NBA Trade Rumours Roundup, February 1st: Kyrie Irving to the Lakers update, Blake Griffin trade request and more

The NBA trade market has recently kicked into full gear ahead of the impending trade deadline. The week started out with Anthony Davis requesting a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans, and yesterday the Knicks agreed to a huge trade with the Dallas Mavericks which resulted in a number of high profile names exchanging teams.

More huge deals are expected in the coming days, as the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams looking to acquire new players. A trade could be the difference between making the postseason or finishing a place outside of the playoff spots, and a number of surprise trades are likely over the next seven days.

So with the trade deadline set to close next week, here are the biggest trade rumours you need to know for February 1st.

#1 Pelicans in no rush to trade Anthony Davis

Earlier this week, Anthony Davis requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a move for the 25-year-old ahead of the deadline. Nevertheless, the latest update on the situation from the ESPN suggests that the Davis is likely to stay in New Orleans until the summer:

As of now, the Pelicans see no reason to deliver Davis to the Lakers in a deal with a full season left on his contract, never mind do it on a timeline that benefits mostly the objectives of Los Angeles and Davis.

Davis was selected by the Pelicans with the first pick in the 2012 draft, and during his time in New Orleans, Davis has been named as an All-Star on six occasions. Davis is also currently enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Also read: Pistons Trade Rumours Roundup, February 1st

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#2 Blake Griffin says he is staying with the Pistons

Blake Griffin joined the Motor City outfit in a mega trade last season

Ahead of the trade deadline Blake Griffin has been linked with a trade to teams such as the Dallas Mavericks, however, the Detroit News is reporting that Griffin has rebuked any doubts over his future:

Myself or my agent or my people haven’t said anything. I heard that (rumor) buzzing around a little bit, but you have to consider the source on some of those things. I am happy here and, of course, I’m frustrated. You should be frustrated if you’re not frustrated, what are you doing playing basketball? Like Tom (Pistons owner), I still believe in this team and we can turn this around and rattle off a couple wins. - Blake Griffin

Griffin joined the Pistons prior to the 2018 trade deadline, and so far this season the 5-time All-Star is averaging an impressive 26.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game.

#3 Kyrie Irving still planning on staying with the Celtics

Reports over the last 48 hours have claimed that Kyrie Irving is seriously considering leaving the Boston Celtics at the end of the season, in favor of linking up in Los Angeles with his former teammate, LeBron James. Nevertheless, Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald is reporting that Irving still intends to stay in Boston:

Almost everyone I’ve spoken to around the Celts and the All-Star guard has held out the caveat that unforeseen events could alter his course, but they have heard nothing from Irving to indicate he plans to do anything other than opt out of the final year of his contract this summer and sign a longer and richer pact with the local professional basketball company (Celtics).

Irving has played 43 times for the Celtics so far this season, averaging 23.7 points, 6.9 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game.