NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz Around the League on Deadline Day
Deadline day buzz is already off and running.
1. Howard Won't Opt-out
According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Dwight Howard has informed the Magic he would like to stay through the 2012-2013 season and will not opt out of his contract.
This is a sigh of relief for the Orlando faithful, as Dwight's previous indecision on this was causing many to wonder if last night was his final game with the Magic.
2. Will Deron Williams Now be Traded?
While this news concerning Howard is pleasing to Orlando, it's a cause for alarm for the New Jersey Nets.
The Nets have been a majored rumored destination if Dwight were to get traded. Truthfully, the Nets' ultimate dream was to acquire Howard to team with point guard Deron Williams and essentially create a super team for their upcoming move to Brooklyn.
However, this dream doesn't appear like it will come true.
The reason this is alarming for the Nets is because Williams is a free agent this summer and really has no reason to re-sign with the Nets if Howard isn't going to be there.
Why would D-Will re-sign with the Nets when there are numerous other contenders he could sign with, such as Dallas (his hometown) or the L.A. Lakers?
While it may be a tough decision for the Nets, they must explore potential trade scenarios involving Williams, or else they risk letting him walk for nothing come summer.
3. Will Pau Gasol be Moving?
His name is certainly amid the trade buzz. ESPN's Chad Ford indicates that the Lakers would really like to get a star player in return for Gasol, potentially even Deron Williams, which would be wondrous for the Lakers.
At the very least, the Lakers would like two solid young players in return for Gasol.
Their asking price for Gasol is obviously high, which could lead to no deal for the 31-year-old Spaniard, but it could also really pay off if a team gets desperate before the deadline strikes.
Consider it a 50-50 chance that he'll be dealt prior to the deadline.
4. Will Portland be Active?
Yes, they are a mess right now and have no reason to not be active.
Raymond Felton, Jamal Crawford, Marcus Camby and Gerald Wallace are all players who spark interest from other teams, and the Blazers have no reason to keep all these players.
Expect them to make a move, or two, or three. One of the rumored deals involves Minnesota and the L.A. Lakers, in which the Blazers would bring back Steve Blake.
5. Will Chris Kaman finally be traded?
You'd sure think so. He's not a piece of the long-term plan in New Orleans and could be acquired for a relatively cheap price.
The Heat would greatly benefit from his presence, as he'd give them a five-man who can actually produce offensively.
The Pacers are another great fit, and Kaman would really bolster their front line for the stretch run.
6. What about Michael Beasley?
The Lakers are apparently the most interested team in Beasley, but they could get distracted from this by other trade talks, especially if Deron Williams is available.
Don't be surprised if a different team comes in and snags Beasley, because the T'Wolves will almost surely deal him today since he doesn't figure to be a part of their future.
7. Any Chance Rajon Rondo, Josh Smith or Carmelo Anthony are Traded?
Well, there's always a chance, but the deal will have to be perfect for the Celtics, Hawks or Knicks to bite.
The most likely to be dealt out of these three is Smith, who wants out of Atlanta. But expect the Hawks to be patient with this, because the trade market could be more fluid come the summer. However, if they're offered a superstar or a couple quality young players, I don't see why they wouldn't pull the trigger.
A Rondo deal is unlikely, but general manager Danny Ainge is capable of shocking us. And 'Melo's stock has gone down so it's doubtful he departs from the Big Apple.
