NBA Trade Rumors Roundup January 15th: Celtics still chasing Anthony Davis, Dennis Smith Jr. trade and more

We have now passed the halfway point of the 2018/19 NBA season, and teams are starting to get a good idea about where they currently stand. Up until this point, both Conferences have remained competitive, with eleven teams in playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, whereas every team except the Phoenix Suns has a shot in the West.

The February trade deadline is also quickly approaching, as the NBA has made changes to the deadline so that it will now always occur 10 days before the All-Star game. This has been done so that players, who get traded, have time to settle into their new teams, and this year's trade window will close on February 7th.

So with the deadline less than a month away, here are the biggest trade rumors you need to know for January 15th.

Celtics trade hopes hit

After making a disappointing start to the 18/19 NBA season, the Boston Celtics have been linked with trades for a number of players this month, such as the Washington Wizard's Bradley Beal. Nevertheless, Sporting News is reporting that the Celtics are hesitant to include their draft picks in trade talks this month, as the team is hoping to save them for their summer pursuit of Anthony Davis:

The Celtics are poised to have three first-rounders in next year’s draft, and possibly two lottery picks. But, according to league sources, none of Boston’s picks are expected to be available at the deadline.

No matter how Memphis or Sacramento performs in the coming month, expect the Celtics to sit on these picks and hope that they can be part of a bigger overall package yes, possibly for Anthony Davis, ahead of draft night.

Anthony Davis is contracted with the New Orleans Pelicans until 2020, although Davis is expected to request a trade this summer. Both the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are believed to have long term interest in the 5-time All-Star.

Mavericks look to trade Dennis Smith Jr.

ESPN is reporting that the Dallas Mavericks are set to part with their 2017 first round draft pick, Dennis Smith Jr:

The Dallas Mavericks are escalating talks to trade guard Dennis Smith Jr., pushing to end a partnership that has run its course for both the franchise and former first-round pick. Two teams in pursuit of a point guard, Phoenix (Suns) and Orlando (Magic) have been active in talks with the Maverick... Dallas has also searched for deals that would include veteran Wes Matthews, who is making $18.6 million in the final year of his contract

Smith has not featured in the Mavericks last three games, and for the 18/19 season, the 21-year-old is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. Smith is contracted to the Mavericks until 2022, although Smith's role on the team has decreased since the arrival of Luka Doncic.

Grizzlies could look to move Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol was drafted 48th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers back in the 2017 NBA draft, although the Spaniard's rights were later traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and Gasol has been with the team ever since. Nevertheless, Marc Stein from the New York Times is reporting that the Grizzlies could look to trade away Gasol, bringing an end to their longtime association:

One whisper making the rounds: Marc Gasol can become a free agent at season's and, amid a growing belief around the league that he will indeed exercise that option, Memphis could be moved to explore trading Gasol now rather than face the threat of losing him without compensation

After an excellent start to the season, the Grizzlies have recently fallen out of the playoffs due to their 19-24 record. Meanwhile, Gasol is averaging 15.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

Edited by Sripad