With the NBA trade deadline hours away, chatter is picking up. Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng, New Orleans Pelicans D-Leaguer Pierre Jackson and Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Neal are names to keep an eye as the deadline approaches.
Cleveland is "testing the market" with Deng to see what teams might offer for the veteran, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Deng, whom Cleveland traded Andrew Bynum and two second-round picks for on Jan. 7, is reportedly drawing the interest of multiple teams - including the Washington Wizards.
"Hearing: Wizards - who tried to acquire Luol Deng from Bulls at last NBA Draft - are among teams in Deadline Day talks with Cavs on Deng," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted on Thursday.
Cleveland completed a trade on Thursday for Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes.
The Cavaliers have been linked to a number of trade rumors. In addition to Deng, Cavaliers guards Dion Waiters and Jarrett Jack were reported as available on the market. Cleveland also has been linked to Jackson, whom the Pelicans may look to trade before the deadline.
Jackson, a 2013 second-round draft pick, is garnering attention for his standout season in the D-League with the Idaho Stampede. The Baylor alum, whose NBA rights are owned by New Orleans, is averaging 29.1 points and 6.2 assists per game this season.
Moving Jackson by the deadline may be a priority for New Orleans. If Jackson isn't on an NBA team by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, he'll reportedly play overseas in Turkey.
"Pierre Jackson will join Fenerbahce Ulker if he can't find a roster spot in NBA before trade deadline," Ismail Senol of NTV SPOR tweeted on Thursday.
Neal's name is also heating up. Neal, who signed with Milwaukee in July, could be headed to Charlotte by the afternoon.
"The Bobcats are closing in on a deal with Milwaukee for Gary Neal, league sources say," CBS Sports' Ken Berger tweeted on Thursday.
Teams have until 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday to complete trades.
