NBA Rumors: Warriors, Andrew Wiggins, Lakers, Bronny James, Clippers

Warriors

The Warriors have been navigating trade rumors surrounding key players like Andrew Wiggins, Kevon Looney, and Gary Payton II. But on Wednesday, the trio showed just why they’ve been integral to the Warriors’ success, combining for 60 points in the team’s upset win over Oklahoma City.Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, NBA

As trade talks swirl, Wiggins and Looney made it clear they want to stay in the Bay Area.

“I’ve been here long enough, my family’s here, I enjoy it,” Wiggins said, via Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. “It’s not easy. But I’d like to stay.”

Looney echoed his sentiment, expressing his desire to remain with the Warriors while also acknowledging the uncertainty that comes with the trade deadline.

“You never know in this league,” Looney said. “I’ve been here long enough, seen a lot of changes. It might be my time, but who knows? It’s the business. I’ll be up that night, for sure.”

With these players on the radar, it’s clear that while the Warriors’ core might be getting older, there’s still significant value in keeping them together — at least for now. However, with the trade deadline looming, the Warriors’ front office will have to weigh the future of this trio carefully.

Lakers

The Lakers have been hit with the news that Anthony Davis will be out for at least a week with an abdominal strain, and in his absence, Jaxson Hayes is getting another chance to step up.

Hayes, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, will make his fourth start of the season against Washington on Thursday night, and with Davis sidelined, the Lakers are counting on him to provide some much-needed frontcourt depth.

  • Meanwhile, rookie Bronny James made his first appearance in a nationally televised game against Philadelphia on Tuesday, but it was a rough outing. In limited minutes, Bronny missed all five of his shots, committed three turnovers, and struggled defensively.
  • Coach JJ Redick was candid about the challenges Bronny faced. “Maybe put him in a tough spot,” Redick said. “Flying up yesterday, nationally televised game in Philly … he didn’t play well, but he’s been playing great in the stay-ready games and the G League.”
  • The Lakers will have to decide how much of a role they want to carve out for Bronny as the season progresses, especially once the playoffs get closer.

Clippers

The Clippers are undoubtedly among the teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches. Per The Athletic’s Law Murray, the only players who are considered untouchable are Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac.

Zubac, who signed an extension in September, is ineligible to be dealt this season, but the futures of Leonard and Harden are still up in the air.

  • The Clippers have been in a weird spot this season, with their star power not always translating into consistent success. The front office could look to shake things up before the deadline, but for now, Leonard and Harden appear safe — at least for this season.
  • Zubac’s extension gives the Clippers some long-term stability in the middle, but with the team’s championship window still open, it wouldn’t be surprising if they looked to add another piece to their core.

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