NBA Rumors: Blazers, DeMar DeRozan, Mavericks, PJ Washington, Kings

Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers have roster spots available and could use another forward. That doesn’t mean they’re pursuing DeMar DeRozan.

Despite recent speculation, Portland has no meaningful interest in signing the veteran free agent, league sources told Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

The Blazers currently have only 12 players on fully guaranteed contracts, so additional moves are expected. DeRozan apparently isn’t part of their plans.

Stein also pushed back on rumors involving a potential Jrue Holiday buyout.

Neither Portland nor Holiday is interested in pursuing one, Stein reported. Recent speculation suggested Holiday could negotiate his release and return to the 76ers, who originally drafted him in 2009. That possibility isn’t considered credible.

Holiday is owed $34.8 million next season and holds a $37.2 million player option for 2027-28. His precise role remains unclear with Ja Morant on the roster and Damian Lillard expected to return from his Achilles injury.

Still, the Blazers have consistently indicated that they prefer to keep Holiday rather than trade him.

Mavericks

P.J. Washington continues to appear in trade speculation, but it appears that Mavericks president Masai Ujiri isn’t eager to move him.

While rival teams view Washington as a possible trade candidate, Ujiri is believed to be a fan of the veteran forward, Stein reported.

Washington is beginning a four-year, $88.8 million contract, giving Dallas no immediate need to decide his future. The Mavericks also value his size, defensive versatility and ability to play either forward position.

Dallas has assembled a crowded frontcourt, which is why Washington’s name continues to surface. That doesn’t mean Ujiri is shopping him.

Kings

Zach LaVine is expected to begin next season with the Kings. Or so they say.

Stein confirmed earlier reporting from Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee that Sacramento isn’t working toward a buyout with LaVine.

The Kings are operating under the assumption that the two-time All-Star will report, compete and play out the final year of his contract.

A trade remains difficult because LaVine is owed $49 million. Sacramento also has no interest in waiving him and spreading that salary across multiple seasons through the stretch provision.

That doesn’t guarantee LaVine will finish the season with the Kings. An expiring contract could become easier to move closer to the February trade deadline.