NBA Trade Rumors: Latest news around the league

Teams are regularly making more and more phone calls as we draw closer to the Feb. 21 trade deadline. Some teams are trying to add pieces to make a playoff push, while others are looking to build for the future. Here are a couple of the latest rumors.

January 9, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Orlando Magic guard J.J. Redick (7) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Redick an attractive target – draws Celtics’ interest

According to a tweet by David Baumann, the Boston Celtics like what they have seen from J.J. Redick this season:

Redick is in the last year of his $6,190,000 contract, and is averaging 14.6 points and 4.5 assists per game this season.

It is understandable that a player of Redick’s caliber draws interest from many teams, including the Celtics. The time is running out for Boston as serious title contenders, as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are not getting any younger. If Danny Ainge would want to enhance the roster, be it temporary, Redick’s expiring deal is definitely attractive.

Redick would offer the Celtics a great scoring threat come playoff time, but does the team have enough to offer to Orlando in return? I have a hard time seeing the Celtics parting ways with their young talents in Avery Bradley and Jared Sullinger, while Jason Terry’s or Courtney Lee’s contracts would hardly draw interest from the Magic.

Jan 8, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Derrick Williams (7) looks to drive against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Timberwolves won 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

David Kahn not prepared to make any big moves

There is no question that the Minnesota Timberwolves have been the most unlucky team this season. With Kevin Love being out for an extremely important stretch of the regular season, the Timberwolves can essentially kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. It is an unfortunate situation, but despite the team having lost 5 straight games, GM David Kahn does not seem to have a major deal in his mind. According to a FOX Sports North report, Kahn said this of pulling the trigger on any potential trades:

"“I don’t think it will be something significant,”“Whatever we do to address the now, the one thing we have to keep in mind is … it can’t be at the detriment of beyond,” Kahn said. “It has to be sensible for now and for the future.”"

Kahn is right. All that remains for Wolves’ fans is to bite their lips and hope for better luck next year. Swinging any major names at this point wouldn’t really make any sense, as the team still anticipates a brighter future. Minnesota played some really good basketball earlier this season, even with Ricky Rubio having just returned from his knee injury and Kevin Love playing with a bad hand.

Still, Derrick Williams is a name that has time and again been brought up in various trade rumors this season and it wouldn’t be surprising if Kahn decided to let go of the former no.2 overall pick before the deadline.

For more NBA rumors, news and updates stay tuned to KJG and follow Vytis on twitter: @VytisLasaitis