Trade Rumors Summary: Clippers Shopping Collins, Interested in DeRozan; Mavericks Face Challenges Trading Davis

As of November 25 Beijing time, the NBA trade deadline is still on February 5, but with the first month of the season concluded, teams have begun evaluating the trades they want to pursue. Several star players might be put on the trade block, but it is still early for concrete deals. Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped rumors from intensifying ahead of Thanksgiving.

However, this is the current norm in the NBA: everything moves fast. If you want to act to chase a championship or prepare better for the draft through adjustments, you must seize opportunities early in the trade market. Against this backdrop, here are the latest circulating NBA rumors:

Clippers Shopping Collins, Eyeing DeRozan

According to insider Sid Lee, the Los Angeles Clippers are exploring trade options for forward John Collins to find a player who better fits their roster. Collins’ expiring contract worth $26.6 million offers salary matching flexibility for potential trades. This season, Collins has played 17 games (starting 8), averaging 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. In a rotation centered around Harden (27.8 PPG) and Leonard (23.7 PPG), his role has been limited.

Collins has been efficient off the bench, averaging 13.3 points with a 56.6% shooting percentage and 45.5% from three-point range. However, as a starter, his averages drop to 8.9 points, shooting 38.6% overall and 15.0% from beyond the arc.

The Kings appear ready to enter a “sell mode” soon, and teams are turning their attention to potentially available players. According to insider Amick, DeRozan is attracting interest from the Clippers partly because his contract next season is only partially guaranteed — out of a $27 million total, only $10 million is guaranteed. The Clippers have struggled early this season, posting a 5-12 record last month and ranking 21st in offensive efficiency.

DeRozan’s scoring ability would undoubtedly help the Clippers, but at 36 years old, his addition would further increase the average age of an already veteran-heavy lineup in an NBA environment that favors speed and youth. Additionally, DeRozan has never been a strong defender, and defense remains a key issue the Clippers need to address.

Mavericks Face Difficulty Trading Davis

Since Nico Harrison’s dismissal, Anthony Davis has been considered a potential trade asset. However, he has been sidelined since October 29 due to a calf strain. When healthy, Davis has shown noticeable physical decline and defensive struggles. League insiders believe it’s unsurprising that the Mavericks find it hard to trade him — his injury history poses a significant risk for other teams.

According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Davis’ injuries combined with his hefty contracts over the next three seasons—$54.1 million, $58.4 million, and $62.7 million—are the main reasons why teams have been reluctant to pursue the forward.

At 32 years old, if Davis can recover fully and maintain his performance without injury, the trade outlook might improve. But for now, any potential deal is likely to be delayed until closer to the trade deadline.

A Three-Player Trade Is Not Impossible

Previously, Yahoo Sports reporter Kelly Iko revealed that Ball is unhappy with the Hornets’ direction and is open to a trade, attracting widespread attention. Although Ball has denied these rumors, this doesn’t rule out a trade — whether initiated by Charlotte or requested by Ball. Insider Jack Fisher reports that while trade talks are premature, the Hornets may explore options before the deadline.

At 24, Ball carries notable risks, chiefly recurring ankle injuries — his career games played are only 20 more than Zion’s. Yet among all star players mentioned, considering his age, talent, and a reasonable contract, Ball arguably has the highest trade value.

Grizzlies Exploring Trade Market for Morant

Morant recently expressed he has lost joy in playing basketball and was suspended one game for “conduct detrimental to the team.” The Grizzlies currently have a 6-11 record. The 26-year-old star is sidelined with a calf injury, and even when healthy, his stats this season are near career lows with no improvement in shooting. Coupled with ongoing off-court issues, he may have become more of a liability than an asset for Memphis.

Insider Bontemps reports that the Memphis Grizzlies will open the trade market for Morant but finding a worthwhile offer won’t be easy. Considering all factors, this is unsurprising. Of course, if the Grizzlies improve their performance, these trade rumors may fade away.