NBA Rumors Roundup: Trae Young could request a trade; John Collins has a lot of suitors, and more
Trae Young could be the next NBA superstar who might request a trade. The latest rumors suggest that Young could want out of the Atlanta Hawks if they fail to progress in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Young's longtime teammate, John Collins, has a lot of suitors. Collins has been linked to a lot of NBA rumors over the past two seasons, so it's not surprising that his name is in the trade market.
On that note, here's the latest NBA rumors roundup for December 24 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
NBA execs believe Trae Young could request trade
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, several NBA executives believe that Trae Young could be the next superstar to request a trade. The executives opined that Young would want out if the Atlanta Hawks endure another postseason disappointment.
The Hawks were in the Eastern Conference finals two seasons ago but were eliminated in the first round last season. They added All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in the offseason but are in a similar position from last season, with a current record of 16-16.
It's also worth noting that there's tension between Young and Hawks coach Nate McMillan. The Hawks superstar missed a game with a shoulder injury earlier this month. However, reports point to McMillan giving Young the choice of not showing up to the game.
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At least 4 teams interested in John Collins
John Collins has been on the NBA trade rumor mill in the last two seasons. Collins went from being actively shopped by the Atlanta Hawks to signing an extension.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported in his latest Substack piece that at least four teams are interested in Collins. Stein named the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards as potential suitors for the 25-year-old forward.
Collins is averaging 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks this season. However, he's not getting a lot of touches with two ball-dominant guards, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, as his teammates.
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DeMar DeRozan may want out of Chicago this summer
DeMar DeRozan is having another stellar season, averaging 25.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists for the Chicago Bulls. However, the Bulls have struggled this season and could start an unexpected rebuild.
Citing league sources, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes reported that DeRozan might want out of the Bulls in the offseason. The five-time All-Star will be in the final year of his contract next season and might want to maximize his chances of winning a championship.
One of the teams linked with DeRozan this season is the LA Lakers. They own two unprotected first-round picks, which could entice the Bulls to make a deal. However, it could depend on how Chicago performs in the next 30 days or before the February 9 deadline.
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Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz negotiating contract extension
Before the start of the season, Jordan Clarkson was expected to be traded by the Utah Jazz amid their rebuilding year. However, the Jazz and Clarkson have surprised everyone by having the best record in the NBA at one point this season.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, Clarkson and the Jazz are negotiating a contract extension. The former Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 20.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists this season. Along with Lauri Markkanen, they're leading the Jazz to a surprise postseason berth.
Clarkson has a player option for next season but could opt out and become a free agent. With his current play, there will be no shortage of interested teams in the 30-year-old guard.
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Dallas Mavericks could make Christian Wood available for trade
The Dallas Mavericks acquired Christian Wood from the Houston Rockets in the offseason. Wood was expected to provide the Mavericks a boost on offense, especially after the departure of Jalen Brunson.
However, Wood has been the Mavericks' sixth man despite being a starter-caliber player. He's averaging 17.2 points 8.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. With Dallas' current struggles, Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes has noted that Wood might become available for trade.
Citing his league sources, Haynes reported that rival executives believe that the Mavericks are not listening to offers at the moment. That could change, though, and several teams are rumored to be monitoring Wood's situation in Dallas.
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