Cavs rally to restore power over Celtics

The LA Clippers likely would have agreed to a Paul George trade with the Golden State Warriors if Jonathan Kuminga was offered, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic. Kuminga was discussed in some scenarios, but the Warriors later pulled him off the table. Kuminga was the only young player on the Warriors that the Clippers viewed as a potential star.

Brandin Podziemski was also on the Clippers’ wish list, but he also wasn’t made available by the Warriors.

The most realistic offer for the Clippers was Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, Moses Moody and a first round pick for George. The total cost of that deal would have been approximately $110 million when factoring in second-apron luxury tax penalties.

The Toronto Raptors have made it known to rival teams that they are interested in being involved in trades as a facilitator. In particular, Toronto would like to get involved in a multi-team deal where the Miami Heat trade Jimmy Butler.

“They want to get involved in any Jimmy Butler trade,” one general manager told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

The Raptors are reportedly offering Bruce Brown and his expiring $23 million contract in deals. Toronto is unlikely to retain Brown following this season. That makes his contract an attractive trade asset and could go a long way towards matching salary in what is likely to be a complicated Butler trade.

The Heat are said to have interest in acquiring Brown. The veteran guard played his college ball at the University of Miami. In addition, Brown would fit the Heat’s goal of acquiring win-now veterans on short-term contracts. Miami remains focused on making the 2025 playoffs, but do not want to add long-term salary to their books.