Trade Buzz: Pelicans Set High Price for Herb Jones; Kings Signal Full Tear-Down; Celtics Searching for Starting Center
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Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are receiving steady trade inquiries about All-Defensive wing Herb Jones, league sources told Hoops Wire. The Lakers, Pacers, and Pistons are among the clubs that have recently checked on Jones’s availability, attracted by his elite defense and versatility.
While the 25-year-old fits the mold of a playoff contributor, New Orleans has placed a steep price on any potential deal. According to sources, the front office would require a “significant haul” before seriously considering a move, adopting a “blow us away or stop calling” stance. In theory, Jones is on the market; in practice, acquiring him would be costly.
Kings
Sacramento is reportedly willing to dismantle its roster before the trade deadline. Multiple familiar names are available for the right return, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Keon Ellis, Malik Monk, and Dennis Schroder.
Despite the broad list, sources say the Kings would demand a “sun, moon, and stars” package for Sabonis. Nonetheless, the organization appears ready to reset, accepting short-term losses to pursue a longer-term rebuild. Around the league, the approach is being described as a potential “fire sale.”
Celtics
The Boston Celtics are actively hunting a bona fide starting center, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Bolstered by strong play even during Jayson Tatum’s recent absence, the front office is targeting size and rim protection rather than merely trimming salary.
Boston possesses both trade assets and matching contracts and is using that flexibility to pursue what it sees as the final piece to deepen its rotation in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Source: Hoops Wire
