The NBA rumor mill is heating up with Thursday’s trade deadline approaching. Front-office executives cited by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst outlined several situations worth watching, starting with Orlando’s efforts to duck the luxury tax.
Magic explore deals to exit tax territory
Orlando sits roughly $5.6 million above the tax line. One scenario involves moving Tyus Jones’ expiring $7 million contract, which would immediately solve this season’s tax bill but leave next year’s payroll crunch untouched. Rivals are also gauging whether the Magic might shed multiyear salaries to avoid landing in the projected second apron in 2025-26, when rookie guard Anthony Black becomes extension-eligible. Some executives are wondering if the club has second thoughts about last summer’s maximum-salary extension for Paolo Banchero, noting that his individual talent has not always translated into team improvement.
Raptors positioned to buy
League sources view Toronto as a potential aggressor because the franchise controls all of its future first-round picks. “Few teams own their entire draft; that gives them leverage,” an Eastern Conference executive told ESPN. The Raptors owe approximately $165 million to their top five players next season, so additional rookie-scale assets could be important for roster balance.
Celtics eye frontcourt depth
Boston is believed to be looking for size but, according to Bontemps and Windhorst, is more likely to make a lower-level addition than to pursue a marquee name such as Jaren Jackson Jr.
Cavaliers active amid Mitchell timeline
Cleveland carries the league’s highest payroll and is on pace to hit the second apron again in 2025-26. With Donovan Mitchell holding one guaranteed season after this one and no conference-finals appearance to date, the front office is “active,” one executive said, though rival teams remain unsure of the club’s exact objective.
Thunder quietly survey center market
At 38-11, Oklahoma City is not expected to overhaul its roster, but Windhorst mentioned on the “Hoop Collective” podcast that the Thunder have at least inquired about available centers.
Rich Paul dismisses Anthony Davis trade rumor
Following a report that he wanted Anthony Davis moved, agent Rich Paul labeled the story “fake news” in a video clip circulated on social media. Speaking on the “Game Over” podcast, Paul said his priority is securing the best professional and financial situation for his clients, adding that he holds no ill will toward Dallas or any other team. Despite the chatter, a Davis trade before the deadline is considered unlikely.
The trade window closes Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
Source: Hoops Rumors
