NBA Rumors: 10 Potential Destinations for Blazers' Rudy Fernandez

The 2010 NBA Offseason has been one for the history books. LeBron, D-Wade, and Bosh have joined forces in South Beach, Amar'e has moved on to the Big Apple, and NBA veterans Matt Barnes and Theo Ratliff have made a new home in the City Of Angels (Los Angeles).

But what's going to be the next big news, you say? Well lets just say this offseason isn't quite done yet, at least not in Portland.

Blazers' sharp shooter Rudy Fernandez may have to leave his rainy Oregon days behind and find a new home somewhere in the east coast.

The Blazers just don't think Rudy's future lies well in Portland, and that it would be best for both sides to part ways in this 2010 NBA Offseason.

In this article I will provide potential candidates/homes for Rudy Fernandez that may become relevant in the near future, if the Blazers decide to let go their once-prized sharp shooter, Rudy Fernandez.

Here are the top 10 teams that could possibly pick up Rudy Fernandez this offseason in no particular order.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics would suit Rudy very well. Though the team isn't getting any younger, The Big Three is returning with Rondo and a team can always use a good shooter.

If you take a look at the Celtics' roster, you can see that they need another consistent shooter with Rasheed Wallace and Ray Allen slowly fading away, Rudy could be a viable back up to Allen, or could be a possible starter if Allen cannot perform to a high level.

Don't forget about Rondo either. Rondo is arguably the best point guard in the game today and because Rondo is a pass first guard who can create open shots for anybody, Rudy would have a day at the park instead of having to create his own shot, which is out of his comfort zone.

Overall, Boston just makes a lot of sense: veteran-oriented team, needs a shooter, great basketball environment, Rondo would fit well with Rondo. Rudy could very well land in Boston in the near future.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls are one of the top candidates for Rudy in this year's offseason. With Kirk Hinrich gone, the Bulls could very well use a solid back up shooting guard.

Kyle Korver joined the Bulls this year, so they do have shooters, but who is to say that one team has too many shooters?

With one of the top tier guards in the league, Derrick Rose, Rudy could get open shots all day, which is Rudy's best game: shooting open threes.

This may be the easiest place for Rudy to play. All Rudy would have to do is stick open jumpers and provide solid back up minutes for Rosea and Deng. Because Rudy can play the 1 and 2-spot, Rudy could well play starter-type minutes depending on how well he performs, which is what Rudy wants.

The Windy City may get a steal this offseason.

New York Knicks

Ah, the famous Madison Square Garden, isn't a beauty? LeBron obviously doesn't think so.

The Knicks have made some big financial moves in order to get LeBron but as you know, it wasn't enough for the King. This does leave the Knicks with a lot of cap space and extra money to spend, which could be a good first step in getting Rudy.

Fernandez will be paid 1.25 million in the next two years which are left on his contract. The Knicks could offer much more than that and it would be more than worth it to pay Rudy good money if it means his addition to the team.

Currently the Knicks are one of the best places for Rudy considering Rudy's interests. Rudy felt as though he did not get the playing time he deserved in Portland and for now that is his main concern. Because the Knicks don't have a legitimate starting point guard, Rudy could easily become a starter for the Knicks if he chooses to come to the Big Apple.

I mean Sergio Rodriguez and Eddie House are the only guards that could start if the Knicks decide to keep this very team the same. Rudy would be the smart choice for the Knicks.

With the addition of Amar'e, this could create a deadly inside and out game between the two and no team wants to deal with that kind of duo day in and day out.

Rudy can be the starting point guard. Like I said earlier, Rudy is a combo guard that can play either guard position due to his size and ability, which can help this young but talented Knicks team. This marriage would last long and would be a positive for both.

Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are also one of the top candidates for Rudy considering there are offering a future first-round pick (13th) in exchange for Rudy.

This is one of the more interesting situations that could go for Rudy. There are currently seven guards on this Raptors' roster, which could easily change soon, but this may pose a problem for Rudy's interests.

First off, Canada isn't exactly the most exciting place to play basketball, but hey I guess basketball is basketball. I just don't know if Rudy is willing to take a little more money to play in a different country though.

Second, the Raptors are most likely looking for a back up shooting guard, not a starter. With Jose Calderon at the point, who impressed the basketball world this last season averaging: 10.3 (PPG), 5.9 (APG), 2.1 (RPG) and there being another rising star by the name of DeMar DeRozan, these two guards aren't going to give up their starting positions any time soon.

Lastly, if Rudy isn't willing to come off the bench for the Raptors, this will be a bust, but if Rudy is willing to come off the bench, this could work out well.

Jose Calderon is also a Spaniard. Rudy and Jose could get along well and help one another throughout the season, which is always a big plus. The opportunity is waiting for the Rudy, it is all up to him whether or not he wants to come off the bench.

Houston Rockets

Another top candidate for Rudy is the Houston Rockets.

This could be very interesting as well. The Rockets are currently very G/F oriented. Like I said earlier with the Raptors, I say the same here in Houston.

Rudy will not be a starter if he comes to the Rockets. Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin are very good NBA starters and they aren't going anywhere.

This leaves Rudy with yet another back up type opportunity. Even though Rudy won't start for the Rockets, he can still play solid minuets, more than he did in Portland.

In Portland, Rudy averaged 23.2 min last season. In Houston I'd expect 25 min and over. That may sound ridiculous, but lets look at the situation.

Besides Kyle Lowry, the guard position is open for anyone. The thing that separates Rudy from the other bench players is that; he is a proven guard in this league and I guarantee that Houston agrees with me.

Great city, good players, talented/upcoming team, solid minuets for Rudy. Sounds all good for Rudy.

New Jersey Nets

The Nets aren't currently chasing after Rudy but you never know if the word change has ever been used too much by anyone, the Nets have topped them all.

The Nets may not be a picture perfect fit for Rudy, but due to the Nets financial situation and the rebuilding of the team, someone like Rudy who has two years left on his contract could be another quick fix for the Nets.

Rudy is a veteran now and a young team such as the Nets could use a veteran sharp shooter in their starting line up. Though the Nets signed Jordan Farmar, Rudy could still become the starting shooting guard.

For Rudy, this team could fit all of his needs: Provide better money, more minuets, starting spot, team on the rise.

Is it me or are the Nets on their way to the biggest turn around in the history of basketball?

Los Angeles Clippers

Though the Clippers aren't reportedly interested in Rudy, this would still be a good fit. With multiple free agents, most of them being G/F, this opens up a window for Rudy to get in.

With the Clippers, there will be no problem with money and with a veteran such as Rudy, they will be more than willing to pay a couple million to finish out Rudy's two remaining years left on his current contract.

Rudy would start immediately and he could have success on this struggling but talented team. With Gordon at point and Griffin coming back this season, the Clippers could have solid season next year. Rudy could come in and be the shooter of the team. Vinnie Del Negro liked players who could shoot. Luol Deng, former Bull, John Salmons, Kirk Hinrich.

Vinnie Del Negro will have no problem with Rudy racking up a lot of shots every game as long as he makes them.

New coach, returning talent, freelance opportunity, this could be a good fit for Rudy.

Golden State Warriors

Once again it is up to Rudy if he is willing to come off the bench, but if he is, the Warriors are the perfect fit.

Golden States' offense is based off transition jumpers and freelancing. Rudy would fit perfectly with this current team. Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are both shooters and they shoot a lot, and I mean a lot.

Rudy wants that kind of freedom and it would suit him well to finally get what he deserves. Rudy would thrive in offense and it would suite both sides very well.

Rudy would have to fight the position out with newly acquired Jeremy Lin but if Rudy does come, it will most likely come down to Lin playing forward, though he is undersized.

The Warriors will have enough money and they already have the right system set for Rudy under a good coach by Don Nelson. This would make the most sense for Rudy.

New Orleans Hornets

With CP3 back and in rebuilding mode for the Hornets, a veteran such as Rudy could help this team win some games next year.

Besides Marcus Thornton, there are no shooting guards on this roster, so Rudy could start right away, and he could play arguably the best guard in the game today.

When you play with Chris Paul you are guaranteed open shots every game. If Rudy can shoot well consistently, along side with Okafor's down low presence, and Peja's shooting ability, this team could improve from this years horrid performance.

The question is: Do the Hornets want to use money on a veteran, or save their money to get a big star to match up with Paul in the near future?

But there is no doubt that this could work.

Phoenix Suns

Every shooters dream should be to play with Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns.

Though Mike D'Antoni is gone, the Suns still play an up tempo game. Because Amar'e is gone, the Suns will have to go back to a transition game. That's where Rudy comes in. Rudy is best in an open court system where he can get open three pointers.

With Nash, Richardson, and Dudley, this Suns team could be fun to watch. Rudy would fit right in with this team and he would be an instant success.

It would be fun to watch Rudy and Dragic play together off the bench too. Overall Phoenix is a good fit for Rudy and we will see where he goes soon.

Conclusion

As you can see, Rudy can fit in with almost any kind of team. That is because Rudy is a good shooter, and any team can use a shooter. Wherever he goes Rudy is going to help in his own way. He is a great team player and a competitive player with a shooters touch. Good luck to all the teams in the chase for Rudy, you won't regret it.