NBA Rumors: Latest Free-Agency and Trade Buzz from Around the League

The NBA free-agency period is already off to a fast start, but many top names still remain on the board. Expect that to change in a short period of time as front offices frantically do whatever it takes to complete deals.

Franchises will remain in hard pursuit of major signings over the next few days, but fans should also not count out the possibility of some noteworthy trades to clear cap room either before or after agreeing to deals. In the age of salary caps, tricky maneuvering is sometimes necessary.

While things change quickly at this time of year, here is a look at the latest rumors surrounding some of the top names around the league.

LaMarcus Aldridge to the Suns?

Craig Mitchelldyer/Associated Press

It seems just about every team in the NBA had a meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, but one organization that helped its case Wednesday was the Phoenix Suns. After signing center Tyson Chandler, the team kept the veteran around for the meeting with Aldridge.

According to Sam Amick of USA Today, this made a difference:

"

According to a person with knowledge of the situation, Chandler attended the Suns' meeting with the former Portland Trailblazers big man in Los Angeles. The unexpected development, according to the person, certainly piqued Aldridge's interest and may have improved the chances of a team that was otherwise seen as a darkhorse to land him. 

"

Before ESPN's Marc Stein reported the Suns being a realistic contender, he noted the possibility of a sign-and-trade with the Portland Trail Blazers for Eric Bledsoe:

After signing Chandler and re-signing Brandon Knight, the Suns lack the cap room necessary to bring in Aldridge on a straight deal. However, they get it to work by dealing away a player made expendable by the Knight signing.

Meanwhile, this could be the best-case scenario from a basketball perspective. Aldridge has become a dominant frontcourt talent, averaging 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season while making his fourth All-Star game in a row. However, he is best when he can play the 4 and spread things out with his mid-range game.

Playing with the Suns would allow Chandler—as well as Alex Len—to shoulder the load in the post while taking more responsibility defensively. If Aldridge doesn't mind forgoing bigger markets in Los Angeles and Dallas, he could have a good home in Phoenix.

Kings Targeting Rajon Rondo

AJ MAST/Associated Press

The Sacramento Kings want to add some big names to the roster, and they are being aggressive to do it. They have already worked on clearing cap room by completing a one-sided trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, summed up by Dan Feldman of NBC Sports.

Sacramento was able to get Jason Thompson and Carl Landry off the books, but it also had to give up Nik Stauskas and a first-round pick, which could become an issue down the line. Now the question is what the Kings will do with this new freedom.

Two major targets at this point are Rajon Rondo and Wesley Matthews, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

While both remain possibilities, Rondo would represent the point guard upgrade the Kings have been searching for throughout the offseason. According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, there is "mutual interest," and the veteran guard has already spoken to current Sacramento stars Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins.

Of course, there are those who don't see this as an upgrade at all, like NBA analyst Nate Duncan:

Rondo has certainly seen his stock fall over the past few years, especially after missing so much time due to injury. Last season, he averaged just 8.9 points and 7.9 assists across 68 games with the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. Sacramento could be his chance to rebuild his image and remind people he is a four-time All-Star.

No matter what happens, the Kings better sign someone notable to justify the recent salary dump.

David West Narrowing His Choices

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Although it originally seemed like David West was headed to the New York Knicks in free agency, it now seems like he only wants to play for a contender.

"At this point in my career, it's all about winning," West told Bob Kravitz of WTHR. "I don't want to be in a position where we're just fighting to make the playoffs, I want to be in a spot where we can legitimately taste the Finals."

Considering the Knicks aren't exactly projected to be title contenders this season, a move to New York City doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Meanwhile, West is considering a deal for less money to play for either the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs, according to Sam Amick of USA Today:

"

According to a person with knowledge of his situation, the free agent forward who declined a $12.2 million player option to stay with the Indiana Pacers next season, has serious interest in playing for the San Antonio Spurs or the Golden State Warriors. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because of the private nature of the free agency process.

"

Each of these teams already has a lot of depth, but West has a chance to reduce his role and help a team win a championship.

After averaging just 11.7 points per game last season—his lowest since 2005—he's no longer the star he once was. As long as he acknowledges this and finds a new role with a team, it could lead to big things in the upcoming season.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.