NBA Trade Rumors Roundup January 15th: Celtics still chasing Anthony Davis, Dennis Smith Jr. trade and more
We have now passed the halfway point of the 2018/19 NBA season, and teams are starting to get a good idea about where they currently stand. Up until this point, both Conferences have remained competitive, with eleven teams in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, whereas every team except the Phoenix Suns has a shot in the West.
The February trade deadline is also quickly approaching, as the NBA has made changes to the deadline so that it will now always occur 10 days before the All-Star game. This has been done so that players, who get traded, have time to settle into their new teams, and this year's trade window will close on February 7th.
So with the deadline less than a month away, here are the biggest trade rumors you need to know for January 15th.
Celtics trade hopes hit
After making a disappointing start to the 18/19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics have been linked with trades for a number of players this month, such as the Washington Wizard's Bradley Beal. Nevertheless, Sporting News is reporting that the Celtics are hesitant to include their draft picks in trade talks this month, as the team is hoping to save them for their summer pursuit of Anthony Davis:
The Celtics are poised to have three first-rounders in next year’s draft, and possibly two lottery picks. But, according to league sources, none of Boston’s picks are expected to be available at the deadline.
No matter how Memphis or Sacramento performs in the coming month, expect the Celtics to sit on these picks and hope that they can be part of a bigger overall package yes, possibly for Anthony Davis, ahead of draft night.
Anthony Davis is contracted with the New Orleans Pelicans until 2020, although Davis is expected to request a trade this summer. Both the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are believed to have long term interest in the 5-time All-Star.