NBA Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Paul Pierce, Ty Lawson and More

All eyes are focused on the NBA playoffs right now, and deservedly so. But for the 27 teams whose seasons have already ended, the march toward figuring out what steps must be taken to win a championship has already begun. 

The offseason is an exciting time because of the belief that anything could happen. LeBron James wound up going home to Cleveland last year, something few might have expected as he continued to lead Miami to NBA Finals appearances. 

While there isn't a LeBron-type game-changer available this offseason—he can technically become a free agent after the season thanks to a player option for next season, but he's not leaving home—it doesn't mean teams can't tinker with things to get where the Cavaliers are at right now. 

Here's the latest roundup of rumors about potential trades and free agents to keep an eye on this summer. 

Paul Pierce On the West Coast?

Speaking of going home, Paul Pierce is reportedly entertaining the idea of opting out of his deal with the Washington Wizards with the intention of moving closer to his hometown of Oakland, California. 

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, it sounds like the expectation is that Pierce will leave the Wizards to reunite with former head coach Doc Rivers on the Los Angeles Clippers:

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Washington's main issue is complacency. The Wizards could stand pat if Pierce decides to return to D.C. next season rather than opt out of his deal, but many around the league believe Pierce will do just that and finish his career back home in Los Angeles with the Clippers.

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It's felt like Pierce would end up playing for Rivers again before retiring. The Clippers had talks with the Brooklyn Nets about a sign-and-trade deal involving Pierce last summer, but it fell apart, after which the veteran forward signed with the Wizards. 

If he should opt out, Pierce likely wouldn't be doing it for more money. He's would earn $5.5 million next year with Washington. The Clippers are fighting against the salary cap, as Rivers told Dan Woike of The Orange County Register following the team's playoff loss to Houston:

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We need to add pieces, and it’s going to be hard, because we are restricted. I’ve been saying that for two years. It’s going to be where we do something where we take a gamble on something. Who knows? But we have to improve our bench, We have to improve just overall, because everyone else is. Some teams have more room to do that. We don’t.

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Woike also wrote that Rivers "essentially confirmed" the Clippers' intention to offer DeAndre Jordan a max contract in the five-year, $100 million range. That would seem to suggest Pierce would have to take a deal roughly in line with the one he made with the Wizards. 

Even though losing Pierce would be a significant blow for Washington, as the 37-year-old made so many big shots for the Wizards in the playoffs, it makes sense for where he's at in his career. 

While the Eastern Conference is "easier" than the Western Conference, since the depth in the latter conference is insane right now, the Wizards aren't as close to winning a title as the Clippers are. 

The Clippers were one game away from playing for a Western Conference title this year. A strong veteran leader like Pierce has the resume to make plays in the postseason and inspire his teammates to get Los Angeles over that playoff hump. 

Mavs' Muted Interest in Ty Lawson

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The Dallas Mavericks are desperate to find an answer at point guard. They thought they figured things out by acquiring Rajon Rondo in December, only to decide to part ways with the struggling former All-Star following their playoff defeat. 

Now, according to ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks have attempted to acquire Ty Lawson from Denver to address their need at the point:

Lawson doesn't have a great reputation off the court, as MacMahon notes. The 27-year-old was arrested in January for a DUI investigation. Denver tried to trade him before the deadline in February but was unable to find a deal that worked.

Given the way things ended with Rondo, it's easy to understand why the Mavericks would be cautious about investing more time and money in a player with a spotty track record.

Lawson has been a solid player in his six NBA seasons, averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 assists per game, but his shooting has gone from a high-water mark of 50.3 percent in 2010-11 to under 44 percent each of the last two years, according to ESPN. 

Sam Forencich/Getty Images

The Mavericks pick 21st in a draft that's got solid depth at point guard. None of the rookies coming in should be expected to perform as well as Lawson right away, but they will also cost a fraction of the money he's set to make. 

Mark Cuban has plenty of cap space to play with, as HoopsHype only has the Mavs committed to $43 million in contracts for next season. A trade is the easiest way for the Mavericks, who have never been shy about dealing picks, to upgrade their roster. 

Lawson fits Dallas' roster in terms of positional need, but he's also a volatile person off the court who can explode at any minute. The Mavericks proved they can make the playoffs without a proven point guard, so adding a potentially toxic element to the locker room once again doesn't make sense for the franchise. 

Miami's Offseason Plan

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

The 2014-15 season was a trying one for the Miami Heat. The franchise went from being atop the Eastern Conference to an afterthought picking in the lottery. No one was expecting greatness after James left, but the problems went beyond his departure. 

Chris Bosh had to deal with reality when he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, though the Heat did say in a March 3 statement that he's on track to "resume full basketball activities in September." Dwyane Wade is a star when he plays, but injuries once again caused him to miss 20 games last season. 

Then there is Goran Dragic, who was acquired by the Heat at the deadline as he heads into free agency this summer. He ingratiated himself well with the team, averaging 16.6 points and 5.3 assists in 26 games. 

Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra have big plans for the team next season, mostly revolving around Dragic and his style of play, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:

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Heat guard Goran Dragic, an impending free agent, feels strongly that the Heat must play faster and has been assured that’s a key part of the Pat Riley/Erik Spoelstra master plan, according to an an associate.

We’re told Dragic very much likes Spoelstra and Riley and nothing to this point has changed regarding the Heat’s status as front-runners to keep him. The Lakers, Knicks, New Orleans, Milwaukee, Sacramento are all expected to have interest.

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Since the Heat have the inside track to sign Dragic, it makes sense that Spoelstra and Riley would want to keep the star guard happy. 

However, when it comes to playing faster, the Heat's current roster may not be as adaptable. Wade loves to attack the basket, but his 33-year-old legs have so much wear and tear that increasing the pace of play sounds detrimental to his outlook. 

J Pat Carter/Associated Press

Bosh, who is 31 years old, has to work himself back into game shape after his medical problems last year. There's a reason ESPN ranked the Heat 29th in pace factor, a measure of possessions per 48 minutes, in 2014-15.

The Heat are stuck in between trying to compete for a low-seeded playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and rebuilding, though the front office clearly doesn't view the latter scenario as an option at this point. 

Re-signing Dragic will allow the Heat to increase their tempo because he plays fast, but the rest of the roster has to be built around him to take full advantage of those skills. It's not there right now, so there better be more to the "master plan" than just retaining the 29-year-old.