With the NBA trade deadline approaching in just a couple of weeks, let’s take a look at some notable happenings around the league in recent days.
Jonathan Kuminga is ready for a change.
In what many saw coming, Jonathan Kuminga has officially requested a trade from the Warriors after becoming eligible on January 15th.
The 23-year-old hasn’t played since December 18, having fallen out of the rotation due to inconsistent performances. Initially, it seemed like he was turning a corner, as he had strong outings in the early season, even starting the first 12 games.
But soon enough, he found himself seated on the bench, and it’s tough to watch, especially with seasoned players like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green vying for another championship run. Butler recently pointed out that their record, now at 24-19, isn’t exactly stellar.
Kuminga is looking for more playing time. Meanwhile, the Warriors might want to trade him for someone who’s more actively contributing on the court.
Finding a resolution isn’t happening overnight.
Ja Morant reaffirms his loyalty.
Nice effort, Ja.
But it seems a bit late to mend any cracks.
Morant made a strong return on Sunday after missing six games due to a calf issue, scoring 24 points and handing out 13 assists in the Grizzlies’ 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in London. He looked more like the two-time All-Star rather than a player who has seen better days this season.
After his performance, he responded perfectly to inquiries about trade talks involving him.
“If anyone knows me, I’m a very loyal guy,” Morant said. “There’s a logo on the back, so that should tell me exactly where I’m going.”
However, his commitment to the Grizzlies has seemed inconsistent this season.
He received a one-game suspension in November after a dispute with coach Tuomas Isalo. When asked about feeling joyful about basketball, he shrugged it off.
Currently, he’s experiencing career lows in shooting percentages, limited to just 18 games due to injuries.
When he was asked on Wednesday if he believes he’ll stay with Memphis past the February 5 trade deadline, he was visibly taken aback.
“Am I the only one who asked that question?” he snapped.
His impressive recent showing and loyalty could enhance his market value. Yet, it feels like a split from the Grizzlies is on the horizon, either before or after the deadline.
Sunday was a reminder of his potential. But suspensions and performance issues may make it too late for a turnaround.
Are we pushing away Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Are you really a Bucks supporter?
Will you boo Giannis Antetokounmpo? The two-time MVP who helped secure a title in 2021? I’ll save my boos for anyone who suggests that. Are we really going to consider trade rumors weeks before the deadline?
It’s understandable for fans to be frustrated after a crushing halftime deficit to the Timberwolves, but turning against the team and players might not be the best move.
Especially not now.
After getting fouled on a layup early in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo reacted by sitting on the court and booing the fans.
“When people don’t believe in me, I’m not going to stand with them,” he said, clearly unhappy with the crowd’s reaction.
The fact is, no one is more frustrated with the Bucks’ 17-24 record than he is.
Before signing a lucrative three-year, $186 million extension with Milwaukee in October 2023, he made it clear he wouldn’t commit if he didn’t believe in the team’s potential for championships.
And although he stated he doesn’t plan to ask for a trade, he added that opinions can change.
The Bucks are facing a rough three-game losing streak; their recent losses have been quite one-sided.
Antetokounmpo must be feeling the pressure, and it doesn’t seem wise for fans to express their displeasure right now.
