http://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/...o-scare-off-celtics/2iybd80a801q1j0frywbm2jf6
That’s because league sources say the Pels are willing to do a more general strip-down of the team in the hunt for future assets. The most desirable non-Davis piece is forward Nikola Mirotic, who has been sitting out for the last week with a so-called calf strain.
Mirotic missed time with an ankle injury in December but is still having one of his most productive seasons, averaging 16.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. He is making 36.8 percent of his 3-pointers and his 59.1 true shooting percentage is the best of his career.
According to a league source, one team that has expressed interest in Mirotic is the Sixers, who have been eager to land a stretch-4 after having traded away Dario Saric in the Jimmy Butler package. New Orleans is seeking a first-round pick, and the Sixers have all their own first-rounders and a Miami first-rounder in 2021, plus an enormous stash of second-rounders: three (including Chicago’s) this year, three (including New York's or Brooklyn's) next year and four in 2021.
There’s also the team that was the frontrunner at this time last year to land Mirotic from Chicago — the Jazz. Sources told Sporting News that they, too, have interest in Mirotic.
Utah is seeking a perimeter-oriented big man to play with Rudy Gobert and could land Mirotic with a first-round pick. The big question would be whether Utah would ship out starting forward Derrick Favors, whose contract is not guaranteed for next year, or piece together a deal featuring some young players (Raul Neto, Tony Bradley) along with a pick.
Portland, which is very much a buyer for roster depth at the deadline, could be a factor for Mirotic, and the Rockets have long coveted him as a long-range big man. Both are expected to make a pitch for him.
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Can’t wait until the Jazz get him and then knock us out in the first round.