As the NBA season rolls on, many around the league are dealing with injuries and juggling rotations. However, teams are also making preparations for the trade deadline - which is still two months away. Here's all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know:
Sixers not "actively" trying to trade a center
The Philadelphia 76ers were shopping both Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor this offseason, and while those rumors have been more quite once the season started, many expect them to eventually trade one of the two with the emergence of Joel Embiid as the franchise centerpiece.
In particular, Noel re-affirmed his desire to be traded after receiving minimal playing time with the logjam at center, but team president Bryan Colangelo staid the team isn't "actively" trying to trade any of them.
Bryan Colangelo: "I don't think we've been at a point where we could actively pursue a trade with any of the centers." #sixers
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 19, 2016
Colangelo on all bigs being on the roster to end the season. "If they all are, so be it. I will not make a bad deal for this organization."
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 19, 2016
"Circumstances are what they are...There was virtually no ability for me to go out and actively even discuss a trade." https://t.co/U1W2Jtn7Nn
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) December 19, 2016
Afflalo refused to enter a game
The Sacramento Kings have been forced to deal with plenty of drama this season, and it doesn't appear to be stopping anytime soon. According to KHTK Sports 1140's Carmichael Dave, guard Arron Afflalo - who has been replaced in the starting lineup by Ben McLemore - flat out refused to enter their game against the Rockets.
Worth following: according to league sources, Aaron Afflalo was slow to enter the game in Utah, declined to enter in Houston. Stay tuned.
— Carmichael Dave (@CarmichaelDave) December 18, 2016
Afflalo started 18 of the Kings' first 20 games this season, but has played a total of 25 total minutes since first being benched on Dec. 7. His numbers are down this season, as he is shooting just 40.5 percent (including 31.1 percent of his three-pointers) with a PER of 8.89.
Afflalo signed a two-year, $25 million deal with the Kings in the offseason, opting to leave the Knicks after he was replaced by Sasha Vujacic in New York's starting lineup last season. He is averaging 7.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game this season.
Griffin out 3-6 weeks after knee surgery
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin underwent knee surgery on Tuesday and will miss 3-6 weeks as he recovers, the team announced:
The LA Clippers announced today that forward Blake Griffin will undergo a routine arthroscopic procedure on Tuesday, Dec. 20 to remove loose bodies from his right knee.
Griffin is expected to miss approximately three-to-six weeks and will continue to undergo treatment and evaluation by the Clippers medical staff.
Griffin is averaging 21.0 points, 8.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 26 games this season.
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