The NBA games on Christmas Day didn't disappoint with so many of them coming down to the final minutes. With the new year approaching, the trade market is heating up and several big name teams are looking to make a move. Here are the latest news and rumors you need to know:
NBA Fans - Download Chat Sports on iPhone today for breaking news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports iPhone App!
Julius Randle Trade?
The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to clear cap space to pursue LeBron James and Paul George this offseason, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Lakers discussed the possibility of a trade that would send Julius Randle to the Dallas Mavericks for center Nerlens Noel.
Woj says the Lakers and Mavs had some 'initial talks' about a trade involving Julius Randle and Nerlens Noel but nothing came of it. pic.twitter.com/NITf4PTTQs
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) December 23, 2017
"Dallas is a team now that's trying to accumulate some young assets. Nerlens Noel was a player who they sort of loosely had some conversations about. The Noel injury, though, essentially ended those [conversations]."
The Lakers have pumped the brakes on the swap since Noel's thumb surgery. However, the Lakers may start talks again once Noel is healthy and suiting up for the Mavericks.
The swap makes sense because Randle is a restricted free agent and the Lakers may not have the money to compete against opposing offers. Noel, on the other hand, will likely be significantly cheaper to retain in free agency.
Luol Deng Staying In Los Angeles?
The Lakers may be regretting the four-year $72 million contract they just gave forward Luol Deng in 2016 because no teams are willing to take on that much money for a player of Deng's caliber. In early November, Deng announced he wanted either a trade or a buyout, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. Since it is unlikely Deng will be traded, the Lakers have given up trying to move Deng, Wojnarowski said.
“You talk to teams around the league, no one is bailing the Lakers out with Deng’s contract. They’re not. Teams have asked for multiple first-round picks. They’ve asked for Brandon Ingram. They’ll ask for Kyle Kuzma. The Lakers have essentially given up on the idea that they can trade Deng.”
Deng has played one game this season and only scored two points in 13 minutes of action.
ATTENTION Lakers Fans! LIKE & FOLLOW Los Angeles Lakers by Chat Sports on Facebook
Marcus Morris Doubtful
Boston Celtics forward Marcus Morris doesn't expect to play vs. Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, and said he might get another PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection this week, according to NBC's A. Sherrod Blakely:
Marcus Morris said as of now, he’s not likely to be in the lineup for the #Hornets game on Wednesday. Also said there’s a chance he will get another prp injection sometime this week.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) December 26, 2017
After missing eight straight games with the same knee injury, Morris returned Monday, scoring two points and grabbing four rebounds in 16 minutes. If Morris misses time, look for Aron Baynes, Guerschon Yabusele, and Semi Ojeleye to get more minutes.
Follow our NBA page for all the latest NBA news & rumors!
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
Back to the NBA Newsfeed