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You can add the Toronto Raptors to the list of suitors for D’Angelo Russell.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports the Raptors are the most recent team involved in discussions about making a move for the LA Lakers guard.
“Russell’s name has been mentioned in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks in recent weeks, sources told ESPN, while the point guard managed to play some of the best basketball of his career,” McMenamin wrote.
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Russell’s name had previously been linked to the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets as the Lakers explore a move for Dejounte Murray. Reports said the Hawks however wanted to find a third team to take on Russell.
He has a $18 million player option for next season.
Russell also had no-trade clause in his contract, but he and his agent reportedly agreed to waive it in a key move that signals a deal could be imminent.
“I just thought it made sense,” Russell explained, per McMenamin.
“Obviously I’ve been here before, I played for the Lakers before, so I know what the requirements are to be successful here are. So, if you’re part of the future here you’ll be successful. If you’re not, you’ll get traded. And I’ve been traded before here. So, my approach is just a little different.
“I really just genuinely, humbly don’t care because I know I can’t control it, one. And, two, I just won’t allow my mind to go there. I like to focus on this and you guys see how I’ve been focusing on basketball and not comments and what’s trending on social.
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The Indiana Pacers continue to be interested in acquiring Andrew Wiggins, along with the Mavericks, according to NBA Insider Shams Charania.
Viewed as the Warrior most likely to be moved by Friday’s trade deadline, Charania revealed both sides have discussed player-for-player deals for Wiggins.
In the first year of a four-year, $109 million deal, Wiggins has struggles this season – he’s averaged 12.2 points and 4.1 rebounds from 42 games.
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Meanwhile, contrary to other reports including being linked to Chris Paul, it seems the Orlando Magic are in fact unlikely to add a veteran point guard.
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported “those whispers don’t seem to be accurate,” as the Magic have shown “no trade interest” in Paul or Charlotte’s Kyle Lowry, who was recently traded from Miami.
Paul is currently sidelined after suffering a fractured left hand earlier this month that required surgery.
The veteran guard has a non-guranteed $30 million contract for next season, which is basically an expiring deal, meaning he could appeal to teams looking to open up cap space.
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