Pacific Division Update: Trade Buzz Around Kuminga, Dodgers Brass Advising Lakers, Gillespie’s Phoenix Emergence, Clippers’ Early Woes
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With the trade deadline set for February 5, multiple league sources expect Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga to be a prominent name on the market, according to Marc Stein. Kuminga, 23, is in the first season of a two-year, $46.8 million deal that contains a team option for 2026-27, a contract one veteran executive described as “one of the best trade chips in the league.”
Still, officials who spoke with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps are skeptical that the Warriors will retrieve the return they want for the former No. 7 overall pick. “Who is going to take him?” an Eastern Conference scout asked, adding that the forward’s knee soreness and inconsistent play have not helped his value. “He has looked better and tried to fit in, but he still falls back into his old habits,” the scout said.
Dodgers Executives Assisting Lakers Transition
Los Angeles Dodgers decision-makers Farhan Zaidi and Andrew Friedman are advising the Lakers as the franchise shifts from the Buss family to new owner Mark Walter, reports ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Both baseball executives are serving as senior leaders within TWG Sports, the umbrella organization overseeing Walter’s sports holdings. Sources said Zaidi has represented Walter throughout the transition, while Friedman has provided guidance to general manager Rob Pelinka.
Gillespie Thriving in Expanded Suns Role
After re-signing with Phoenix on a one-year minimum deal, guard Collin Gillespie is averaging 10.5 points and 5.1 assists in 24.3 minutes off the bench through 15 games. The 25-year-old said he hopes to remain with the Suns long term but is focused on helping the club win this season. “It’s 15 games into the season. I’m not even worried about [the future] right now,” Gillespie told reporters.
Clippers Searching for Answers at 4-11
The Clippers have stumbled to a 4-11 start, and The Athletic’s Law Murray outlined several problems: difficulty containing uptempo opponents, weak point-of-attack defense, and losing battles on the glass and in overall possessions. Head coach Tyronn Lue added that the roster lacks offensive initiators who can reliably create their own shots.
Source: HoopsRumors
