Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown, Jordan Clarkson among players believed to be available for second round picks

The Phoenix Suns have been actively looking to trade starting center Jusuf Nurkic, league sources informed The Arizona Republic. The Suns (14-14) are seeking a big in return, the sources said. The team has been playing Mason Plumlee, rookie Oso Ighodaro and Nurkic at the five position. Washington Wizards big Jonas Valančiūnas and Chicago Bulls big Nikola Vucevic are two players whose names have been thrown into trade talks. -via Arizona Republic / December 24, 2024

Who are the most attainable big men across the next six weeks? One of the more attractive trade candidates this winter, of course, is Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas. The Lithuanian’s three-year, $30 million deal with the Wizards last summer landed a few beard hairs below the league’s mid-level exception and comes fully non-guaranteed in Year 3. That’s a really movable contract for a starting-caliber center, especially one who’s been often mentioned by league figures as a top target for the Lakers. -via marcstein.substack.com / December 19, 2024

If it’s not Valanciunas, Portland’s Robert Williams III stands as perhaps the most coveted center on this season’s trade market. He’s another player on the Lakers’ wishlist of bigs and renowned for his defensive presence. And because Williams is only in Year 3 of a four-year, $48 million deal, there’s been ongoing inbound interest for Portland to navigate despite Williams’ considerable injury history. Sources say that the Blazers, however, aren’t eager to part ways with Williams just yet. Portland has been bullish on Williams’ pick-and-roll partnership with the Blazers’ young guards since team officials, sources say, made acquiring Williams a priority as part of the return package for Jrue Holiday before the start of last season. If there’s any move coming in Portland’s crowded frontcourt — which also houses Deandre Ayton, Duop Reath, and recent No. 7 overall pick Donovan Clingan — it is not expected to come until much closer to the Feb. 6 deadline. -via marcstein.substack.com / December 19, 2024

Andy Larsen: Jazz say Jordan Clarkson upgraded to available, Keyonte George downgraded to out for tonight’s game. John Collins still questionable. -via Twitter @andyblarsen / December 28, 2024

Andy Larsen: Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Keyonte George all questionable for tomorrow’s game vs. 76ers. -via Twitter @andyblarsen / December 27, 2024

Andy Larsen: Jazz say Jordan Clarkson, John Collins, and Keyonte George are all out tonight vs. Portland. -via Twitter @andyblarsen / December 26, 2024

Michael Grange: Bruce Brown, Jakob Poeltl, Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter all in lineup for Raptors. Davion Mitchell and Bruno Fernando (illness) are out, as is Immanuel Quickley (elbow). -via Twitter @michaelgrange / December 29, 2024

With under two minutes to play, and the Raptors leading by one, Bridges knocked down a 3 on the opposite corner from where Bruce Brown stood. It gave New York the lead for good. Bridges looked over toward Brown, pinched his two fingers together as he raised them near his hairline, slightly dipped his head and gave a cowboy hat-tip, obviously, without a hat. “None of them are pre-determined,” Bridges told The Athletic of his trash-talking antics. “I know Bruce and he’s a cowboy.” -via New York Times / December 22, 2024

Players to keep a close eye on include Kyle Kuzma, Nikola Vučević, Jonas Valančiūnas, Malcolm Brogdon, Lonzo Ball, De’Andre Hunter, Jakob Pöltl, Jaden Springer, Day’Ron Sharpe, Bruce Brown, PJ Tucker, Bones Hyland, KJ Martin, Duop Reath, Marcus Smart, Josh Okogie, Anfernee Simons, Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles (among others). Some sources anticipate that the Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers will make moves before the deadline to reduce their salaries to fall below the NBA’s luxury-tax threshold of $170.8 million. -via Bleacher Report / December 19, 2024