Pacers Seek Center; Hawks Eye Trae Young’s Comeback; Nets Weigh Cap Space Moves; Warriors Consider Kuminga Deals
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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are actively pursuing a long-term starting center, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Since Myles Turner departed in free agency, coach Rick Carlisle has alternated Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff and Tony Bradley at the position. The front office is now canvassing the league for a more permanent solution as the club attempts to solidify its lineup for the next competitive phase.
ATLANTA — The Hawks have no current plans to trade star guard Trae Young and instead expect him to lift the team when he returns from a sprained MCL suffered in late October, Charania added. Young is aiming for a comeback later this month, and Atlanta views his return as an on-court boost rather than a roster-altering crossroads.
BROOKLYN — The Nets remain the NBA’s only team with available cap space and are exploring trades that would absorb salary in exchange for draft picks or young talent, league sources told ESPN. Discussions include the possibility of working with guard Cam Thomas’s representatives to find a new destination. Thomas accepted his qualifying offer in September and holds an implicit no-trade clause requiring his approval.
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State plans to evaluate trade options for forward Jonathan Kuminga once he becomes eligible to be moved on Jan. 15, according to Charania. Kuminga has alternated between the rotation and the bench under coach Steve Kerr, prompting executives around the league to anticipate Warriors inquiries in the coming weeks.
Rival front offices are also keeping watch on Sacramento, which is described as “open-minded” regarding roster changes. Teams have identified Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis as potential targets should the Kings adjust course.
Source: Hoops Wire
