The NBA trade deadline is coming up and rumors have players like David Lee, Chris Andersen, Timofey Mozgov, Markieff Morris, Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Ty Lawson, Brandon Jennings, Jamal Crawford and Taj Gibson as potential targets for teams. The Lakers, Celtics, Miami Heat and Knicks could be active at the deadline along with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the better teams in the east this season, but there is chance the team could make some trades at the deadline. According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Bulls are "taking trade calls" on a trio of players, including Gasol and Noah. Gibson also could be an option to move, but the team may consider deals with Noah and/or Gasol to help improve the roster heading into the second half of the season.
Noah is coming into free agency this summer and that could spark a deal with the forward, while Gasol has a player option and could leave this summer as well. Gibson will be a free agent after next season and that could get some teams interested in making a deal. Noah has dealt with some injuries this season and that could affect his value, but the Bulls likely will continue to listen to calls about Noah and Gasol leading into the deadline.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are not shopping center Timofey Mozgov, but teams are reportedly calling about deals with the big man, according to Yahoo Sports. Marc Spears writes that multiple teams have reached out to the Cavs about Mozgov, who has been struggling over the past month and is heading towards free agency. The Cavs are reportedly not inclined to trade Mozgov now, but the team could consider a move closer to the deadline depending on how things develop. Dave McMenamin at ESPN writes that Mozgov is in a "make or break" situation with the Cavs and if he doesn't improve, the team could make a move.
The Knicks have reportedly been interested in upgrading in the back court this season and the New York Daily News reports that Brandon Jennings could be a target. Reggie Jackson is the starter in Detroit and with Jose Calderon not quite getting it done for the Knicks, the team could consider making a deal to bring in Jennings. The team also has Jerian Grant, but Grant is just a rookie and the team may want some more depth on the roster at the guard position.
Markieff Morris has continued to come up in trade reports and Marc Stein at ESPN reports that he could be a target with the Rockets. Ty Lawson reportedly wants to be traded, while A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England writes that the Celtics could move David Lee at the deadline. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Miami is continuing to shop Chris Andersen and will try to make a deal with the big man at the trading deadline.