The NBA trade rumors are heating up, and Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report is providing some intriguing insights. Fischer's latest report highlights several key players and teams involved in potential trades, with a focus on the Pelicans, Celtics, and Sixers.
One of the most intriguing names in the rumor mill is Jaylen Brown of the Celtics. According to Fischer, the Pelicans have been mentioned by league executives as a team with interest in Brown. This comes as no surprise, given Brown's All-NBA credentials and his rising salary of $57MM for the 2026/27 season. To make a trade feasible, the Pelicans would likely need to offer one of their star players, such as Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, Dejounte Murray, or Trey Murphy III.
Among these players, Murphy stands out as the most likely to draw interest from the Celtics or other potential trade partners. Fischer notes that San Antonio had been a team interested in Murphy, but their recent run to the NBA Finals makes them less likely to make any drastic moves this summer.
Another player in the spotlight is Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks. Fischer suggests that Irving's future in Dallas is uncertain, with many teams expected to inquire about him in the coming weeks. Irving missed the entire 2025/26 season due to a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026/27 season. Cooper Flagg, a Mavericks executive, has expressed enthusiasm for playing alongside Irving, but Fischer remains skeptical about Irving's long-term future in Dallas.
Moving on to the Sixers, Fischer believes that Joel Embiid and Paul George are unlikely to be traded anytime soon. Their multiyear, maximum-salary contracts make them difficult to move for significant value. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are seen as the team's top long-term building blocks, but the Sixers are expected to retain Embiid and George.
Lastly, Fischer mentions the changing landscape of traded first-round picks. With the NBA's new draft lottery format, teams are increasingly likely to offer their most favorable terms on these picks. This strategy allows teams to hedge against the randomness of the lottery and stockpile draft assets.
In summary, Fischer's report provides a fascinating glimpse into the NBA trade rumors, highlighting the potential moves and players involved. With the draft lottery format in place, teams are becoming more strategic in their approach to trades, and the Pelicans, Celtics, and Sixers are at the center of these discussions. As the off-season progresses, we can expect more exciting developments and potential trades in the NBA.
