Report: Cavaliers ownership cool on Atkinson; Harden, Sabonis, White draw trade buzz
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Marc Stein’s latest Substack column outlines several situations to monitor as the NBA calendar moves toward the February 5 trade deadline.
Cavaliers coaching situation
League sources told Stein that head coach Kenny Atkinson’s position in Cleveland has grown less secure following the club’s 15-14 start. The Cavaliers, who finished last season with the best record in the Eastern Conference, have dropped eight of their past 11 contests and sit in play-in territory. Owner Dan Gilbert is reportedly displeased with the recent slide, yet one source believes a swift coaching change remains unlikely because Gilbert strongly backed Atkinson’s hiring over James Borrego, now serving as New Orleans’ interim coach.
Clippers could gauge Harden market
After previously suggesting the struggling Clippers might listen to offers for James Harden, Stein said a rival executive now expects Los Angeles to make the veteran guard available. Harden signed a one-year Bird Rights deal with a second-year player option that carries a partial guarantee, giving him the ability to veto any trade.
Sabonis timetable clouds Kings’ plans
Domantas Sabonis is projected to miss four to five more weeks while rehabbing a partially torn meniscus in his left knee. Because that timeline runs close to the trade deadline, Stein notes it is uncertain whether Sacramento will entertain offers for the former All-Star. The Kings would reportedly prefer to move DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, but Sabonis would attract significant leaguewide interest if the organization opts for a full rebuild.
Bulls open to Coby White talks
Front-office executives around the league believe Chicago is more willing than in the past to discuss guard Coby White, whose $12.9 million contract expires this season. His modest salary complicates the Bulls’ ability to obtain equal value, and he will be an unrestricted free agent in July.
Source: Hoops Rumors
