NBA Rumors: Breaking Down Latest Trade and Free Agent Buzz

Hushed tones and tasty rumors are the call of the day as we investigate every major trade or free agent on the market right now. 

There is no shortage of NBA teams that could use a boost right now. The trade deadline inches closer, meaning a few big names will be on their way out the door and into the jersey of another team. 

We have you covered on the best and brightest rumors and where they currently sit on the pile of possibilities. That means we will delve into Gilbert Arenas and his continued hope to make it back to the NBA. 

Proving that there is more than one old point guard willing to make a comeback, Allen Iverson is in the news. 

The Lakers are in dire need of any form of new talent. That means they could be looking at youthful guards to come off the bench, or older stars that will be doing what they can for one last season in the sun. 

Speaking of Suns, the smart move would be for Phoenix to trade away Steve Nash for what would be a great influx of youthful talent. That doesn't seem to be the case regarding one of the best to every play the position, however.

That is just a taste of all the rumors and Association innuendo that we will cover here. If you want to get updated on all the straight dope that is happening behind the scenes, continue to click forward in this week's breakdown. 

The season is just heating up, and that means a great deal of change is in store. As we know, change can be a very good thing in the NBA. 

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8. Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas finally had his workout for a couple of NBA teams. The Lakers were, of course, present and so was Warriors consultant Jerry West.

Adrian Wojanowski of Yahoo! Sports reports on the workout:

"

Two sources familiar with the workout said Arenas moved well and made a positive impression, but there was no sense of how quickly – if at all – the Lakers would pursue signing him to a free-agent contract.

"

The report does state that Kobe Bryant and Mike Brown are in favor of bringing in Arenas for backcourt support. 

While he gave a positive performance, the thought is the Lakers will exhaust their trade possibilities before dealing with Arenas further. 

7. JR Smith

We have a leader in the JR Smith sweepstakes. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne breaks down the latest on the player finishing up his role in the Chinese Basketball Association. 

Smith should be able to get back to the states by February 15th. Shelburne issues that the Knicks can offer him more money than the other team hot on his trail, the LA Clippers. 

However, she notes that Smith can be given a much bigger role with the Clip Show, and that should pull at his strings as a pending free agent in the summer. 

6. Jeremy Lin

It wouldn't be an NBA breakdown without the hottest player on the planet right now. Howard Beck of the New York Times reports the Knicks inherited the the early bird and restricted free agency status from the Rockets, who cut Lin in December 

That means he should be a Knick beyond the summer. Another team would have to offer him an exorbitant in order for New York to back off.

5. Allen Iverson

Just when you thought the season couldn't get anymore ridiculous, Allen Iverson tries to prove he is still relevant. 

The scary part is that the Iverson rumors have some legs. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith reports the Lakers actually had an interest in the former NBA superstar. 

"

[...] the Lakers had some interest in [Iverson] as long as he was willing to go to the NBA Developmental League for a few weeks first.

"

Smith continues that he seriously doubts the Lakers pull the trigger on the has-been who is gripping at any NBA straws he can at the moment. 

4. Steve Nash

Steve Nash continues to lead a team that is going nowhere. This team is stuck in mediocre means and is wasting one more season of brilliant Nash play. 

The obvious notion would be to deal him to a contender that would give the Suns a bounty of quality picks and/or players in return.

That isn't the case. 

ESPN's Marc Stein reports:

"

Sources close to the situation insist that Nash will be finishing this season as a Sun before the prospect of going elsewhere is even broached.

"

Nash is a rare player that is beyond loyal, and is not about to demand a trade even if that is in his best interest to win a ring. 

3. Chris Kaman

Chris Kaman comes highly regarded but the Hornets are finding it difficult to move the center. Most of that is due to the fact he is playing in a contract year. 

Marc Stein reports the following after establishing the Rockets and Pacers are the top teams interested in Kaman's services:

"

The Hornets are said to be seeking at least one good future draft pick or young player for Kaman, but getting even that much has proved difficult to land to date, presumably because of Kaman's ability to become a free agent in July.

"

2. Pau Gasol

The Lakers may be itching to trade Pau Gasol, but they are not about to pull the trigger for just anybody.

Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports Gasol could be flipped to the Rockets, but LA would want Kyle Lowry in return. 

Houston is not about to part with their emerging star point guard, but LA is not going to take back any less.

The Lakers should realize they hold most of the cards in a versatile power forward that is still among the game's best. 

1. Dwight Howard

Marc Stein gives us even more in his weekly "Weekend Dime" segment. He reports the Bulls are not about to ruffle the team chemistry and trade for Howard. 

They would much rather take their chances at an epic summer by signing the center in free agency. 

The Bulls, as we know, are not on Howard's wish list, but many believe Chicago has at least some allure and could beat the Nets, Mavericks and Lakers to the punch.