’Angelo Russel to the NY Nets for Brook Lopez. This makes sense as all reports point to the Lakers drafting Lonzo Ball to play PG. This move will also clear some cap space for someone like Paul George.

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The other commotion of the week has Jimmy Butler taking his talents to Cleveland. The Bulls centerpiece has been chatting with Kyrie Irving and Lebron James since last week. Butler spent the regular season telling the teams management that he did not want to be traded and wants to retire as a Chicago Bull. The Celtics were hot on his trail after the All-Star break, but Butler shut down the trade talk.

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Kyrie, Jimmy and Lebron along side Tristan Thompson would be as close to a super team as it gets. Last week, LeBron told everyone that he has never been on a super team. Most of us found that laughable as he was 100% responsible for CREATING the super team down in Miami. The big question here is if the Bulls want Kevin Love and friends?

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As mentioned above, the biggest rumor right now is Paul George to the L.A. Lakers. Paul has one year left on his contract with the Indiana Pacers and Larry Bird can't afford to lose him without getting some valuable pieces back. Paul is from L.A. and has been vocal about his interest in signing there next off season.

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George has averaged 18.1 points, and 6.3 rebounds in his seven seasons in the NBA. He averaged 23.7 points and 6.6 rebounds last season and has returned to form following the gruesome leg injury he suffered the year before while playing with Team USA.

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The Portland Trailblazer’s and Cleveland Cavs are also engaging in trade talks with the Pacers. Whoever lands him will be getting a top 10 player in the middle of his prime. We should know by Thursday night where he ends up.

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Chris Paul is rumored to be heading to the San Antonio Spurs. But there is one big problem, which is the salary cap. Pau Gasol helped that problem by opting out of his player option for $16 million next year but that still is not enough room. Chris Paul will command a max deal and the Spurs need to make more cap space before that can happen.

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And breaking now is the report that Phil Jackson is ready for some more wheeling and dealing. According to several reports, Kristaps Porzingis is available. This is surprising news as he is one of the most coveted young shooters in the NBA. Last year, he averaged 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in just his second season in the NBA. Whoever lands him will be getting a fantastic 3 point shooter and gifted scorer. The next 72 hours should be action-packed, so sit back and enjoy the action. Cheers!

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