NBA Rumors: Recapping the Latest News and Speculation

As we head into the All-Star break, there won't be many moves made as the NBA prepares to celebrate the halfway point of the season that almost wasn't.

But with the trade deadline right around the corner, expect the rumor mill to pick up at a rapid pace.

Will Pau Gasol remain in a Lakers uniform?

Will Dwight Howard ever play another game in an Orlando uniform?

Let's take a look at all of that and much more as we take a trip around the association and look at the latest buzz.

Dwight Howard

The Dwight Howard saga could be close to coming to an end.

Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix reports that New Jersey Nets general manager Billy King could be working on a three or four team deal that could bring the All-Star center to New Jersey.

As the calender turns to march, the courtship for Howard should increase heavily. The Nets remain Howard's top choice, but will they be able to come up with a package that entices Orlando general manage Otis Smith?

Until this point Smith hasn't budged so it will be interesting to see what happens before Howard changes his mind once again.

Wilson Chandler

Chandler remains the best player on the market without a contract and according to his agent Chris Luchey, there are as many as six teams interested in the free agent.

Currently though there are only three team, Cleveland, Indiana and Sacramento, that have the cap space to sign him.

Every other team in the NBA would have to clear cap space first.

There is the possibility that Chandler sits out the season and looks to cash in on a big deal in the offseason.

A decision will have to be made on him by the March 1 deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets.

Deron Williams

According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the only possibility of Williams returning to New Jersey is if they swing a deal for Howard, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks as the top possibilities.

Ford also thinks that with no Howard trade, both All-Star's could be wearing Dallas uniforms next season.

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The only scenario where he doesn't (leave New Jersey) is if the Nets swing a deal for Dwight Howard at the trade deadline. At that point, I think Williams hangs around. If that doesn't happen, I think Williams will join Dwight Howard (assuming he's not traded to the Lakers in March) in Dallas next summer. Lots of signals pointing to this being the preferred outcome for both players.

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Cleveland Cavaliers

The rebuilding Cavs have a pair of players that veteran teams have their eyes on in point guard Ramon Sessions and forward Antawn Jamison.

Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Jamison's expiring contract has been rumored be dealt or bought out, but there's a good chance that with Cleveland in playoff contention that you will still see the veteran forward in a Cavs uniform past the March 15 trade deadline.

As for Sessions, Fox Sports Ohio's Sam Amico says that a Western Conference source expects the Lakers to up their pursuit for the guard after the All-Star break.

Indiana Pacers

As mentioned before, the Pacers are under the cap. Over $15 million under to be exact.

Larry Bird has hinted at the fact that he's not afraid to make moves to improve the roster for the stretch run.

While he didn't name any certain players he has his eyes on, could Chandler be a target for the Pacers?

Bird had the following to say during a chat with Conrad Brunner of Pacers.com.

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"We've got $15 million under the cap and I'm not afraid to make another move now to strengthen our bench or maybe even (add) one or two guys. We're still out there looking and whatever we can do to make this team better, we're going to do."

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Kevin Martin

Martin was not happy this week when he disputed a report from Bill Ingram at Hoopsworld that he's unhappy in Houston.

He's a candidate to be traded if the right deal comes along for Houston general manager Daryl Morey, but i wouldn't expect martin to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Monta Ellis

Ellis's name is popping up quite a bit lately as the struggling Warriors could attempt to deal him in an attempt to land the big man they've been after.

Golden State is confident that rookie Klay Thompson can step in an do a decent job filling the shoes of Ellis if they find a deal, but they won't consider trading Ellis without obtaining a star player in return.

According to Tim Kawakawi, the Warriors are looking to deal but only if it's the right deal as Warriors general manager Larry Riley told NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper.

Ellis is one of the better scorer's in the league and it's odd how often his name gets thrown out there in rumors.

Jose Calderon

The Raptors don't really want to pay Calderon close to $11 million next season and according to the Toronto Sun, the offers have been coming in for the point guard.

Calderon is having a great season, averaging 9.4 APG, but it would be hard to see Toronto dealing him without getting a legit point guard in return and the team's that would be inquiring about his services wouldn't have that to offer up.

Andre Iguodala

Iguodala is due to make $14.7 million next season and $15.9 million the following season and every year the Sixers are trying to unload his massive contract.

They shopped him in June before the draft but new ownership has put a stop to those plans as it looks like Iguodala finally can go a trade deadline without hearing his name in trade rumors.

Tom Thibodeau

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau originally signed a two-year deal with an option for a third season and although it's almost shocking that his option hasn't been picked up yet, the Chicago Tribune reports that there is no indication that it won't happen.

Thibodeau led the Bulls to the best record in the Eastern Conference a season ago and has them off to a 27-8 start to the 2012 season.

Pau Gasol

It seems like there is a new rumor involving Gasol almost every day, but even though Lakers star Kobe Bryant came to the defense of the big man, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak didn't take Gasol off the market.

The most interesting development came when league MVP Derrick Rose reportedly said he would trade Carlos Boozer for Gasol.

Rose has since denied that, but regardless it will be interesting to see how the Gasol situation plays out.

He likely still could be moved, but I wouldn't expect it until Howard is moved. just in case the Lakers are still in on him.

Steve Nash

There's been quite a bit of speculation regarding the future of two-time MVP Steve Nash, but according to a report from Hoops Rumors, Nash told the Suns he will re-sign with the club if they meet two demands.

For one they have to offer him a big contract as he's not willing to take a pay cut and the other demand is that they must acquire quality players to contend with.

This will be an interesting situation to follow as the Suns are in a rebuilding mode and not necessarily in a position right now to add to the team.