NBA Rumors: Gilbert Arenas and Free Agents Who Will Help Playoff Contenders

Just because the NBA trade deadline has passed, it doesn’t mean that there aren't more moves to be made. 

A player like Gilbert Arenas will be picked up as a free agent and will give a playoff contender a big push towards clinching a postseason spot, or help them to a playoff series win. 

Gilbert Arenas

Arenas has been a free agent for this year after the Orlando Magic used their amnesty clause on the point guard. It looks like the Los Angeles Lakers could take a look at Arenas.

According to CBS Sports: 

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Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak is awaiting word on details of a workout Gilbert Arenas is planning in Los Angeles later this week and is open-minded about attending, two people with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com Wednesday. 

Although the Lakers have publicly been noncommittal about whether to pursue the three-time All-Star, Kupchak has nothing to lose by evaluating Arenas as a potential solution to the team's point guard woes. The workout date has not yet been set, but Kupchak is said to be willing to attend depending on timing and logistics. 

"The Lakers are going to take a look at him," one of the people familiar with the matter said. 

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Arenas would give the Lakers a point guard who can shoot as well as he can make plays. He would give them a solid option if Kobe Bryant or Pau Gasol have off nights during the playoffs.

Derek Fisher

Fisher was moved late in the trade deadline, as he was traded to the Houston Rockets for forward Jordan Hill. However, according to Yahoo! Sports, the Rockets could buy Fisher out: 

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Fisher, 37, won five championships with the Lakers. He was expendable after the Lakers acquired Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ramon Sessions for Jason Kapono and L.A.’s 2012 first-round pick. While Fisher had remained the Lakers’ starting point guard this season, many of the fourth-quarter minutes were going to Steve Blake.

The Rockets will explore buying out the remainder of Fisher’s contract – he has a $3.4 million player option for next season – Houston also could use someone to backup Kyle Lowry.

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If Fisher is bought out, he could provide a strong veteran presence on a team that needs leadership during the playoffs. That means Oklahoma City Thunder could benefit from having Fisher on their bench and as a backup to Russell Westbrook. 

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