NBA Trade Rumors: Lonzo Ball's days in NOLA are numbered

It is finally February, which means it's peak NBA trade rumor season. Let’s look into some of the biggest rumors swirling around the league this week.

Wizards not interested in Beal trade talks

The Washington Wizards are off to a terrible start to the season, leading to rampant speculation that All-Star guard Bradley Beal could be on the move.

Beal is currently leading the league in scoring at 34.7 points per game, and is also chipping in 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. Every team in the league would want Beal as their shooting guard. Unfortunately for rival general managers, that also includes the Washington Wizards.

Wizards head coach Scott Brooks has done his best to dismiss reports Beal will be shipped out of town.

"We’re not interested," Brooks recently reporters. "I think I might tell Tommy [Wizards GM] to block all the 29 other GM’s numbers. We’re not answering. Of course every team would want him, but the good part about it, the team that he’s on wants him the most."

Big Baller on the move again?

Lonzo Ball is struggling to find the right home. The eldest Ball brother was drafted to be the future point guard of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, but was dealt to New Orleans as part of a three-team trade that netted L.A. Anthony Davis.

After a promising first season in New Orleans, Ball is shooting just 39% from the field and 32% from three-point range. He is also averaging a career low 4.8 assists per game.

It is time for Ball to find a new home, and who teams could offer some stability to the young guard are the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors. Brian Windhorst recently mentioned these two teams as leaders in the trade talks for Ball. The Warriors are looking for someone who can kick Steve Kerr’s motion offense into high gear, and the Bulls are looking for a pass-first point guard to pair with Zach LaVine.

Lakers looking for depth

The Lakers may be defending champions, but that doesn't mean they're satisfied. LeBron James' teams are typically active in trade talks since his presence alone ensures they're always in the title mix.

The Detroit Pistons are a perfect trade partner for the Lakers’ needs. Detroit made a bevy of moves this offseason, but it's not paying off, as they're currently 5-15. Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose would both be excellent additions for a contender like the Lakers, and there's no doubt that Griffin would love to return to LA., where he enjoyed his best seasons with the Clippers.