Phil Jackson (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Several NBA teams who are looking for trade deals are slowly surfacing around the league as the Feb. 18 deadline nears.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat are reportedly two of the many teams searching for quality players in the trading season.
According to ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz and Brian Windhorst, the Cavs show interest in trading for Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver and New Orleans Pelicans' Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik.
Despite a conference-leading rank in the East, the Cavs find themselves still looking for upgrades who could make the team competitive enough to beat the likes of the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.
The Cavs showed desperation to win an NBA title after firing ex-coach David Blatt amid having the most winning record in the Eastern Conference, and it would be no different in the trading season as they try to address the team's shooting problems by bringing in Korver.
Asik and Evans seem a head-scratching deal as the Cavs are already secured in the point guard and center position. However, according to Michael Saenz of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Evans could come as a defender, while Asik becomes the filler in acquiring the former from the Pelicans.
Similar to the Cavs, the Heat is also in need of a shooter who could stretch the floor and play defense. According to the Miami Herald, the three-time NBA champs could possibly trying to orchestrate a package that would get them Sacramento Kings forward Omri Casspi.
However, the Heat would have to get creative if they wish to land Casspi, who is shooting 42.2 percent from beyond the arc this season.
The report noted that the Kings would probably want an expiring contract, which is obviously Chris Andersen, but it may also include a player of some value like Tyler Johnson.
The Kings have expressed interest in Johnson earlier this season, but the rookie out of Fresno State has no timetable for a return yet, and may likely miss the rest of the Heat's campaign.
Nevertheless, Johnson would be a vital piece for the Kings' rebuilding plans, especially if Sactown's soon-to-be free agents join another team in the summer.
Meanwhile, rumors are buzzing around the Los Angeles Lakers organization that Phil Jackson is considering a comeback to LA.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical wrote on Yahoo Sports that there is a chance the Zen Master will return to Tinsel Town, with his fiancée Jeanie Buss rumored to clean house within the Lakers front office including brother Jim and general manager Mitch Kupchak.
ESPN Insider Stephen A Smith also believes Jackson, who helped the Lakers for two consecutive championships in 2009-2011, could head back to LA as Jackson also has an opt-out clause in his contract with the New York Knicks.
Stephen A: "If (Jeanie Buss) does that, you know she's gonna bring Phil back. And I think Dolan will let him out of his deal to go to LA."
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 8, 2016
If the rumors are true, this will be one of the huge turning points in the Lakers' history following the move that brought Pau Gasol from Memphis, which eventually led to three-consecutive NBA Finals trip.
