No Dunks – Latest Trade Buzz with NBA Insider Michael Scotto

Release Date: January 13, 2026
Host(s): J. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Guest: Michael Scotto (Hoops Hype Senior NBA Insider)

Episode Overview

The “No Dunks” crew dives into the heart of NBA trade season—“Slop Season”—with veteran insider Michael Scotto. The conversation covers real-time rumors, team strategies ahead of the deadline, player valuations, and potential seismic moves across the league. Key players like Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, Giannis, Michael Porter Jr., and teams such as the Mavericks, Warriors, Bucks, Celtics, and Cavaliers are discussed in detail, with Scotto providing up-to-the-minute insights from 15 years covering the league.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Anthony Davis’ Situation & Mavericks’ Strategy

• Injury Impact: Anthony Davis (Dallas Mavericks) is getting a second opinion on a hand injury, which dramatically affects his trade market as the deadline approaches.

  • “It definitely hurts his market... There was a limited number of teams interested, and the injury is not helping.” (Michael Scotto, 01:27)

• Potential Trade Partners: Atlanta and Toronto showed interest, but Atlanta was the most serious due to expiring contracts and desired assets.

• Mavs' Outlook: With AD sidelined and Kyrie also injured, Dallas might focus on developing rookie Cooper Flag and aiming for another high lottery pick to pair with him.

Ja Morant’s Uncertain Future in Memphis

• Trade Talks: For the first time, the Grizzlies are listening to offers on Ja Morant.

  • “They had always been resistant on moving him, and now that’s going to be another domino...the vultures are always swarming.” (Scotto, 03:40)

• Suitors & Value Comparison:

  • Milwaukee and Minnesota are monitoring Morant, though the Wolves’ interest has cooled.
  • The trade market is comparing Morant’s value to Trae Young’s recent deal, but Scotto notes Ja may draw more suitors and a better package.

• Morant’s Play & Fit:

  • Diminished drives and field goal % at the rim; some execs believe a new situation could rejuvenate him.
  • After off-court friction with the Grizzlies’ coach, happiness has dipped, fueling trade speculation.

Market Impact of the Trae Young Trade

• Prez for “Buy Low” Opportunities: Teams are measuring Ja Morant’s value against the “pretty low” price Trae Young fetched, but the Grizzlies have more leverage due to broader interest.

  • “Teams are obviously looking at the Trae Young trade saying, okay, we can get Ja to buy low.” (Scotto, 05:54)

• Desmond Bane Trade Context: Noted as a recent substantial deal for the Grizzlies (four first-round picks), setting expectations.

• Bucks as Buyers: Milwaukee is “always trying to make this team better,” possibly targeting Morant to reinforce around Giannis this summer.

Golden State Warriors’ Deadline Dilemma

• Go For It or Stand Pat?: Caught around .500 but still led by Steph Curry, fan sentiment wants another contending move.

  • “Fans are like...one last push for Steph Curry.” (Skeets, 07:58)

• Trade Targets:

  • Trey Murphy (a longtime favorite for the Warriors): Price would rival the Desmond Bane package.
  • Giannis remains the “empty the clip” type of star Golden State would move serious picks for.
  • Exploring centers: Nick Claxton (Brooklyn), Robert Williams (injury concerns), Daniel Gafford (Dallas), and Ivica Zubac (Clippers; “at least two first-round picks” asking price).
  • “Buy-low” options also include Yves Missi (New Orleans).

Jonathan Kuminga’s Market

• Kings Lead Suitors: Sacramento previously offered a protected first but that’s now off the table.

• Market Value: Cooler market than expected; seems like a marriage that's destined to split, but not a robust market.

  • “This has always seemed like it was going to end up in a split one way or the other.” (Scotto, 10:42)

• Fallback Scenario: If moved, Sacramento’s Malik Monk could be involved, but a splashier deal is preferred by Golden State.

Michael Porter Jr.’s Value Surge

• Brooklyn Content: Nets happy with his All-Star-caliber performance; unlikely to move MPJ unless the return is “asset-driven.”

  • “No one’s helped their trade value more than Michael Porter Jr.” (Scotto, 12:50)

• Warriors/Bucks: Both have considered him as a trade target internally, but the Nets want to build, not sell.

Giannis and the Bucks at the Deadline

• Giannis’ Availability: Not on the block—only way he’s moved is if he specifically requests it.

• Milwaukee’s Approach: Relentless buyers; linked to Zach LaVine, Jeremy Grant, Michael Porter Jr., Anfernee Simons, Ja Morant.

  • “The Bucks are operating as a team trying to be a buyer... John Horst is always trying to make this team better and maximize the prime of Giannis.” (Scotto, 15:10)

• Upcoming Extension: Can offer Giannis $275 million in October; that’s their true focus.

Under-the-Radar & Buy-Low Candidates

• Names to Watch:
  • Kobe White (Bulls)
  • Zion Williamson (“worth a buy low pitch,” though New Orleans values Herb Jones more)
  • Herb Jones (would require “at least two first-round picks and a young player”)

Trade Deadline Preview & Market Trends

• A Quiet Deadline:

  • “It’s one of the quieter ones in terms of chatter...even big names aren’t going for what you thought.”* (Scotto, 18:17)
  • Lowered trade packages compared to the “Rudy Gobert-era” blockbuster deals.

• Summertime Splash: Expect more league-shaping trades this summer, when cap restrictions loosen and more draft assets are in play.

Miami Heat: In or Out?

• Approach: Always in the mix, but rarely all-in at the deadline—looking for value or waiting for a true superstar.
• Trade Chips: Khalil Ware, Tyler Herro (salary purposes), Simone Fontecchio, Norman Powell.
• Summary: They’ll watch for a superstar to shake loose, hold out for Giannis or similarly seismic names.
  • “The Miami Heat are always that team that is in the bidding but they don’t seem to go all in.” (Scotto, 20:19)

Celtics: Will They Duck the Tax or Bolster the Roster?

• Financial Outlook: $12.1 million over the luxury tax line—potential repeater tax a concern.

• Trade Options:

  • Considered dumping Anfernee Simons' contract and assets to duck the tax (Brooklyn as a potential partner, wanting a first-round pick)
  • Explored upgrading at center with Ivica Zubac.
  • Direction depends on Jayson Tatum’s health prognosis.

• Scotto on Boston’s Deliberation:

  • “They’ve looked at both options...If they buy, there’s at least a chance Tatum is coming back.” (24:11)

Cavaliers’ Future Core

• Jared Allen, Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell:
  • Teams called about all three, but Cleveland is “rebuffing” interest.
  • Situation could change after the postseason: if they disappoint again, Garland or Allen could move this summer.
  • “If they have another early playoff exit, teams around the league are definitely looking at Garland and Jared Allen...it would probably be towards the summer as of now.” (Scotto, 25:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mavericks’ Direction:

  • “If you get another high lottery pick, put that player with Cooper [Flag], and then see what it looks like with AD and Kyrie next summer.” – Michael Scotto (02:00)

• On Trade Market Vibe:

  • “It’s one of the quieter ones in terms of chatter… the market’s a little weird, going to be honest.” – Michael Scotto (19:02)

• On Heat Fantasy Parallels:

  • “The Miami Heat are that team in the auction draft always in the bidding, but stop at $40 and the guy goes for $60.” – Michael Scotto (20:19)

• On Celtics’ Deadline Dilemma:

  • “Which way they go will give the league an indication on how they feel about Tatum’s health.” – Michael Scotto (24:11)

• On Cleveland’s Core:

  • “They wanted to build around this core. The proof is going to be in the pudding in a couple of months.” – Michael Scotto (26:26)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Anthony Davis Mavericks Trade Talks: 00:55–03:01
• Ja Morant Trade Rumors: 03:01–05:21
• Impact of Trae Young Trade Market: 05:30–07:58
• Golden State Warriors Deadline Strategy: 07:58–10:24
• Jonathan Kuminga Suitors: 10:24–12:27
• Michael Porter Jr. Buzz: 12:27–14:41
• Milwaukee Bucks & Giannis’ Status: 14:41–16:41
• Under-the-Radar Names for Deadline: 17:08–17:52
• Trade Deadline Activity Outlook: 18:01–19:52
• Miami Heat Strategy: 19:52–21:59
• Celtics’ Luxury Tax Dilemma: 21:59–25:26
• Cavaliers’ Core Players: 25:26–27:27

Final Thoughts

Michael Scotto offered a comprehensive, realistic pulse of the NBA trade market, noting less sizzle than past years but significant groundwork for larger moves in the offseason. He emphasized the league’s evolving asset valuation, cap machinations, and how injuries and timing can dramatically shift team directions.

Memorable closing:

• “This is one of the quieter ones in terms of chatter around. Execs would tell you that... But it sets up a bigger summer in theory.” (Scotto, 18:17)

Hosts’ take: Appreciative of Scotto’s candor and deep-sourced intel, the No Dunks crew closed by noting the shifting dynamics of trade deadlines and looking ahead to both deadline day and the fireworks waiting for the summer.