Welcome to rumor season in the NBA. Between now and March 15th, we’ll use this post as a constantly running thread of the latest trade rumors in the NBA. Some of the bigger rumors might get featured on their own, but this is where we’ll keep running track of what the latest rumors are.
March 13: Via Marc Stein:
Twitter / @ESPNSteinLine: Bulls exploring avenues to … via kwout
That would be a blockbuster. Stay tuned on that
March 13: Via Woj:
For everything Dwight Howard has told the Orlando Magic management about bringing him a stronger supporting cast, about the possibility that he could still sign an extension, it has turned into a complete ruse – a misdirection play on his eventual signing with the Brooklyn-bound New Jersey Nets, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
[…] “Dwight’s gone, and [Magic CEO] Alex Martins is the only person who doesn’t believe that,” a league source with knowledge of Howard’s intentions told Yahoo! Sports.
The Magic could let Dwight use the DeVos family as his personal errand service and it still won’t matter. Welcome to hell, Magic fans.
March 12: From Ken Berger of CBS Sports:
Twitter / @KBergCBS: The Blazers and Clips are … via kwout
And then this potential blockbuster trade from Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM:
The Magic, Warriors and Hornets are in discussions on a three-team trade, two league sources confirmed.
Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Dorell Wright would be sent by the Warriors to the Magic.
Ryan Anderson, J.J. Redick, Hedo Turkoglu and Quentin Richardson would be the main outgoing pieces from Orlando.
The Hornets’ exact involvement is unclear, but believed to be centered around Chris Kaman.
No trade is imminent but talks are ongoing say sources.
March 9: Via the Washington Post:
The Wizards have resisted inquires about JaVale McGee for several years, but it now appears that the supremely athletic 7-foot-1 big man could be had in the right deal. According to multiple NBA front office executives, the Wizards are open to moving McGee, who will be a restricted free agent this summer.
McGee has done little to help himself or his value this year. I don’t think he’s got what people would classify as a “high basketball IQ.” But he’s big, young and athletic. It’ll be interesting to see what the final asking price would be.
March 6: Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports Boris Diaw has asked for a trade from Charlotte or a buyout of his contract.
“Boris and I had a meeting prior to the All-Star break, maybe Wednesday before. We talked about quite a few things,” Bobcats President of Basketball Operations Rod Higgins said. “The issue with the buyout, it was raised on their side, from Doug. We haven’t gone down that road any further.”
Diaw will be a free agent next season if he completes his current contract.
March 6: Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated reports Jamal Crawford might be on his way out in Portland.
With the Blazers (18-18) underachieving and the 12-year veteran having struggled to fit in this season, sources say he’s available. Crawford signed a two-year, $10 million deal on Dec. 15, but the second season is a player option and he plans to opt out this summer to retest the free agent market.
Before the season, LaMarcus Aldridge was heavily recruiting J-Crossover. Things haven’t quite worked out as they’d hoped… to put it mildly.
March 2:
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and General Manager Danny Ainge both issued categorical denials of a Chris Broussard report that the Celtics are “aggessively shopping” 3-time All Star point guard Rajon Rondo. Said Doc: “I can say with almost 100 percent certainty he will be here with us when the season ends. I’m tired of this stuff. It’s not fair.”
There is, however, a new rumor that the Celtics are offereing Kevin Garnett in a deal for Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith.
March 1:
12:43 p.m.: Jarrod Rudolph of Real GM reported the Magic have engaged in talks that would send Monta Ellis to Orlando to team up with Dwight Howard. Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times reports though that the Warriors do not have any intention of trading Ellis to Orlando unless Dwight Howard or “something really good” is involved. Talks at this point between Orlando and Golden State are very preliminary. But it is a sign, at least for now, that Orlando plans on keeping Dwight Howard past the trade deadline.
