In the midst of the NBA's "Slop Season," trade rumors continue to circulate as teams gear up for the trade deadline on February 8, 2024. Two teams, the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, have emerged as potential trade destinations for certain players.

According to the latest report from Marc Stein in The Stein Line ($), the Boston Celtics have expressed interest in acquiring Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz. Olynyk, a 6'11" forward, has had a journeyman career, playing for multiple teams including the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons. Currently on an expiring $12.2 million deal, Olynyk has been listed as one of the top players likely to be traded this season. In a recent game against the Detroit Pistons, Olynyk showcased his skills by scoring 27 points in 35 minutes as a starter.

The New York Knicks, on the other hand, are reportedly seeking to bolster their frontcourt following Mitchell Robinson's ankle injury. Olynyk could potentially be a suitable backup for Isaiah Hartenstein, providing size and versatility to the team. Despite experiencing a minutes reduction this season, Olynyk has managed to maintain a career-best 63% effective field goal percentage (eFG). The Knicks have the assets to make a trade offer, boasting nine first-round picks over the next five drafts and additional draft picks from other teams.

However, the trade scenario may be influenced by relationships between teams. With Danny Ainge, the Jazz CEO, having a close connection to Brad Stevens in Boston, it is speculated that if both Boston and the Knicks were to present similar trade offers, Ainge could favor sending Olynyk back to Boston.

Another player who has sparked trade interest is Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks, currently struggling with a disappointing record of 12-17, may explore trade options to improve the supporting cast around Trae Young. Murray, a talented 6'5" combo guard known for his defensive abilities, has averaged 20.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in 29 games this season. However, his defensive rating has taken a dip, creating some concerns about his performance.

The New York Knicks have previously shown interest in acquiring Murray, but negotiations could prove challenging. Atlanta had given up significant draft capital, including three future first-round picks and a pick swap, to acquire Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 offseason. They would likely aim to recoup a similar value in any potential trade. Murray's representation by Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group also adds another layer of complexity, as Paul has historically been reluctant to do business with the Knicks.

Despite the potential hurdles, there is speculation that Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive approach, could be the ideal coach to reignite Murray's performance. The Knicks, however, must carefully consider the cost of acquiring Murray, as it could weaken their negotiating power in future trades and potentially impact their pursuit of a star player like Joel Embiid.

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, teams will continue to evaluate their options and explore potential trades. While specific players like Olynyk and Murray have garnered attention, the landscape could still shift rapidly. With limitations on when trades can be executed, the coming weeks will be crucial for teams seeking to make significant roster changes.