NBA Rumors: Raptors, Ja Morant, Kings, Trae Young, Knicks

Raptors/Kings

Ja Morant has officially become the name to circle in NBA trade conversations.

With Memphis now open to listening on its franchise point guard, rival teams are doing the quiet math. In his latest for The Stein Line, Marc Stein writes that league executives are watching the Raptors closely.

Toronto’s previously reported interest in big-name upgrades such as Trae Young, Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis has created a belief in some circles that there is internal pressure to pivot toward a win-now move — and Morant fits that profile.

The Kings remain a more complicated case. Publicly, the message has been restraint.

Privately, Stein notes that Sacramento’s interest could change if Memphis were willing to consider a framework built around DeMar DeRozan, rookie guard Devin Carter, and draft capital.

Carter, the 13th pick in the 2024 draft, has struggled to find footing, averaging just 8.4 minutes per game.

Morant, meanwhile, has appeared in 18 games this season, posting 19.0 points and 7.6 assists while shooting 40.1 percent from the field and 20.8 percent from three.

Wizards

One lingering subplot from Washington’s trade for Trae Young is whether the Wizards ultimately extend him.

Stein reports there are growing rumblings that Young could land a two-year extension, noting that Atlanta’s refusal to offer one played a significant role in his exit.

With Young widely expected to see little, if any, action during the second half, Washington may lean on Toronto’s handling of Brandon Ingram last season if the league raises concerns.

Ingram never suited up for the Raptors, with the team citing an ankle injury throughout.

Knicks

The Knicks have struggled to regain momentum since winning the NBA Cup, dropping five of their last six games.

Stein reports New York is unlikely to move any core pieces but is open to tinkering on the margins. Forward Guerschon Yabusele and second-year wing Pacome Diadet are both available.

Yabusele has yet to find consistency in Mike Brown’s system, while Diadet has seen his role shrink behind younger options such as Mohamed Diawara and Kevin McCullar Jr.