Bleacher Report - NBA Rumors

NBA Rumors: Latest End of Season Chatter

Grant Hughes — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:28:14 -0400

Gather around, everyone; it's time to take stock of all of the latest chatter, buzz, water-cooler talk—and whatever other synonyms for "rumors" you can think of—floating around the NBA now that the actual hardwood product is on hiatus for the summer.

There have already been a handful of coaching changes, but many more are surely on the way. Plus, free agency will kick into high gear on July 1, so this is the spot to keep tabs on all of the comings and goings of what's sure to be an active offseason in the player movement department.

All of our rumors are freshly sourced, meaning they come from someone substantially more reputable than your cousin, Steve, who knows a guy that knows a guy that mops the floor at the Staples Center.

Check back frequently for all of the latest whispers and a heavy dose of reality as we examine the likelihood and potential impact of each rumor coming true.

Rumors, commence!

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NBA Rumors: Rounding up Hottest Buzz From Around the League

Benjamin Klein — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:00:01 -0400

The NBA rumor mill is swirling fiercely, which is an indication that the offseason is about to get extremely interesting as organizations begin signing and trading some big-name players.

There are several stars on the open market this summer, which should make for an exciting offseason. Some will attempt to team up to create super-franchises, whereas others will look to sign deals where they can be the leader and contribute the most on a nightly basis.

Franchises with limited funds will be seeking out deals with other teams in order to maximize return and put an improved team on the floor in 2013-14 and beyond. There are also teams that will be looking to dump some payroll in order to open up cap space for future years.

Coaches will also be in many of the conversations in the coming months, as several teams are seeking new guys to control the lineups and create plays.

So, what’s the latest buzz from the Association? Here’s a look at what everyone is talking about these days, including coaching changes, trades and free agency.

Doc Out, Frank In?

Over the last few days, the big talk has been about the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers working on a deal that would send Doc Rivers west. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that even though those talks have ended, Rivers still isn’t sure about coming back to Boston next season.

As Wojnarowski writes, Rivers still has three years left on his deal. It’s clear that Rivers has interest in coaching other franchises and if he doesn’t want to coach the Celtics in 2013-14, Boston needs to start figuring out who its next coach is going to be.

A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet New England names two candidates who could end up taking Rivers’ position:

While Vinny Del Negro wouldn’t be a bad option, Lawrence Frank is the coach who is more intriguing. Frank spent a season with the Celtics back in 2010-11 as an assistant on Rivers’ coaching staff. He later left to go coach the Pistons, but was fired back in April after going 54-94 in two seasons.

Frank is familiar with the Boston organization and used to be a good coach back in his days with the New Jersey Nets. Frank’s time in Detroit was bound to be a bust. If general manager Danny Ainge is seeking replacements for Rivers, it’s highly suggested he take a deep look at Frank.

Three Teams With Eyes on Ellis

Monta Ellis told the Bucks that he’s going to see what’s out on the market this summer, opting out of the final year of his deal, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN. Ellis scored 19.2 points, grabbed 3.9 rebounds and had 6.0 assists per game this past season, playing in all 82 games.

Broussard also reports that the Hawks, Mavericks and Lakers are all teams that have interest in the point guard. He notes that the only way Los Angeles could land Ellis would be via a sign-and-trade, which seems unlikely.

Atlanta needs to prepare itself for the potential departure of unrestricted free agent Josh Smith. Smith has been one of the team's better players over the years and if he decides to sign elsewhere, that’ll leave around 18 points per game off the board for the Hawks.

The Mavericks probably won’t be looking to spend a lot of money this summer, but could definitely use a star guard. Mike James and O.J. Mayo are both unrestricted free agents and Darren Collison is a restricted free agent. If the Mavs are prepared to spend the money, Dallas would be an attractive landing spot for Ellis.

Getting a player like Ellis isn’t going to be a priority for the Lakers this offseason. Instead, their full focus will be on Dwight Howard and whether he will re-sign with the team. Ellis and Howard could team up if Howard and Chris Paul can’t sign with the same team, according to Broussard.

Indiana Will Likely Keep Granger

As previously mentioned, the Clippers are on the hunt to add some big names this summer. It appears that Los Angeles won’t be getting Rivers—or Kevin Garnett—but they’re still looking into who’s available. Danny Granger is one player who isn’t.

Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN report that the Clippers have engaged in conversations with the Pacers in a deal that would include Eric Bledsoe and Granger. But ESPN’s duo says that Indiana will likely hang on to Granger since it feels he can help take down the Heat next season.

Granger couldn’t help his team defeat Miami this past postseason, as he only played in five games the entire year after undergoing surgery for a knee injury. Over the course of his eight-year career, the forward has averaged 18.1 points and 5.2 rebounds in 33.1 minutes per game.

Indiana nearly upended the Eastern Conference champions this season, and having Granger on the floor certainly would’ve aided the Pacers’ Finals hopes. The Pacers have a great nucleus, centered around Granger, Paul George and Roy Hibbert, among others. Keeping Granger seems like a smart move. Next year could be the year for Indiana.

Read more NBA Rumors news on BleacherReport.com

Will Kevin Garnett Spurn Rebuilding Boston Celtics, Retire Before Next Season?

Dan Favale — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:05:49 -0400

Kevin Garnett tried to flee the Boston Celtics to no avail, so he now has a decision to make. Does he endure the next year or two of an extensive rebuild or walk away from the NBA entirely?

Once Baxter Holmes of The Boston Globe reported that trades talks between the Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers were dead, Garnett was instantly (and finally) thrust head-first into the transactional mayhem that was being waged from coast-to-coast.

Never mind believing that Garnett was innocent in all this. He's guilty as charged, the charge being passive, yet not-so-passive compliance.

Notice how he hasn't publicly come out and said anything. Absolutely nothing. No matter though, he doesn't need to. His silence is deafening.

Like Doc Rivers, Garnett wants out of Boston.

Memories from the last half-decade plus will be experiences he holds dear to his heart for the rest of his life. The championship in 2008, the NBA Finals loss in 2010 and the near upset of the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals one year ago, he'll remember it all.

The problem is those experiences with the Celtics are now mementos of Garnett's past, remnants of a team that was. Those Celtics no longer exist; their goals are no longer attainable.

Some maimed version of the team could have still been fielded next season, the operative word here being "could." Boston was always one Danny-Ainge-change-of-heart away from giving it another go with Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and Rivers.

Had Ainge not made it clear he would rather rebuild, things would have been different. Those Los Angeles rumors wouldn't have surfaced and Boston would have gone about business as usual.

Instead, Ainge decided it was time to do what he should have probably done earlier and begin a complex reclamation project. At the very least, he was more than open to starting from scratch. We have to believe that much. Rivers wouldn't have attempted to escape a city that became family over the last nine years if Ainge was hell-bent or even slightly amenable to giving this group another year, another chance.

So Garnett tried to leave via Rivers, suggesting that he still has plenty of basketball left in those veins of his, precious energy he would prefer not to expend with the Celtics.

That's where we're at: Garnett wants to return. He would have either been sipping mai-tais by the beach or taken the Jason Kidd route by lobbying to become the next head coach of the Clippers if he didn't. Had he wanted to retire, he would have retired.

He wants to continue to playing—with strings attached.

Simply playing just to play isn't on the 37-year-old's bucket list. Contention is what he's after 18 years into his professional career. Consenting to remain in Boston entails sacrificing his body and ambitions for a team that is unfit to take him where he wants to go.

Our carousel of thinking brings us back to retirement, the ultimate exit.

Walking away from the Celtics in conjunction with the league permits Garnett to leave with dignity. That was the whole point of this Clippers ordeal, was it not?

If the trigger had been pulled, Garnett would have left Boston involuntarily. Waiving his no-trade clause would have been explained as him submitting to the will of the Celtics.

Doc wanted him in Los Angeles, the Clippers wanted him in Los Angeles and the Celtics wanted him out of Boston for financial reasons. The NBA is a business. Sometimes it gets ugly and concessions need to be made.

That's how Garnett's decision would have been slung. Like he was was collateral damage or a victim of too many moving parts.

Some would have known better, understanding that his current lack of transparency couldn't be easier to see through if he were wrapped in cellophane. Others would be blinded by the things he had done, arguing that he deserved to play for a championship-caliber outfit.

Either lens you see it through is fine, so long as you know Garnett indeed wanted out. And for awhile, Doc, the Celtics and the Clippers seemed prepared to give him that out.

Then kaboom. Everything blew up once Donald Sterling realized money would be coming out of his pocket and Ainge got too greedy for Hollywood's taste.

Now there's only one immediate way out—retirement.

Forget about Garnett finishing out his contract or coming back for one more year with the Celtics. It's doubtful he can return to Boston after this, even if Rivers does.

If he did, all wouldn't be forgotten. Though he specifically wasn't portrayed as someone who was trying to leave, he tried to leave. Barring a blockbuster trade that suddenly makes the Celtics overwhelming contenders, there's no coming back from here.

There's no use believing Garnett is prepared to force his hand any further either. He wouldn't go near the mess that comes with a publicly coerced escape at this stage of his career with a 50-foot pole.

Recovering from the Minnesota Timberwolves debacle was possible; it was easy. Garnett was in his prime, capable of having an impact on a team that would culminate in a title. People tend to forget about an impure past when championships are being contended for and a title is being won.

Wherever Garnett goes next, there would still be a championship to be won. He wouldn't leave Boston if there wasn't. His window in which to win one won't be as wide open as it was when he left Minny, though. He had six years (and counting) left to contend. Now he has like two.

Which made Los Angeles the perfect situation.

Maybe he would have won a title, maybe he wouldn't have (go with wouldn't). With the Clippers it wouldn't have mattered because he would have left under the pretense that he decided to surrender to Boston's desire to rebuild without him. Who cares if the public didn't buy it as long as he could say it?

Similar luxuries aren't available to Garnett now. If he leaves Boston, it will be on his own accord; because he forced his way to another team or, more likely, retired. The latter is easier for his legacy as both a player and a Celtic.

There's always alternatives, of course. Garnett could return to the Celtics and play on, hoping his charismatic fearlessness and Hall of Fame credentials will win over the Boston faithful. That could still happen.

But it just wouldn't be the same.

Never again would he be the unadulterated savior the city believed him to be. Never again would he be beyond reproach. Everything would be different.

Assuming a carbon-copy to that of what almost went down between the Clippers and Celtics doesn't present itself, Garnett may return to Boston in an effort to sort through the chaos help. Or he might retire, going out as a Celtic just like he originally planned before there were any strings attached.

Put in that context, it's easy to understand Garnett has reached the point of no return, and that he's more likely to retire and salvage what's left of a deteriorating union than play another minute for the transitioning Celtics.

Follow @danfavale

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NBA Rumors: Complete Survey of Hottest Draft Buzz

Maxwell Ogden — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:56:21 -0400

With the 2013 NBA draft just over one week away, the basketball community is left wondering what could be. From the uncertainty surrounding the first overall draft choice to the unpredictable nature of the post-lottery selections, we're hearing it all.

Fortunately for you, we're here to collect all of the hottest draft buzz.

The rumor mill has been running rampant with reports and speculation, as every team has decisions to weigh. That ranges all the way from the first overall draft choice to No. 60 overall, which proves that this is one of the most unpredictable drafts in NBA history.

The question is, what might transpire?

Who Will Go No. 1?

One of the major reasons that this is such an unpredictable draft year is the uncertainty surrounding the first overall draft choice. While recent years have seen one transcendent talent become a virtual lock for the first pick, the 2013 draft class has yet to see a player emerge as a favorite.

According to Jimmy Smith of The Times-Picayune, the Cleveland Cavaliers have a target in sight—it just isn't the player you expected.

A surprising turn of events, to say the least.

Chad Ford of ESPN Insider (subscription required) followed that report by stating that Alex Len is, in fact, the top choice in Cleveland. With that being said, he's not the only player in the running for the top pick, and it's hardly a sure thing at this point.

Numerous players are receiving last minute workouts.

Sources in Cleveland strongly suggest that the Cavs have yet to make their decision. Anthony Bennett, Ben McLemore, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter, Alex Len and Noel all have visits and/or workouts scheduled in Cleveland this week. Noel is scheduled to visit the team Thursday and has a chance to seal the deal as the No. 1 pick if he performs well.

Sources say Noel's strongest competition right now is Len, whom some in the organization favor because he, too, has size and defensive ability, but he's less raw and should be cleared to play much sooner than Noel.

In other words, it comes down to Nerlens Noel and Alex Len.

A key piece of information to monitor here is the fact that owner Dan Gilbert has placed pressure on general manager Chris Grant to win now. Despite possessing a young core with an absence of veteran leadership, the Cavaliers believe they can contend for the playoffs.

Not soon, though—now.

Could that make Len, the more NBA-ready player, the pick over Noel, the player viewed as a project? It certainly seems that way.

If not, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reports that the Cavaliers are considering Kansas shooting guard Ben McLemore.

Oladipo, McLemore Battling for No. 2

If the drama at No. 1 doesn't do it for you, try the fact that the top two shooting guards in the draft are dueling it out to go No. 2. While the Orlando Magic have not yet made it clear whom they will select, both off-guards are in the running.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN Insider (subscription required), Victor Oladipo has the slight edge over Ben McLemore.

Indiana's Victor Oladipo and KU's Ben McLemore are widely seen as the two best fits in Orlando. While McLemore might have more pure upside, I continue to hear that Oladipo has the upper hand. McLemore was in Orlando last week, but according to multiple accounts, his workout wasn't terrific.

Their hyperbolic rivalry continues.

McLemore and Oladipo will be compared until their careers end, so this is the only rational way to begin. Not only do they play the same position, but they also put forth contrasting styles and similarly intriguing upside.

One way or another, we're going to learn whom the NBA deems as the better prospect—the start to all great rivalries.

Trades, International Players and Rising Draft Stocks

According to Chad Ford of ESPN Insider (subscription required), the Dallas Mavericks are leaning towards trading the No. 13 draft choice. This news comes after Dallas' top target, Croatian small forward Dario Saric, decided to withdraw from the draft.

Ford reports that when Dallas picks, it'll be selecting a player for another team in order to execute a trade.

Ford continues to relay rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lucas Nogueira, Sergey Karasev and Alex Abrines are all moving up draft boards. Adversely, Rudy Gobert is slipping, as teams are less enamored with his length upon evaluating his all-around game.

Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld reports that French big man Livio Jean-Charles has become a top draft-and-stash target for the San Antonio Spurs.

A weak draft class tends to open up the door for international players to see their draft stock rise, oftentimes without rhyme or reason.

With that being said, Jean-Charles is a player I've previously labeled as a star prospect. Nogueira and Antetokounmpo possess intriguing physical gifts, while Karasev and Abrines are skilled wing players.

There are no guarantees, and that has some teams thinking the international risks may pay off better than going for a domestic player who has yet to blow anyone away.

Read more NBA Rumors news on BleacherReport.com

Clippers, Celtics End Trade Talks Surrounding Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers

Alex Kay — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:32:43 -0400

The Los Angeles Clippers have been in talks to acquire Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers from the Boston Celtics, but the negotiations that began last week appear to have reached an impasse.

UPDATE: Tuesday, June 18, at 12:05 p.m. ET by Sam Westmoreland

Just as quickly as things appeared to be heating up, the trade talks surrounding Garnett and Rivers have been reported as dead, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times' Brad Turner.

Sam Amick of USA Today is also reporting that negotiations have stalled, but expressed some skepticism that the discussions are officially over.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com added more details behind the dissolution of talks.

The teams have no plans to speak again, the sources said, and the Clippers are preparing to move on and hire a coach this week.

The talks broke down Tuesday morning when the Clippers "refused to budge" on Boston's latest proposal that asked for DeAndre Jordan, straight up for Garnett, and two first-round draft picks as compensation for allowing Rivers out of the final three-years and $21 million of his contract.

Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe talked to Celtics GM Danny Ainge, who confirmed that talks had died.

Ainge also told Holmes that nothing has changed in regards to the franchise's stance on Rivers as its head coach.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that the deal died when the Clippers couldn't meet the financial obligations to get the deal done.

---End of update---

Negotiations will continue Tuesday, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:

Wojnarowski found that the Celtics have apparently backed away from their request for the Clippers to absorb multiple long-term contracts and are allegedly willing to pull the trigger on this trade for two first-round picks and center DeAndre Jordan.

As per ESPN’s Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne, L.A. is willing to take on at least one bad contract—either Courtney Lee’s or Jason Terry’s—but not both.

The Clips are reluctant to part with more than one draft pick in exchange for the 37-year-old big man and head coach, as they are trying to retain as many pieces as possible for a future deal.

No longer in pursuit of emerging young guard Eric Bledsoe, it seems the Celtics are just trying to acquire as many young assets and shed as much salary as possible in this deal.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge was reportedly originally seeking Bledsoe, center Jordan and two first-round draft picks in exchange for Garnett and Rivers, but the Clippers balked at the price.

Shelburne and Stein noted that the Clips would prefer to do two separate deals, one with KG heading to L.A. for Jordan, and another with Rivers joining for a first-round pick.

However, Boston is insistent that it either receives two first-round picks or sheds salary via dumping Lee’s three-year, $14.4 million deal, Terry’s two-year, $11 million contract or possibly both.

At this point in negotiations, it seems imperative for both sides that an agreement is reached. Should things fall apart in these late stages, there could be significant negative ramifications for each team.

It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Rivers would return to the Celtics. The coach is due $7 million per year over the next three seasons, and he has spurned his players by trying to get out of his current obligations.

Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix had a telling observation:

Rivers could return to broadcasting if he isn’t traded to L.A., as there’s little chance the C’s would pay him to oversee a rebuilding effort.

The Big Ticket may opt to retire, which is something he mulled last summer before signing a three-year extension in July. Without the coach he spent the last six years under, the future Hall of Famer and 2008 NBA champion could choose to hang up his sneakers.

For the Clippers, a failure to secure Rivers could set off a chain reaction that forces Chris Paul to spurn the franchise in free agency. As of now, there are still a number of respectable options on the open market, but each could easily be snapped up if the trade is delayed any longer.

Losing CP3 would greatly set the up-and-coming franchise back and likely see it fade back into irrelevance.

It’s clear that both parties need to get this done, so expect another day of heavy negotiations to conclude with more progress made and a possible finalization of this transaction.

Read more NBA Rumors news on BleacherReport.com

NBA Rumors: Analyzing League's Hottest Buzz

Alex Kay — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:01 -0400

Despite the fact that we are in the midst of an epic 2013 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat, the swell of rumors regarding free agency and potential trades is only growing.

The usual suspect—Dwight Howard—is, of course, prominently involved, but a blockbuster that could involve Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, DeAndre Jordan, Eric Bledsoe and possibly more is gaining a bit of steam.

Let’s take a look at the latest buzz on D12 and the most recent reports regarding the Clips and C’s megadeal in the making in Tuesday’s rumor roundup.

Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers Still Attempting to Breach Impasse

Over the weekend, reports began surfacing that the Celtics and Clippers were having discussions on a deal that would send coach Doc Rivers and forward Kevin Garnett to L.A.

However, Boston GM Danny Ainge asked for center DeAndre Jordan, guard Eric Bledsoe and two first-round draft picks in return for these assets, a price that the Clippers front office allegedly balked at.

Talks stalled after, but are back on as of Monday afternoon, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski:

The main tenets are being altered, as Bledsoe is reportedly no longer on the table (as per Wojnarowski):

If an agreement is to be struck, the Clippers will likely have to absorb at least one of the Celtics’ multiyear contracts in order to provide some cap relief to an organization that will be in full rebuilding mode after the trade (as per Wojnarowski):

There’s also the issue of Jordan, whom the C’s are apparently not enamored with—as per Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix—due to his lack of free-throw shooting and scoring skills. He’s also wildly overpaid, as the big man is set to make more than $22 million in the next two seasons.

What is becoming quite apparent is that a deal is extremely likely to be completed between these two franchises—which were originally in talks about a potential KG deal back in February.

It’ll be interesting to see how these issues get resolved and who moves where when the dust finally settles.

Dwight Howard Joining Forces With Monta Ellis?

Monta Ellis has opted out of the final year—and $11 million—of his contract and is now preparing to test his value in free agency this offseason.

While this decision was rumored during the season and immediately after the Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention, ESPN’s Chris Broussard first reported that it became official on Monday.

It has opened the door for Ellis, one of the league’s most dynamic players, to team up with Dwight Howard—one of the two elite unrestricted free agents in 2013.

Broussard noted that D12 still wishes to partner up with Chris Paul—the other top player on the open market—but would consider joining Ellis if that doesn’t pan out.

Apparently the two have long desired to play together, but haven’t had an opportunity to make that happen until now.

Many of the teams eyeing Howard are reportedly interested in Ellis, a short list that includes the Los Angeles Lakers—who would have to complete a sign-and-trade to acquire him—Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks.

If Howard and Paul don’t end up on the same roster this summer—and that seems to be a long shot at best—it would not be surprising to see D12 opt for Plan B and link up with Ellis.

Los Angeles Lakers Won’t Deal Dwight Howard

If a suitor for Howard doesn’t have the cap space this summer, it likely doesn’t have much of a chance to acquire the superstar.

According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers will either re-sign last year’s prized offseason acquisition or let him walk away in unrestricted free agency in order to get the cap space.

It’s a blow to teams like the Clippers, who were reportedly interested in trading star forward Blake Griffin and Bledsoe to their in-town rivals in exchange for Superman.

However, the Lakers know that they would be well positioned to rebuild in 2014 with Howard off the books.

If Kobe Bryant is willing to take a pay cut from the exorbitant $30.5 million he will make in 2013-14, L.A. could keep him aboard and still find the space to add two max-contract free agents next summer.

GM Mitch Kupchak is smart enough to bring the Lakers back to prominence, even if the club suffers a down year and is spurned by Dwight Howard next month.

Read more NBA Rumors news on BleacherReport.com

NBA Rumors: Latest Rumblings From Around the League

David Daniels — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:00:00 -0400

The NBA rumor mill is busy.

Offseason speculation surrounds once again Dwight Howard. He’s able to leave the Los Angeles Lakers this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Also in the City of Angels, the Clippers have been linked to the Boston Celtics in a trade scenario which would produce a shift of power in the league.

Here are each rumor’s latest rumblings.

LA-Boston Blockbuster

Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported that trade talks which would send Kevin Garnett and Doc Rivers to the Clippers hit a snag on Saturday. Los Angeles is willing to surrender DeAndre Jordan and a first-round pick for the Celtics duo. Sheridan Hoops’ Mark Heisler reported, however, that Boston GM Danny Ainge wants Jordan, Eric Bledsoe and two first-round selections.

Los Angeles refused.

Wojnarowski tweeted that both sides did not resume talks on Father’s Day.

Despite the difference in demands between the two clubs, ESPN’s Bill Simmons still believes a deal will go down.

D12 Sign-and-Trade

ESPN’s Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne reported that the potential remains for the Lakers to complete a sign-and-trade of Howard if he’s determined to sign elsewhere. According to sources, the Houston Rockets will offer Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik for the center’s services if unable to lure him in free agency. Another potential trade partner for the purple and gold is the Clippers.

The Los Angeles Times’ Broderick Turner reported that league executives said a swap of Howard for Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe won’t happen. An executive instead predicted that if the Lakers can’t re-sign Howard, they’ll settle for freeing up cap space.

With Howard off the books and Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and nearly the entire roster scheduled to become free agents by the summer of 2014, Los Angeles would possess enough cap space to sign stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony who have early termination options in their contracts.

David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and news editor at Wade-O Radio.

Read more NBA Rumors news on BleacherReport.com

NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Buzz From Around the Association

Mike Hoag — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 07:00:02 -0400

The NBA Finals are in full swing, but that hasn’t stopped offseason rumors from swirling around the league.

While the Finals are down to just two teams—Miami and San Antonio—there have been plenty of rumors about coaching changes and the upcoming draft and free agency period. Every team can get in on the action this time of the year.

And there are plenty of rumblings to keep the excitement mill turning too.

Take a look at a rundown of the latest and greatest NBA rumors currently out there.

Doc Rivers Saga

The Boston Celtics are exploring options for life after head coach Doc Rivers. To this point Rivers has been non-committal about his intentions to return to the team next season.

That uncertainty has prompted a trade offer by the Los Angeles Clippers. According to Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clips would send Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan and two first-round picks to Boston in exchange for Rivers and Kevin Garnett.

Additionally, Paul Pierce is believed to potentially be included in any movement of the Celtics pair, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein:

The Clippers, though, are reportedly not willing to give up Bledsoe and a second No. 1 pick, and could be ready to move on from the deal, according to Los Angeles Times reported Brad Turner:

Turner also added that the Clips informed Rivers the deal is dead and that Rivers is prepared to stay in Beantown:

Interestingly, Wojnarowski noted that Rivers doesn’t want to stay in Boston unless the team brings back both Garnett—who is mulling retirement—and Pierce—an overpaid, aging veteran.

Remember, Garnett has a no-trade clause in his contract, making Rivers' inclusion in any trade a likely necessity for him to agree to not exercise that right.

If Rivers is staying put in Boston, Danny Ainge is in a tough position. In order to keep Rivers happy he’ll have to convince Garnett to hold off on retirement and work out a new, more manageable deal with Pierce.

Andre Iguodala to Opt Out of Contract

Denver Nuggets star Andre Iguodala plans to opt out of the final year of his contract, according to Wojnarowski.

The news came just one week after the team fired head coach George Karl. While on the surface the two events may be related, there could be a chance that Iguodala ends up signing a long-term deal with the Nuggets even after opting out.

Denver has the potential to offer the shooting guard a five-year deal, whereas other teams can only provide four years. If he had remained under contract after the June 25 deadline, Iguodala would have only been allowed to ink a three-year extension with the Nuggets.

For an aging player looking for long-term stability, opting out for a more lengthy contract doesn’t necessarily mean he plans on leaving the team in the long run.

However, that isn’t going to stop teams from trying to lure him away. Some rumors have already popped up about teams interesting in doing just that.

Wojnarowski listed the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans as teams he is hearing that will pursue Iguodala once free agency begins on July 1.

There is also an interest from the Golden State Warriors, according to Bay Area News Groups’ Marcus Thompson. Thompson also said Iguodala wants to play for the Warriors because of his strong relationship with Stephen Curry and his affinity for the team’s style of play.

More Clippers Buzz

What's an NBA offseason without rumors about a potential move for Dwight Howard?

The Clippers aren’t just active in their pursuit of Rivers and Garnett. They are eyeing much bigger fish, according to Stein:

Chris Paul is a free agent and has been communicating with Howard about potential scenarios that would lead to the two friends playing together next season.

The deal may not happen, though, as the Lakers are reportedly not interested, according to Wojnarowski:

Giving up Blake Griffin is a downside, but keeping Paul happy—and on the roster—by uniting him with Howard is certainly an ideal option for the team. Also, if their deal with Boston ends up panning out despite the reported setback, they would have an incredible group in place for their 2013-14 campaign.

If, somehow, the Clippers pull off both of these rumored deals, it would be the biggest offseason splash since the summer of LeBron James’ “Decision.”

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Why Dwight Howard for Blake Griffin Sign-and-Trade Would Benefit Both LA Teams

Dan Favale — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:19:25 -0400

Rivals aren't supposed to help one another out, but the Lakers and Clippers should in this case.

According to Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Lakers remain optimistic that they can re-sign Dwight Howard but haven't closed the door on a potential sign-and-trade involving him, Blake Griffin and Eric Bledsoe.

The Lakers have had several discussions with Howard's representatives over the past few weeks and remain confident that they will ultimately keep him with the franchise, even as he's made it clear he will entertain other suitors.

One source with knowledge of the Lakers' thinking said Saturday that any suggestion they could not philosophically allow themselves to make a major trade with the Clippers was "overblown." If the Clippers do indeed decide to formally offer Griffin and Bledsoe in a sign-and-trade package for Howard, indications are that it's a proposal the Lakers will certainly not dismiss outright.

The thought of two in-house rivals pulling the trigger on a trade of this magnitude seems far-fetched. They play for the same city in the same building. It just seems wrong.

However, this deal truly would benefit both parties.

The Los Angeles Clippers

Though Chris Paul has complete control of the franchise, from roster to personnel decisions, he remains a flight risk. Having absolute power means very little when you don't have the ability to exert it properly.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Paul wants to team up with Howard. While the two have tossed around the idea of joining forces, banding together in Los Angeles is far more appealing from a marketing, lifestyle and historical standpoint.

Acquiring Howard keeps Paul in a Clippers uniform. That's the ultimate goal. He's shifted the narrative of the entire organization, fresh off leading them to their best regular-season finish in franchise history (56 wins).

A first-round exit that included Paul being ejected in Los Angeles' final game of the postseason wasn't part of the plan, but it's hardly a harbinger of doom if the Clippers can retain him. Keeping him is more complicated than initially anticipated, though.

As currently constructed, the Clippers aren't coming out of the Western Conference. If by some chance they do, there's a strong possibility the Miami Heat will be waiting on the other end (at least next year). They're not equipped to beat them either.

Paul, Griffin and DeAndre Jordan don't make up the most formidable Big Three in the NBA, or even close to it. Griffin is right there, but Jordan isn't.

His 8.8 points per game this season were a career high, his post game is non-existent, and he's never averaged 30 minutes a night for an entire season (perhaps because of his career mark of 42.4 percent from the free-throw line).

To Griffin's credit, he's a legitimate superstar. Parting ways with an athletically gifted 24-year-old who is one of only 28 players in NBA history (20 of which are Hall of Famers) to average 20 points and 10 rebounds through his first three seasons isn't going to be easy.

Doing what's necessary never is.

Howard is still the best center in basketball. One down season isn't going to change that. Battling a bad back and shoulder, Howard still managed to average 17.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

He's still one of just eight players in NBA history to have posted at least 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks per game through the first eight seasons of his career.

More importantly, Paul wants to play with him. It always comes back to that. Knowing the point guard is the future of this team, landing Howard at the cost of Griffin and a budding talent like Bledsoe is an avenue the Clippers have to explore if Paul wishes them to.

Of course, the deal isn't perfect. Rarely, if ever, is any trade without its flaws.

Aside from losing Griffin, the Clippers would still be stuck with Jordan. Paying him roughly $11 million annually to be a backup is a waste of financial and tactical resources. Paul and Howard won't lead the Clippers to a title on their own. They need help, and Jordan doesn't provide the necessary assistance.

On the plus side, this is a hindrance that has the potential to become an advantage.

According to Stein and Shelburne, Los Angeles is currently attempting to pry Kevin Garnett (and Doc Rivers) away from the Boston Celtics. Garnett is someone who can play inside-out and effectively complement Howard. He can do everything Jordan can't.

Thus far, Jordan has been a part of any potential package being sent to Boston. The two parties have reached an impasse over Bledsoe, however, who the Clippers would need to acquire Howard. Boston remains unwilling to deal Garnett without receiving Bledsoe in return.

Should this change—and with the way Boston seems to be salivating over Jordan and some first-round picks, it could—the Clippers could then have a core of Howard, Paul and Garnett to build around. At 37, Garnett isn't Griffin, but I'd take the final two years of his career over the next two of Jordan's.

Flipping Jordan for anything of value is the real issue, though. Even if it's not Garnett, the Clippers need to feel confident in their ability to move him after trading for Howard or run the risk of paying someone they don't need and probably don't want.

Assuming the Clippers can find a taker (they can) for the offensively limited center, bringing in Howard becomes that more much appealing. To ensure Paul remains in Los Angeles, it may even be a necessity.

The Los Angeles Lakers

Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers' interest in completing this transaction is bound to catch many by surprise.

Plan A has always been to re-sign Howard. Plan B has always consisted of them moving forward without him while preserving their projected cap space for 2014.

Sometimes plans need to change, and if Howard isn't willing to remain with the Lakers, this is one of those times.

First, understand that if Howard doesn't want to don purple and gold, the Lakers shouldn't want him. If he isn't sold on the history, on their proven ability to remain relevant and win championships, that's his problem. Let him go.

But don't let him go for nothing.

Los Angeles could play it safe, let Howard go elsewhere and head into the summer of 2014 with just Steve Nash's $9.7 million salary on the books. From there, the Lakers can chase LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and whoever is available. Perhaps any one of them would accept the challenge Tinseltown presents.

Would prospective superstars embrace those demands without the assurance they wouldn't be doing it alone? Debatable.

The Lakers will have enough money to sign multiple stars, but already having one in place would go a long way. To an extent, that's the plan with Howard. His presence is supposed to sell interested free agents on Los Angeles.

Griffin's presence would do the same. He's not Howard, his post game still needs work, he's had issues with injuries and his defensive execution fluctuates, but he's still a star.

Remember: Without Griffin, there is no Paul. There's no way Paul agrees to that trade back in 2011 if the Clippers don't have another star. Griffin was that star then, and he can be that star for the Lakers now and in the future.

Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Nash used to be selling points. All on the wrong side of 30, they don't have the same effect. Some would postulate their age has an adverse effect, and they'd be right.

The Lakers could actually use Griffin on the floor now, before he's used in their inevitable sales pitches. They need to get younger and faster, and he is both. He also allows Gasol to shift back to the 5, where he posted a 22 PER this past season.

Mike D'Antoni would love Griffin. He and the rest of the Lakers would love Bledsoe as well. Like Griffin, he's young and athletic, and he gives them their point guard of the future.

Bledsoe averaged 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.5 steals per 36 minutes this year. Only eight other players in NBA history have hit such marks before their 24th birthday and while logging at least 20 total minutes per night. Four of those eight include Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Jason Kidd and Chris Paul himself.

Translation: Bledsoe has a future, a blindingly bright one.

When free agents take a look at the Lakers roster next summer, they would see a current superstar in Griffin and a player who is on the cusp of stardom being mentored by one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game (Nash) in Bledsoe.

Plenty of things could go wrong for the Lakers. Griffin could get injured or not be enough to recruit fellow superstars. Bledsoe could also be a bust.

Howard's shoulder could suddenly tear, or his back could go out after the Lakers ink him to a $100-plus million contract as well. There are always perils involved when making trades or signing players.

The Lakers can send Howard packing, and they can do so while receiving something in return. And when those two somethings are Bledsoe and Griffin, that's change worth embracing.

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Report: San Antonio Spurs May Replace Tiago Splitter in Starting 5 for Game 5

Dan Favale — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:42:34 -0400

The Miami Heat went small in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and now the San Antonio Spurs may be forced to follow suit in Game 5.

Per Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio's Tiago Splitter might be forced to cede his starting spot to someone else after a regrettable Game 4 performance.

“That's Pop's decision,” Splitter said of being relegated to bench duty. “You cannot blame him for my bad game. I will do whatever I have to do to win a game. If it's to be 48 minutes on the bench, or play 48 minutes, I will.”

Splitter played all of 14 minutes in Game 4, committed three turnovers—one of which came after the Spurs won the opening tip—and had two of his three shot attempts blocked.

Gregg Popovich opened the second half with Boris Diaw at center, who posted a plus-three despite the Spurs inevitably losing by 16 to Splitter's minus-11.

When Pop initially removed the big man early in the first quarter he also went to Neal, who had another strong outing, scoring 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting (3-of-5 from downtown).

It's been suggested that Pop could make a similar change to start Game 5.

“I don't think that would happen,” Diaw answered when asked if he or Neal could start in place of Splitter, “but I wouldn't be surprised at anything with Pop.

Nor would we.

Asked if the Spurs would run with the same starting five in Game 5 as they did in Game 4, Pop indicated he would, though admitted that could change.

Erik Spoelstra started Mike Miller over Udonis Haslem in Game 4, shifting LeBron James to power forward, and the results were staggering.

Though Miller himself was just 0-of-1 from the field, he played a strong defensive game and his presence alone permitted the Heat to space the floor in ways they never could have with Haslem. The switch also allowed LeBron to become a more active defender of Tim Duncan-Tony Parker pick-and-rolls, an added benefit that aided in Miami's 16-point thrashing.

In attempt to combat a smaller lineup with a smaller lineup, replacing Splitter with either Neal or Diaw becomes a strong possibility.

“We know we have a whole team behind us, helping," Splitter admitted. "We have to be smarter and stronger next game.”

Being smarter may entail San Antonio playing without Splitter in the starting five.

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Andre Iguodala Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Nuggets Star

Mike Hoag — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:50:08 -0400

Andre Iguodala plans to opt out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets, but are his days in Denver at an end?

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news on June 14 that Iguodala, approaching the last season of his contract, decided to opt out of the deal in order to enter free agency.

As a result, the star will leave $15.9 million on the table in hopes of signing a more lucrative and long-term deal.

Iguodala has until June 25 to exercise the termination clause on his contract.

The Nuggets have an advantage in terms of long-term stability, though, as the team can offer him a five-year deal as opposed to the four years other teams can provide.

Let’s take a look at the latest buzz around this big breaking development on the NBA free agency landscape.

Will He Stay or Will He Go?

So where does that leave his chances to returning to his soon-to-be former team?

"We are fully aware of Andre's intentions and he's well aware of how much we want him back. Andre is a huge priority for our organization," Nuggets CEO Josh Kroenke said, according to Wojnarowski.

His decision to opt out may have been a result of the team parting ways with George Karl last week. When asked about the firing, Iguodala was noncommittal in his reply.

“Good question. Need some time to let it sink in,” Iguodala said, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Whether or not that was the motivating factor in him making this move remains to be seen.

Denver does have one thing working in its favor, though. Iguodala would have only had the option to sign a three-year extension with the Nuggets had he chosen not to opt out and negotiate a new deal with the team next season. That means that this move is still a logical step towards him remaining with the Nuggets.

Kroenke must move quickly to secure a top-tier coach and present Iguodala with a competitive plan for the future if he hopes to retain the stalwart defender before the rest of the league pounces.

Golden State Warriors

Bay Area News Group Warriors beat writer Marcus Thompson was quick to the punch after Wojnarowski broke the news. He said the team is interested and has liked Iguodala for a while.

Further, Thompson said the feeling is mutual between the two parties:

If the Warriors want to land Iguodala they will need to execute a sign-and-trade deal with the Nuggets. They still have over $70 million on the books for next season, and such a deal is the only realistic way the Warriors could make Iguodala an option.

Other Teams in the Hunt

Golden State won’t be the only one in the hunt after free agency kicks off this summer. Wojnarowski broke down some of the potential suitors who will reportedly pursue the standout shooting guard:

After superstars Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, Iguodala will be a target for several teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans, league sources said.

With the fates of Chris Paul and Dwight Howard becoming seemingly intertwined, Iguodala will be the obvious next choice for teams missing out on those two superstars.

ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported the two friends were currently discussing ways that they could end up playing together next season.

Of the teams listed, the Warriors and the young and promising Houston Rockets appear to be intriguing options for Iguodala. His solid all-around game and flexibility could help put either of those two teams over the top.

Where he will end up, though, will continue to be a primary focus of NBA rumors this summer.

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Doc Rivers Would Take Clippers to Next Level as Head Coach

Pete Schauer — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:11:45 -0400

Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers could be a match made in heaven.

Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe reports that Rivers is considering leaving his head coaching position with the Boston Celtics, while the Clippers are still without a head coach following the firing of Vinny Del Negro.

All of this has led to reports that Rivers and the Clippers are showing mutual interest in each other, according to ESPN.

Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers have mutual interest, sources say http://t.co/f2aQHNUEp7
— ESPN New York (@ESPNNewYork) June 13, 2013

If Rivers were to make the move to the West Coast, he could be the key to elevating the Clippers to the next level in terms of franchise history and postseason success.

Los Angeles was bounced from the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs in six games by the Memphis Grizzlies—the same team it beat in the 2012 playoffs before being swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the conference semifinals.

Rivers, of course, led the Celtics to a title in 2008 and has coached Boston to the playoffs every season since then, with the Celtics only losing in the first round once during that span—this season.

Perhaps one of the biggest impacts Rivers could make to the Clippers would be the retaining of standout point guard Chris Paul.

Paul is an unrestricted free agent and could very well be on the move this summer, but one has to think that if Rivers jumps ship to L.A., Paul may re-think his decision to leave the Clippers. Rivers did an excellent job in the development of Rajon Rondo in Boston, and while Paul certainly doesn't need much work on his game, Rivers is a players' coach with a winning resume.

The Clippers have a strong nucleus with Paul and Blake Griffin, but what's been missing is an elite coach like Rivers.

ESPN's Marc Stein reports that Los Angeles plans to be aggressive in providing a supporting cast for Paul and Griffin and that aggression should only grow if Rivers ends up becoming the head coach of the Clippers.

L.A. needs to make some big moves this summer to take the next step, and with Rivers expressing interest, the Clippers have to pull the trigger.

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NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard and Chris Paul Reportedly Interested in Teaming Up

Alex Kay — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:00:23 -0400

Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are regarded as the top players set to hit the open market this summer, and one team may wind up inking both of them. According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the two superstars have been texting one another frequently and are hoping to “team up” for the 2013-14 campaign and beyond.

Sources: CP3 & D12 hope to team up next season. Have been texting back & forth to figure it out. Story up soon on http://t.co/IRyv1niwQm
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) June 14, 2013

Should they join forces, it would be the most impactful free agency coup since 2010, when LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to take their talents to South Beach, forming a “Big Three” for the Miami Heat that is now competing in a third straight NBA Finals.

Paul and Howard both made their way to Los Angeles recently, with CP3 getting traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Clippers in December of 2011 and Howard being shipped off by the Orlando Magic to the Lakers in the summer of 2012.

They have both encountered varying degrees of success with their current organizations, but neither advanced past the first round of the playoffs in 2013. By signing with the same team, they would be greatly improving their chances for success in the postseason.

One franchise that has openly discussed this possibility is the Atlanta Hawks, who were recently fined for “tampering” by sending out a letter to prospective season ticket buyers.

According to Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the message read:

The buzz around our offseason is more than heating up. With massive cap space, 4 draft picks, and free agency rapidly approaching, we sit in the best position in the NBA. Player interest is skyrocketing as the possibilities of landing Chris Paul & Dwight Howard become more and more of a reality.

While it was originally expected that Paul would re-sign with the Clips and Howard had no interest in playing for his hometown Hawks, the message above suggests things have changed.

If Broussard’s report is true, Atlanta is one of the few clubs that could reasonably clear the required space to sign both superstars.

There are a few other organizations with a small chance of signing both CP3 and D12, and you can expect that general managers around the league are doing their homework and attempting to find out if this report is true.

Should Howard and Paul team up, the two superstars could be the centerpieces of the NBA's next dynasty.

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NBA Rumors: Dwight Howard Wise to Reportedly Expand Free Agency Pool

Donald Wood — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 07:00:02 -0400

As free agency approaches, the talk of where Los Angeles Lakers center and impending free agent Dwight Howard will end up signing this offseason has been the talk of the NBA.

According to Steve Kyler of USA Today, Howard has now reportedly expanded his destination options to several more teams:

Howard limiting himself to just a few teams was not the right move for the future of NBA star, and expanding the options to include franchises with different styles and positions in the league was the smart choice.

There is little doubt that Howard will be the most coveted free agent this offseason, and he must learn from his time with the Orlando Magic and the Lakers about what he is looking for in a team and an organization.

If the latest report is accurate, the new possibilities—the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio Spurs—are just as intriguing as all the others.

Brooklyn Nets Are An Option Again

The Brooklyn Nets were all-in on Howard before the Magic traded him to Los Angeles, and with another chance to sign him, the franchise would do whatever it takes to coax the star center to New York.

The problem for Brooklyn is that not only does the franchise have to compete with other teams across the league for Howard’s services, but if he agreed to a deal, the Nets would need to make the necessary trades and cost-cutting changes to make the deal work financially.

According to Kyler, that wouldn't be easy:

While it would be a tough move to pull off for Brooklyn, the fact that Howard would be coached by one of the hardest-working players in league history, Jason Kidd, during his first attempt at being a head coach in the NBA (h/t ESPN) would make this is a long-term project the free agent can invest in for the future.

San Antonio Spurs Now Being Considered?

While the entire San Antonio Spurs franchise may be focused on winning the 2013 NBA championship, the report claims that Howard would consider signing with the perennial Western Conference contender.

On paper, this doesn’t look like an ideal fit for a player that doesn’t give 100 percent effort on every play and can be mentally shaken by situations. However, if there is a coach in the NBA that can help Howard blossom into one of the greatest of all time, it’s Gregg Popovich.

Add in the fact that San Antonio will have some cap space, according to Kyler, and the possibility that both parties could be intrigued by a possible relationship will climb after the season is over:

The Spurs haven’t become one of the best organizations in sports over the last decade without testing every possible option and taking educated risks. If Howard is considered a top player by the team and a viable option in free agency, Popovich would have the big man playing fundamental basketball and taking responsibility immediately.

With Tim Duncan not getting any younger, this would be a perfect fit for both parties.

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Report: Miami Heat Considering Mike Miller In Starting Five For Game 4 of Finals

Dan Favale — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:24:21 -0400

Mike Miller will be called upon to save the Miami Heat's offense in Game 4 of the 2013 NBA Finals.

Update by Stephen Babb at 8:55 pm ET, June 13

The Miami Heat are indeed starting Mike Miller in an effort to spread the floor in Game 4 according to the team's twitter account:

#HEATFinals: Tonight’s @MiamiHEAT starters: @KingJames, @ChrisBosh, @m33m, @DwyaneWade, @mchalmers15.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) June 14, 2013

---End of Update---

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, coach Erik Spoelstra may insert Miller into the Heat's starting lineup for Game 4 with the hope that he'll inject some much-needed offense:

Looking to jump-start a sluggish offense, Miami Heat coach Erik Spolestra is considering changing his starting lineup for Game 4 of the NBA Finals and inserting the hot-shooting Mike Miller, sources said Thursday.

Miller is 10-of-11 shooting on three-pointers in the finals thus far and is shooting 50 percent from behind the arc in the postseason. He started 17 games in the regular season, mostly as a fill-in for Dwyane Wade when he was battling injuries, and the Heat were 13-4 in those games.

Windhorst notes that should Miller start, it will likely be Udonis Haslem—who played just 10 minutes in Game 3—who gets the boot.

And sure enough, Spoelstra has pulled the trigger, slotting Miller into the Heat's first unit.

Miller is shooting better than 90 percent from downtown in the finals and was 5-of-5 from deep in Game 3, when the Heat managed to muster just 77 points as a team.

With the San Antonio Spurs packing the paint, LeBron James and friends have been forced to jack up long-range jumpers. Miller stretches the floor in ways Haslem can't and creates more space overall.

Neither Dwyane Wade nor Chris Bosh are considered lethal three-point threats, so starting Haslem has often created logjams. Starting Miller should alleviate such clogs.

Let's not pretend like the Heat don't need his scoring in general, either.

LeBron is connecting on just 38.9 percent of his field-goal attempts thus far, and Miami has eclipsed 90 points once in three games. Not to mention Bosh and Wade have been incredibly inconsistent.

Sorely in need of an additional scoring punch, giving Miller the nod might not be such a bad idea—provided his back, legs and whatever else is ailing him can handle it.

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NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Big Names Who Could Be Traded This Summer

Tyler Conway — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:00:01 -0400

While much of the mainstream focus is rightfully on the San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat's journey to the Larry O'Brien Trophy, the other 28 teams in the NBA are laser-focused on what comes after the victor between these two teams have their victory parade.

Unlike other sports, where there is at least a momentary break in the action, the NBA hops almost immediately from its finals to the draft and beginning of free agency. And especially that time between the ending of the Finals and beginning of the draft—the pre-moratorium period, as it's called in NBA circles—is especially salient.

It's during that short stretch that teams can shop draft picks, non-guaranteed deals and even star-worthy players to acquire more attractive assets. While there is no guarantee that any of these moves get done—there never is—the speculation in the next couple weeks will be reaching a near-midsummer apex.

Top names will be bandied about, and if the deal is even discussed for a second, word will leak to the press. We all know that at this point. Nothing is sacred in NBA talks, which is usually why the deals that don't get mentioned incessantly wind up happening. That being said, these initial rumors are interesting to see where teams stand with their current roster or how shrug-worthy they feel about selecting in their current draft spot.

With that in mind, here is a complete breakdown of all the latest NBA trade rumblings as we inch ever closer to the end of the 2012-13 season.

Danny Granger on the Move, Cavs Interested?

The last 12 months had to have been interesting for Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger. This time a year ago, he was a franchise player on a team that pushed the eventual champion Miami Heat to six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Though he went down in that series with a knee injury, it was viewed as a great stepping stone for the franchise, with Indiana only being expected to come back stronger in 2012-13.

And they did—without Granger. The Pacers marched to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, pushed Miami again in the postseason (this time in the conference finals) and did so all despite Granger playing just five games the entire campaign. Paul George and Roy Hibbert emerged as two of the brightest young talents in basketball, leaving some to wonder what comes next for Granger.

With his contract expiring after next season, it's starting to look like that answer might be a one-way ticket to trade city. According to Fox Sports' Sam Amico, the Pacers are "looking for a taker" for Granger, and one team that's popped up in discussions is the Cleveland Cavaliers:

Multiple sources believe the Pacers are looking for a taker for veteran small forward Danny Granger. The Cavs are interested, sources said, but have reservations about the knee injury that forced him to miss much of the season. If the injury robbed Granger of his explosiveness, such a move would hardly be worth the gamble.

Now don't confuse Indiana's interest in trading Granger as a desperation—because it's not.

Still only 30 years old, Granger could theoretically be the team's perfect sixth man. The Pacers struggled the entire season to find consistency coming off their bench, with names like D.J. Augustin and Sam Young getting extensive postseason minutes. Yikes. Granger's ability to spread the floor with his shooting and put the ball in the hoop consistently would do wonders. Had Granger been in the lineup for the Eastern Conference Finals, it's very likely the Pacers are playing the Spurs right now.

That being said, kicking the tires on such an idea is at least smart on the surface. Though Granger came off the bench for the five games he returned during the 2012-13 season, Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star noted that the former All-Star said he expects to start next year. Are the Pacers willing to disrupt the rhythm they found this year? That's very questionable.

As for the Cleveland part of the rumor, it could have some validity. The Cavs need a win, they need veterans and they could use some perimeter shooting. But it's laughable from Cleveland's perspective to ship the No. 1 pick off for Granger, and it's equally nonsensical for Indiana to send off an asset for the Cavs' second first-round pick, No. 19.

There's a workable middle ground here, but it may take a while to reach.

Bobcats Could Trade 1st-Round Pick, Chris Bosh a Possibility?

You'll never believe this, but it seems the Bobcats come into this offseason looking to get better. It seems they're not satisfied with their rapid ascent from worst team in the history of basketball to second-worst team in the NBA this past season. Strange.

Sarcasm aside, Charlotte really hasn't been dealt many great cards in its quest to dig itself out of an ever-deepening hole. The team lost out on the Anthony Davis sweepstakes a year ago, and they could be in a position this year where their best-possible draft target—Kansas guard Ben McLemore—is off the board by No. 4.

It's easy to criticize a rebuilding franchise. I do that for a living. But there is a ton of luck involved in these processes—lottery balls, the whims of other teams, the ever-present injury possibilities—that often get ignored.

Well, it seems like the Bobcats are fixin' to make their own luck. According to the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Charlotte is looking to make a huge trade splash this summer and is dangling its No. 4 overall selection. Perhaps more pertinent to the current events side of these things, Miami Heat forward-center Chris Bosh has been floated as a possibility:

The Charlotte Bobcats are looking to make a splash this summer and are open to trading their first-round pick in a package for an All-Star-caliber player. There are rumors the Heat will be looking to deal Chris Bosh, and the Bobcats, who are under the salary cap and could accept Bosh’s near-maximum deal, could be a prime candidate.

Let's address the Charlotte rumor first. Should the Bobcats not be thrilled with their prospects of landing a building block piece at No. 4, by all means trading the pick is a solid enough option. They're not going to make the playoffs next season barring a trade for LeBron James, but even a young core needs an infusion of veteran leadership eventually (e.g. the Cavaliers).

The Bosh undercurrent, though, probably depends on how these Finals play out. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams like Miami's uber-expensive Big Three aren't feasible over an extended period of time. Bosh, even though he's Miami's second-most important player at this point (yes, including Dwyane Wade), has always been the most likely to get jettisoned.

That being said, even if Bosh gets dealt, it won't be to Charlotte. The Heat will need to get a cheaper player who can help them compete now, and the No. 4 pick in this draft won't provide that. With Charlotte's relative dearth of other assets (other than cap space), this doesn't seem like a match.

Ersan Ilyasova for No. 3 Pick Rumor Floated?

The Bucks, though a No. 8 seed that got pulverized by Miami in the playoffs, walk into this summer as one of the most intriguing teams to watch. Monta Ellis (player option), J.J. Redick and Brandon Jennings (restricted) will all likely be on the free-agent market this summer, leaving open an innumerable amount of roster possibilities.

Milwaukee has already been in contact with Ellis' representation, offering a two-year contract extension should he opt into his player option for next season. The word has been more mum on Redick and Jennings, but suffice it to say this will probably be a relatively overhauled roster come Halloween.

And it doesn't look like the guard trio are the only ones who could be playing elsewhere by the end of this summer. The Racine Journal-Times' Gery Woelfel appeared on 1250 AM radio in Milwaukee last week and noted that the Bucks would be willing to trade forward Ersan Ilyasova, with the Washington Wizards' No. 3 overall pick being a possibility:

Well, they'd move him. It's going to be a major move because Ersan's value is definitely pretty high. One of the rumors—and I repeat, rumor, all capital letters here—is that Washington might have some interest in Ilyasova and another Bucks player.

The radio host would confirm in the interview that Woelfel was alluding to the third pick in this year's draft. There were no assertions of who else the Bucks would send Washington's way, nor was there any talk about just how seriously we should take these rumors—hence the "all capital letters" quote.

That being said, Ilyasova would be an interesting fit with the Wizards—even if it'd take a lot more than him alone to pry the No. 3 pick if I were running the team. Though he got off to a dreadful start to the season, Ilyasova scored 17.2 points and grabbed nine rebounds per game while knocking down nearly 45 percent of his three pointers for Milwaukee after the All-Star break.

With the Wizards needing some offensive boost from their frontcourt—Nene and Emeka Okafor are good defenders but lacking in offensive versatility—this could be a nice fit. Point guard John Wall even told the Washington Post's Eric Detweiler that someone of Ilyasova's ilk—a stretch 4-type—is a "need" for the club earlier this month.

“I don’t know,” Wall said. “It’s up in the air right now. I feel like we need a four man that can pick and pop, so we’ll just see.”

Washington might want to negotiate down a bit, but adding Ilyasova could cement this team as a playoff contender next year.

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NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Speculation Surrounding 2013 Draft

Ryan Rudnansky — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:12:17 -0400

As we inch closer to the 2013 NBA draft, more and more rumors will naturally sprout up like a high school prospect going through a growth spurt.

Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel has been penciled in at No. 1 overall for much of the year by draft experts, but recent rumors have made things interesting.

Two prospects in particular have soared up draft boards, hailing from New Mexico and Greece.

Here's a look at some of the latest buzz surrounding the 2013 NBA draft, complete with analysis.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Moving Up Draft Boards?

According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com (subscription required), Greek small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo boosted his stock at the Eurocamp recently.

Ford wrote, "Antetokounmpo clearly has tremendous upside, and based on the feedback I heard, really helped himself. Some scouts believe he won't get past the (Atlanta) Hawks on draft night."

The news doesn't surprise me, since I've been touting the Greek for a long time now. I've had him going near the middle of the first round for a while, with the Cleveland Cavaliers taking him at No. 19 overall in my latest mock draft. The Hawks have the No. 17 and No. 18 overall picks this year.

Antetokounmpo is undoubtedly a project, and the competition he faced in Greece has been compared to Division III basketball in the United States, but the tools are there. The 6'9" forward has been compared to Scottie Pippen in terms of his skill set. He's extremely fluid driving into the lane and has shown nice passing and vision.

It will be awhile before the 18-year-old can contribute at the NBA level, but—with some work—he could be a difference-maker in the pros down the road.

Tony Snell Gaining?

New Mexico's Tony Snell is reportedly a lock in the first round, according to Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

Spears tweeted on Tuesday:

Snell is a rather polarizing prospect. On one hand, he has incredible athleticism and size—he ranked second among all participants in lane agility testing at the combine and is over 6'7" with shoes. On the other hand, he was inconsistent at New Mexico—he shot 42 percent from the field in his senior season.

Snell's fluid shooting stroke may alleviate some concerns. He also ranked second in shooting drills on Day 1 of the combine.

It appears as if at least one team in the first round believes it can work with Snell to become more consistent. Joe Kaiser of ESPN.com (subscription required) speculated that the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz (No. 21), Los Angeles Clippers (No. 25) and Minnesota Timberwolves (No. 26) could be interested in drafting Snell.

Right now, I'm thinking that the Hawks will draft Antetokounmpo and a big man. In that sense, I could see the Cavaliers or Jazz snatching Snell up. I think the Clippers are out of the question, since I expect them to trade Eric Bledsoe for a shooting guard and draft a backup point guard. The Timberwolves could be in play for Snell.

Alex Len in Play at No. 1 Overall?

According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com, Maryland center Alex Len could be a top-six pick this year. In fact, he could possibly go No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Ford wrote:

He's seriously in the mix with the Cavs for the No. 1 pick, with some sources indicating the Cavs could be moving his direction (I'm told Noel, Porter and Oladipo are the others). The Bobcats are also very high on Len, as are the Suns and Pelicans.

Make no mistake about it, Len has a boatload of potential. The 7'1" big man has a variety of skills, including an inside-outside offensive game, passing, rebounding and shot-blocking. He's also very athletic for his size.

As Ford wrote, "Teams feel like he has better size, is more polished offensively and could have a bigger upside than (Kentucky center Nerlens) Noel."

In terms of rebounding and shot-blocking, I'd give the edge to Noel, but Len is a more well-rounded prospect. Plus, Noel measured in at a staggering 206 pounds at the combine, which is incredibly thin, even for a power forward. Noel is also coming off a torn ACL.

I think the buzz surrounding Len is real, and I wouldn't be surprised if he were selected at No. 1 overall by the Cavaliers this year.

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