Three teams navigating very different seasons are making moves and evaluations as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
Kings
Guard Malik Monk, who spent a lengthy stretch out of head coach Doug Christie’s rotation, has reclaimed a key role for Sacramento. He logged 26 minutes in a win over Houston and 32 minutes in a victory against the Lakers, posting 15 and 26 points, respectively, in those back-to-back upsets.
According to ESPN, the Kings tested Monk’s trade value last summer, discussing multiple scenarios that would have shipped him to Golden State for Jonathan Kuminga. The Warriors declined and have not changed their stance, the report added. Monk is still expected to be available to other clubs before the deadline, and his recent production could lift his market value.
Bulls
Second-year forward Matas Buzelis has emerged as a rare bright spot in Chicago’s turbulent campaign. With Josh Giddey sidelined and Coby White limited to two appearances in the last six contests, Buzelis has taken on a larger offensive load. Since Dec. 31, he is averaging 19.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.8 blocks while shooting 47.9 percent from the field, per ESPN.
Despite an upcoming schedule that includes Utah, Brooklyn (twice) and the Clippers, Tuesday’s loss to Houston dropped the Bulls to 18-21 through 39 games, marking the fourth straight season they have held that record at the same point.
Hawks
Atlanta’s first games after trading Trae Young produced three straight wins and road victories over Denver and Golden State before Tuesday’s setback against the Lakers. The recent additions of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert are expected to bring stability to an injury-plagued roster.
The Hawks were again short-handed in Los Angeles, suiting up only 10 players while Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard, and Zaccharie Risacher sat out. With the club ranking 25th in rebounding percentage and surrendering the eighth-most points in the paint, frontcourt depth is a likely priority before the deadline.
Source: Hoops Wire
