Justise Winslow on bubble concerns, "I don't know if it's worth it"

Following the Philadelphia 76ers victory over the Dallas Mavericks, James Harden addressed his recent absences due to left Achilles soreness. The Sixers guard said it’s something he’s been dealing with for longer than previously known.

“I don’t know where it came from. It’s been bothering me for some months, I would say,” Harden said. “I just wanted to continue to play on it, and there was one point to where the last game I played, [it was] just really unbearable so I couldn’t even go out there.”

Harden was spotted limping off the court following the 76ers overtime loss to the Chicago Bulls on March 21. The star guard then missed Philadelphia’s next four games. Harden said the injury is something he’ll be monitoring for the remainder of the season.

“After the game, I went into the weight room and did some tendon-loading and things like that, for the Achilles, my lower body, my calves, things like that,” Harden said. “Tomorrow I’ll do something, after the game [against Toronto], Friday I’ll do something, it’s just making sure I’m on it.”

The Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers are expected to pursue trades for Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby, if the Toronto Raptors make either player available. The Raptors have told teams that Scottie Barnes is reportedly untouchable in trade talks.

The Hawks held intense discussions on a Siakam trade over the offseason. The Pacers and Kings have checked in with the Raptors on both Siakam and Anunoby over the last year.

Siakam is in the final season of his four-year contract with Toronto at $37.9 million for this year. Anunoby has a $19.9 million player option for next season that he’s widely expected to opt out of in favor of unrestricted free agency.

Zach LaVine is currently out due to right foot inflammation, but the trade market continues to swirl around the Chicago Bulls guard. According to reports, LaVine would like a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers.

LaVine is represented by Klutch Sports. The agency also represents several current Lakers, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LaVine also played his college ball at UCLA.

Los Angeles is likely to have to wait until January 15 to even make a competitive offer for the veteran guard. That’s when trade restrictions will lift for several players the Lakers re-signed this past offseason. Those players would be needed in any trade for LaVine from both value and salary-matching standpoints.