NBA Rumors: Separating Fact from Fiction as Deadline Approaches

Just over 24 hours remain until the 2012 NBA trade deadline, and the past few hours have been insane.  One deal has seen Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson leave the Milwaukee Bucks for the Golden State Warriors, with Monta Ellis heading to Milwaukee, along with Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown.

In other news, Dwight Howard has said that he wants to stay with the Orlando Magic for the rest of the season, throwing his whole situation into uncertainty. Will he stay in Orlando and subsequently re-sign, or will team management trade him anyway?

Either way, so many rumors are running rampant throughout the league, and with all that's going on, it's time to play a game of Fact or Fiction.

Carmelo Wants out of New York?

Marc Berman of the New York Post had some interesting things to say this morning about the reeling New York Knicks and their expensive ball-hog, Carmelo Anthony. In his report, Berman states that Anthony's relationship with coach Mike D'Antoni and the front office has soured to the point where he wants to be traded. 

If true, this is a blessing and a curse for the team's fans: Anthony is one of the best players in the league, and losing him would be a big loss, but it would be nice to be rid of him, his heavy contract and his seemingly flat-out refusal to learn D'Antoni's system.

However, after the story was published, Al Iannazzone of Newsday tweeted that Anthony, in fact, did not want to be traded and that he supported his coach. Shortly before that, in response to a report by ESPN's Chris Broussard that D'Antoni had lost the team's respect, Iannazzone also reported that the rest of the Knicks roster was fine with their coach and were more frustrated with D'Antoni.

Regardless of what's true in those reports, it's safe to say that the Knicks won't trade Anthony. They gave up a lot to get him, all with the hope that he'd help them return to their former glory, and in the end, help them win a title. Thus, with all they've invested in him, he's not going anywhere.

Verdict: Fiction

Bucks Set to Deal Mbah a Moute?

The Milwaukee Bucks already helped make the first big splash of deadline season last night, agreeing to trade Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Golden State Warriors for Monta Ellis, Kwame Brown and Ekpe Udoh. However, according to Gery Woelfel of The Racine Times Journal, GM John Hammond may not be done dealing.

If the Bucks are to make another trade, according to Woelfel, the two most likely to be moved are forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and/or guard Shaun Livingston. No specific teams have been named as interested parties, but dealing these two injured players seems like a clear sign that the Bucks are preparing themselves for Brandon Jennings' impending free-agency departure and want to rebuild from the ground up around Ellis.

No matter how you look at it, both Mbah a Moute and Livingston are decent trade chips despite their individual flaws.

Verdict: Fact

Dwight Howard to Nets?

This rumor has had legs ever since before the start of the season, when Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that Dwight Howard had asked for a trade to the New Jersey Nets.  Speculation has been overflowing since then, as other teams like the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers have inquired about the All-Star center's services all year long.

Yet in a report by ESPN's Michael Wallace, Howard has now stated he wishes to remain with the Magic for the rest of the season and not be traded, citing that he wants the team to "roll the dice" on the odds of winning a title this year.

Simply put, there's no way to tell how this will play out. Wojnarowski has also reported that Howard's plan is to sign with the Nets no matter what, but recent events have this rumor as completely unpredictable.

Verdict: Inconclusive

Dwight Howard to the Lakers?

A few days ago, the International Business Times reported that a deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers sending Andrew Bynum to the Magic for Howard still had legs. Bynum has had a career season this year and has thus become a valuable trade chip. This trade has some appeal, as a pairing of Howard with Kobe Bryant could turn the Lakers into a deadly powerhouse.

However, don't count on such a union happening. About two weeks ago, Kurt Hellin of NBC Sports reported that while Howard may accept a trade to the Lakers, he would not sign an extension with them, and that could kill the deal.

Also, let's not forget that Howard has stated that wherever he plays, he wants to be "the guy." In Los Angeles, he'll just be living in Kobe's shadow.

Verdict: Fiction

Pau Gasol Headed to the Windy City?

ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that the Chicago Bulls have engaged the Los Angeles Lakers in talks about acquiring Pau Gasol, but the Lakers have limited interest, particularly because the Bulls are offering Carlos Boozer.

Yet this deal just won't work for salary cap reasons. Thus, Tom Penn analyzes a deal that could work out. In it, Chicago receives Gasol. Los Angeles receives the following: Luol Deng, Taj Gibson and Omer Asik.

The deal seems a bit ridiculous, but it still could work in terms of money involved. However, I wouldn't count on it happening. As badly as the Bulls may want Gasol, they're still the best team in the NBA with their current roster. Thus, I don't see GM Gar Forman dealing two key pieces in Deng and Gibson for someone who is essentially Boozer, but with a smoother jump shot.

Verdict: Fiction

Pau Gasol Blasting off to Houston?

According to Ben Golliver of CBSsports.com, the Lakers were recently in some heavy talks with the Houston Rockets regarding Gasol. In a package that featured Luis Scola, the Lakers were also asking Houston to include point guard Kyle Lowry, as Los Angeles needs a lot of help at that position.

However, Houston GM Daryl Morey refused to include Lowry, and now that the versatile floor general is out two to four weeks recovering from a bacterial infection, this deal is basically dead.

Verdict: Fiction

Jason Richardson Headed North?

Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves are talking to the Orlando Magic about a deal for Jason Richardson, who has underachieved in Orlando's "let Dwight Howard do it all" system. This year, the one-time electrifying shooter is averaging a career-worst 12.2 points per game while still shooting a respectable 39 percent from long-range.

There's a lot of money involved in the deal, as Richardson signed a four-year, $25 million contract with Orlando before the season, but it's not like his deal is impossible to move. Yet the deal makes sense for the 'Wolves, as they're in need for some help at the two now that Ricky Rubio's ACL injury is moving Luke Ridnour back to the point.

Given how the Magic have a solid shooting guard in J.J. Redick, it's perfectly reasonable to believe that a deal can get done here.

Verdict: Fact

Chris Kaman on the Move Again?

Chris Kaman was sent to the New Orleans Hornets during the offseason in the Chris Paul trade, and now, the NBA-owned team may be looking to trade him and his $14 million salary.  However, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Hornets will only do a deal if no additional payroll is taken on.

I hate to say it, but that's the nature of the business, especially around trade deadline time.  Thus, Kaman will stay right where he is.

Verdict: Fiction

Ramon Sessions Headed West?

As early as yesterday, the Los Angeles Lakers were engaged with the Cleveland Cavaliers in talks regarding point guard Ramon Sessions. Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles reported that both teams had gotten the Houston Rockets involved, as they would send the Lakers "future considerations" and point guard Jonny Flynn to Cleveland.

Yet, those talks stalled and now appear to have died down. Still, the Lakers badly need a point guard, and when push comes to shove, don't be surprised to see Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak turn on the afterburners and make a deal.

Verdict: Fact

Paul Pierce Leaving Beantown?

ESPN's J.A. Adande recently spoke with Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and asked about the possibility that he could be traded. Pierce simply responded that such a prospect was "out of his hands."

Pierce may be getting old at age 34, but he's still averaging 18.4 points per game and shooting 37 percent from three-point land. Celtics GM Danny Ainge may be willing to deal one of his Big Three to ensure future success, and Pierce is definitely the most tradeable of the trio.

Yet, the Celtics are currently the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and could easily make a big run to end the season. Thus, I'm anticipating that Pierce will stay right where he is.

Verdict: Fiction