Interest around several franchises is shifting as the NBA trade deadline and international showcase games draw closer.
Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks, long reported to be intrigued by Dallas Mavericks big man Anthony Davis, are now viewing center Daniel Gafford as a more attainable target, according to Marc Stein’s latest newsletter for The Stein Line. League sources told Stein that Gafford is considered a cleaner fit for Atlanta’s frontcourt if the club prefers to improve inside without pushing rookie Zaccharie Risacher into trade talks.
Atlanta remains committed to Risacher and has shown little willingness to include the No. 1 pick in any win-now deal. Stein also noted that the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics are monitoring Gafford’s status, which could create a wider market should Dallas elect to move the 25-year-old rim protector.
Magic
As the Orlando Magic prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin, forward Franz Wagner hopes his high ankle sprain heals in time for the game. “I feel good,” Wagner told the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede. “I’ve been working really hard the last couple of weeks to get back as soon as I can. Hopefully that will be in Berlin.”
The 22-year-old has missed 16 consecutive contests after averaging 22.7 points and 6.1 assists prior to the injury. Even if he remains sidelined, Wagner said returning to the same arena where he once watched professionals as a child will be “pretty special” for him and his brother, Moritz Wagner.
Orlando sits at 22-18, tied with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the middle of the Eastern Conference, and views Franz Wagner’s return as a stabilizing force for the playoff push.
Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore options for a two-way wing, yet several league executives told ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst that limited trade assets and future cap concerns might keep the team quiet at the February 8 deadline.
“They just need to fast-forward to the offseason,” one executive said, adding that Los Angeles is focused on preserving cap space and making only small, margin moves in the coming weeks.
Source: Hoops Wire
