NBA Rumors Roundup: Washington Wizards want to keep Kyle Kuzma, Indiana Pacers open extension talks with Myles Turner, and more
The NBA trade market is starting to heat up ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline. The latest rumors suggest that the Washington Wizards want to keep Kyle Kuzma. The 27-year-old forward is having a fantastic season and has been linked with several teams already.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner and the Indiana Pacers have reportedly open extension talks. The negotiation is happening despite Turner being mentioned in many trade rumors over the past two years. The 26-year-old big man is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Here is the latest NBA rumors roundup for Dec. 30 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Washington Wizards want to keep Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma has been a revelation for the Washington Wizards ever since he was acquired from the LA Lakers in the Russell Westbrook trade. Kuzma is averaging 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists this season, while shooting 46.6% from the field and 34.1% from beyond the arc.
The one-time NBA champ has been linked with several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and LA Lakers. NBA insider Marc Stein reported a few days ago that Kuzma is "gettable" between now and Feb. 9 deadline.
However, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype cited league sources saying that the Wizards consider Kuzma a big part of their team. There is belief within the organization that Kuzma compliments Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.
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Indiana Pacers open extension talks with Myles Turner
Myles Turner has been on the NBA rumor mill for the past two years, so it's inevitable to hear his name again this season. However, it seems like the Indiana Pacers have changed their minds on Turner, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pacers and Turner have begun discussing a contract extension. Both sides have until the final day of the 2022-23 NBA season to sign a new deal. If Turner is not traded before the Feb. 9 deadline, it's safe to assume that a contract extension is in the books.
Turner is averaging 16.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.2 blocks per game this season. Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype opined that Turner is eligible to sign a four-year, $96.8 million extension.
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3 NBA teams involved in trade talks
Shams Charania revealed on "The Rally" that the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz were discussing a three-team trade. Charania explained that the deal has John Collins going to the Jazz, while Jae Crowder and other players will head to Atlanta.
Meanwhile, the Suns were acquiring Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley. The deal fell through because the Jazz wanted multiple first round picks for Vanderbilt and Beasley.
"One scenario that I was told recently was between Utah, Phoenix and Atlanta," Charania said. "That deal would have sent John Collins to Utah. Those three teams discussed a potential deal in the past month or so. I'm told the deal failed to gain traction when Utah asked for multiple first-round picks."
“Utah, Phoenix and Atlanta …those three teams discussed a potential deal. I’m told the deal failed to gain traction when Utah asked for multiple first-round picks.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on Suns‘ Jae Crowder (@CJC9BOSS) and his value as well as Hawks‘ John Collins. https://t.co/0btQBLuGDK
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Atlanta Hawks interested in Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen is having a breakout season in his first year with the Utah Jazz. Markkanen is averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists this season, while shooting 52.7% from the field and 43.8% from beyond the arc. It's possible that Markkanen will be named an All-Star for the first time in his career.
Despite the Jazz's surprising campaign, some teams are still interested in their players. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype cited league sources and said that the Atlanta Hawks are interested in Markkanen.
The Hawks are looking for the perfect player to compliment the duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. John Collins has not played his best this season, while Markkanen might be the player the Hawks need to make it further in the postseason.
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James Harden only wants 1+1 contracts in free agency
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a recent bombshell when he reported that James Harden might want to return to the Houston Rockets. Harden signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in the offseason with a player option for next season.
This means that Harden can opt out of his deal and become an unrestricted free agent. The former NBA MVP is having a great season, averaging 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He's raising his value and could potentially set himself up for one more huge contract.
However, ESPN's Zach Lowe revealed on his podcast that Harden wants to continue signing two-year deals moving forward. These deals are also called 1+1 deals because of the player option for the second season.
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