2021 NBA trade deadline buzz: March 25 edition – NBA.com

Aaron Gordon remains a hot commodity as trade deadline day begins.

As we close in on the official trade deadline today (3 p.m. ET), keep up with tthe latest rumblings around the NBA — and the latest deals that have been agreed to — as the final hours of the NBA trade deadline tick away. 

March 22 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25

Report: Sixers, Heat leading chase for Lowry

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is perhaps the top potential prize on the trade market going into today’s 3 p.m. ET deadline, which means Wednesday’s win against the Denver Nuggets might have been his last in a Toronto Raptors uniform.

Where he ends up remains unknown, but the list of suitors for him seems to be ever-growing. The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat, per multiple reports, seem to be leading the pack of teams pursuing him — with the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers also in that mix.

— 8:07 a.m.

Report: Celtics are ‘all in’ on pursuing Gordon

The Boston Celtics have been linked to Aaron Gordon in trade talks for a few days now and that doesn’t seem to be letting up. Per Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald, a league source says the Celtics are “all in” when it comes to pursuing Gordon. The Celtics have reportedly offered the Orlando Magic a first-round pick and a young player in deal, but that player is not Marcus Smart.

Murphy reports that Orlando may be seeking a second first-round pick in the trade, but president of basketball operations Danny Ainge is trying to avoid sending two such picks in a deal. The Celtics are also interested in Gordon’s teammate, guard Evan Fournier, but would likely need to acquire him in a separate trade if they did at all.

Per source: Celtics talks with Orlando re: Aaron Gordon “still alive, but everyone does everything at last minute.” Celtics offering first round pick and a young player – not Marcus Smart – and are trying not to include second pick in the deal.

— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) March 24, 2021

— 7:22 a.m.

Drummond’s fate still up in air as deadline looms

Andre Drummond has not played in a game for the Cleveland Cavaliers since Feb. 21, the date on which the team decided it would not be keeping him past this season. Since then, his name has come up in trade rumors regularly and that is only increasing as the 3 p.m. ET deadline today nears.

Last night, the New York Knicks emerged as a potential destination for Andre Drummond, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. But acquiring Drummond via trade may not be the only way he moves on.

— 7:21 a.m.

Will Spurs part with Aldridge or buy him out?

It has been nearly a month since LaMarcus Aldridge last played a game, a result of he and the San Antonio Spurs mutually agreeing to work on finding him a new home. The trade deadline is here and Aldridge is still technically a Spur, but his hefty remaining contract ($24 million) may make him more of a post-trade deadline buyout candidate than a traded player, writes Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. If the Spurs can trade Aldridge, McDonald reports that any return they’d get for him would be a relief. Also worth noting: the Spurs haven’t made a trade deadline-day deal since 2014.

“I am really happy with the squad we have. … I am happy to go fight with these guys.”

No matter what happens at Thursday’s trade deadline, LaMarcus Aldridge will be gone and the Spurs’ roster will look much as it did Wednesday. https://t.co/g9n0Z4gyZa via @mysa

— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) March 25, 2021

— 7 a.m.

Wolves reportedly reluctant to part with McDaniels

From Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence due to COVID-19 to a variety of injuries and other issues, the 2020-21 season for the Minnesota Timberwolves has been forgettable. Rookie Jaden McDaniels has been a bright spot from his stats (5.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 20.1 mpg) to his overall talent level. Chris Hine of the Star Tribune reports that Minnesota has kicked the tires on trades for Aaron Gordon and John Collins. However, Minnesota is not willing to part with McDaniels in potential trades, which may be hurting its ability to work a deal.

— 6:45 a.m.

Report: Mavs may be out of running for Gordon

Yesterday, Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said he doubted Dallas would pull of a substantial move and on Wednesday, president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson added to that. “I think for us to tamper with where we’re at right now, you have to ask the question: ‘Is this an over-the-top move?’” Nelson said, per Brad Townsend the Dallas Morning News. “If it is, then you always have those conversations.”

Per the newspaper, Dallas seems to be out of the running for Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon. The Mavs are also linked to Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins but is not at the front of the line for those talks, the newspaper reports.

— 6:40 a.m.

Fournier reflects on his journey as deadline nears

Back in the summer of 2014, the Orlando Magic sent veteran Arron Afflalo to the Denver Nuggets for youngster Evan Fournier. Fast-forward seven seasons and Fournier has plenty of memories about playing for the Magic as he hears his name bandied about in trade rumors. Fournier hit the game-winner in last night’s 112-111 win against the Phoenix Suns and, after the game, looked back on his journey.

“I left my home (in France) where I lived with my parents when I was 13 and since then I never stayed in one place for more than two years, so the fact that I’ve been here for seven years says a lot,” said Fournier, who hit four 3-pointers vs. Phoenix. “I had a son here, I got married and it means more than a lot. … If it’s the end, it’s the end, but I obviously love the franchise.”

It’s important to remember the NBA trade deadline exacts an emotional toll for the people involved. Evan Fournier was asked by @TheAthleticNBA what the city of Orlando and the Magic have meant to him over the last seven years, and his answers were introspective and emotional. pic.twitter.com/ztZbgikPM0

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 25, 2021

— 6:32 a.m.