NBA Trade Rumors: Porzingis quietly hits the market

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

Mavericks gauge interest for Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is having a career year thus far for the disappointing Dallas Mavericks. In his 17 games played since coming back from injury, Porzingis is averaging 20.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shooting 47.3% from the field. Typically, when a player of this caliber finds themselves on a team that is struggling to meet expectations, the trade rumors start to fly.

On Monday, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report wrote that league sources confirmed the Mavericks have been quietly gauging the trade market for the Latvian big man. On Tuesday, Ian Begley of SNY reported that the Mavericks reached out to the Golden State Warriors about a Porzingis deal. Mark Cuban has, however, vehemently denied all rumors.

There are many options for the Warriors and Mavericks, if they believe a Porzingis deal makes sense. KP is a big cap hit, but the Warriors have two massive cap hits of their own in Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson that would make sense as targets to put alongside Luka Doncic.

76ers desperate to make a splash

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported that Philadelphia is still seeking to make major moves before the trade deadline. The 76ers were in the market for James Harden back when he was disgruntled in Houston, but they came up short.

One major name that tends to come up with trade rumors around Philly is Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. He is a Philadelphia native and a key piece that is missing from the current make-up of this roster: A veteran that can create his own shot beyond the perimeter.

All signs pointing toward a Tucker trade

The Houston Rockets just released veteran DeMarcus Cousins to move forward with their young big man, Christian Wood. It only makes sense, that the now 11-18 Rockets, would move another veteran, PJ Tucker, to a contender.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that multiple teams were interested in PJ Tucker on Saturday’s edition of NBA Countdown. "The Lakers have been active. I know they’ve made calls about some wing players to see if there is some shooting available out there," he said. "Another player they’re interested in: PJ Tucker, from the Houston Rockets. There’s a lot of interest among contenders in Tucker, who’s in the last year of his deal. The Miami Heat, who the Lakers play tonight, Milwaukee, Brooklyn, several others. One thing I’m told is that Houston wants back not picks, but a player that they can plug back into their lineup."

Another week, another Beal rumor

Bradley Beal just cannot escape the trade rumor mill. Despite the Wizards consistently denying trade rumors and all signs pointing to no deal before the deadline. On Saturday, the Knicks became the newest trade suitor for Bradley Beal.

ESPN radio host Michael Kay cited a "very good source" in saying that the New York Knicks are using the powers of top executive World Wide Wes to recruit Bradley Beal through backchannels.

The Knicks have $15 million in cap space that will vanish if not used before the trade deadline, so clearly they are motivated to hit the market. They also have five first round picks in the next three years, so don't be surprised if their name keeps on popping up over the next few weeks.