NBA Trade Rumors Roundup, January 17th: Major Kevin Durant update, Aaron Gordon to Mavericks, and more

Having past the halfway point of the NBA season, all teams are coming to terms with where they stand. With eleven teams in the contentions for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and every team except the Phoenix Suns with a shot in the West, both Conferences have remained competitive.

The trade deadline in February is also 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 17th.

Warriors willing to pay to keep Kevin Durant

Heading into the 18/19 season, Kevin Durant's future was one of the biggest talking points around the league. Speculation regarding Durant's next move further intensified following an on-court bust-up with Draymond Green, although Brian Windhorst is reporting that the Warriors still plan to invest a huge amount of money in order to secure Durant's future on the team:

(Speaking about Durant re-signing) This potentially would send the Warriors toward a payroll above $300 million when luxury taxes are included. They might grumble about it, but they will be able to afford it. Internally, the Warriors project a nine-figure increase in revenue when they move into the Chase Center next season

Durant has been with the Warriors since 2016, after previously spending his entire career with the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise (previously SuperSonics). KD has won back to back titles in Golden State, and so far this season the 30-year-old is averaging 28.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

Sacramento King could become major players before the trade deadline

Portland Trail Blazers v Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings are one of the few teams in the NBA with available cap space, and NBC Sports is reporting that the organization is planning to be active ahead of the February trade deadline:

Sacramento’s front office has worked hard to create the financial freedom they currently possess. They understand the power of their position in the market and they have a list of needs. According to sources, high on the Kings’ priority list is adding more length and size at the small forward position, as well as a veteran point guard to bring off the bench. The team is high on their young core, and would like to find a piece or two that fits with the style of play and direction the franchise is heading.

The Kings have been one of the biggest surprises of the season so far and the team currently boast a 23-21 record. Despite currently sitting in 10th, the Kings are just one game back from the playoff places, and Sacramento could still make the postseason.

Potential trade involving Aaron Gordon and Dennis Smith Jr.

It was revealed last week that the Dallas Mavericks were looking to trade away their young point guard Dennis Smith Jr, and reports are now suggesting that the Mavericks and Orlando Magic could strike a deal involving Smith Jr. and Aaron Gordon:

Orlando needs backcourt help in the worst way, with D.J. Augustin having started all 42 games. It's no surprise the Magic have been among the teams most strongly connected to Smith... For Dallas, Gordon would fill a long-term hole in the frontcourt. The Mavs can bank on untapped potential, and he fits Doncic's developmental timeline.

Dennis Smith Jr. was selected by the Mavericks with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft and this season is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, Aaron Gordon has been with the Orlando Magic since being drafted by the team in 2014, and the 23-year-old is currently averaging 15.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Edited by Rajdeep Puri