NBA Rumors: Latest News from Around the Association

Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

The arduous four-month wait is finally over, as the 2012-13 NBA season is finally upon us.

While that undoubtedly fills my heart with the unbridled joy of a thousand Girl Scouts, there is still the business side of the league that needs attending to.

And, for those familiar with the Association's doings, that can only mean one thing: time to hop back aboard the rumor mill and see what these teams are thinking.

With that in mind, here is a look at all the latest rumblings from around the league, as we prepare for what should be a fantastic season of basketball. 

Chase Budinger & T'Wolves Not Talking Extension?

Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Acquired in the offseason to fill a hole on the wing, Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Chase Budinger has an expiring contract looming over his first season with the team.

Well, according to Darren Wolfson at 1500ESPN, that uncertainty will linger throughout the campaign as Minnesota has no plans on negotiating an extension: 

"There has been no dialogue between the Wolves and wing Chase Budinger's camp about a contract extension. Budinger will be an unrestricted free agent next summer."

In a word, the lack of dialogue between the two sides is curious to say the least. Minnesota gave up the No. 18 pick, which turned out to be preseason beast Terrence Jones, to bring Budinger into the fold.

To fail to reach an agreement is one thing. But to completely ignore the situation and potentially lose an asset like Budinger without even putting forth an effort is, well, not smart business.

The T'Wolves will be able to make a better offer in the offseason, so for sanity's sake, let's assume that's the ultimate plan in Minnesota. 

Bogut Nearing a Return to Game Action?

Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Coming into the season, all eyes for the Golden State Warriors will be focused on oft-injured stars Andrew Bogut and Stephen Curry.

Thought to be destined for the lottery if either misses extended time or a possible playoff contender if both stay healthy, it's not exactly an exaggeration to say that the Warriors season is riding on their health.

For Bogut, it seems like the prognosis is getting better by the day. According to CSNBayArea's Matt Steinmetz, the center participated fully in practice for the first time since January on Monday:

Warriors center Andrew Bogut participated in all aspects of the team’s practice, providing hope that his return will come sooner rather than later.

Bogut, who fractured his left ankle in January, hasn’t participated in a full-contact practice for more than nine-and-a-half months and it wasn’t lost on coach Mark Jackson and players.

Bogut's status for the regular season opener is still up in the air, but this news has to come as nothing short of a boon for the Warriors. 

Choice Between Reggie Jackson and Eric Maynor Coming into OKC?

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Though everyone is still in a tizzy (and with good reason) about the Oklahoma City Thunder's trade of James Harden to the Houston Rockets, there is one more young guard on the OKC roster eligible for an extension: Eric Maynor.

Unfortunately for Maynor, it seems he will become a restricted free agent this offseason, as the two sides have tabled their talks, according to NewsOK.com's Darnell Mayberry. 

Considering the team doesn't exactly know what it has in Maynor, that's understandable. However, per Mayberry, part of the reason Maynor's talks have stalled could be due to Reggie Jackson's rise within the organization:

Jackson clearly is considered an important part of the Thunder’s future, which puts a small level of pressure on the franchise to decide how much it is willing to commit to Maynor. A tandem of Maynor and Jackson coming off the bench would be a luxury rather than a necessity with a budding superstar in Westbrook as the starter.

Mavs Unsuccessfully Trying to Move Dominique Jones?

Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

I have a sneaking suspicion that when the Dallas Mavericks took Dominique Jones in the first round of the 2010 draft they expected far more production than what they have received.

Thus far, the former South Florida star has averaged just 2.5 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent in just 51 games with the team.

That, along with Dallas' suddenly full roster, is almost certainly the reason the team has reportedly tried shopping Jones, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Tim MacMahon: 

The Mavericks have been shopping 2010 first-round pick Dominique Jones without success, according to league sources, which means that the release of guard Delonte West remains the most likely roster moving coming from the team later Monday.

Ultimately, West was released to get the Mavericks roster down to 15 players. Nonetheless, this is a situation worth monitoring, as it seems like Dallas is ready chalk up Jones to a sunk cost. 

Ty Lawson's Contract Situation Becoming a "Distraction" for Nuggets?

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

With the Halloween deadline looming for the NBA draft class of 2009 to reach an extension, Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson was thought by most to be a near-lock to reach an agreement.

Well, that's actually not the case, as the two sides are at a standstill, according to Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy:

I'm hearing that extension talks between Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets have stalled. The two sides have until Oct. 31 to reach agreement.

—Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) October 28, 2012

 

While it's not known how far apart the two sides are, it's become apparent that the team is distracted by the situation. According to The Denver Post's Adrian Dater, Nuggets head coach George Karl admitted as much on Sunday:

Negotiations are ongoing, and it was clear from coach George Karl’s words today that he hopes his top guard is signed soon:

“It falls under the level of ‘distraction,’” Karl said Sunday.

Denver comes into the season viewed by some as an under-the-radar contender, so it may be advisable for the team to just cave in this scenario and give Lawson the money he wants.