Breaking Down the Potential of the Hottest NBA Rumors to Happen

We've already seen more than our fair share of offseason rumors come and go.

From Luol Deng hitting the trading block to Phil Jackson landing in OKC, there's a reason many of those rumors never materialized: They just don't make a heck of a lot of sense. It has to make you wonder what sources are doing so much of the talking.

Unsurprisingly, the rumor mill has continued turning for the last couple of days. Here's some of the more intriguing tidbits along with the likelihood they'll actually come to fruition.

Rockets and Kings Swapping Kyle Lowry for Tyreke Evans

When a couple of players appears to be out of joint in their current systems, it's not at all surprising for their names to be included in a variety of rumors and scenarios.

The Houston Rockets' Kyle Lowry and the Sacramento Kings' Tyreke Evans find themselves in precisely such a situation at present. Though there's a good chance one or both of them will be moved before the summer's off-season festivities are all said and done, that doesn't mean they'll be trading places.

That's the rumor, though, according to DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony:

"

Sources say Houston has an offer of Lowry, the #14 and #16 picks for TyrekeEvans and the #5 pick on the table. Up to Sacramento to decide.

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 26, 2012"

Not so fast, tweets David Aldridge:

"

Told there is no way that Kings would do purported offer of Lowry/14/16 for Evans and five if it was even actually offered.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 26, 2012"

And, why would the Kings have any interest? Evans is younger, has more upside and is a far more versatile athlete. It's too soon for Sacramento to give up on him, especially for Lowry and a couple of average draft picks—especially if the Rockets want that number five pick too.

Chances: 5 percent (if that)

Houston Rockets Making Hard Push for Dwight Howard

We all know Dwight Howard's days with the Orlando Magic are numbered. 

While it's still too soon to know exactly what new general manager Rob Hennigan has up his sleeve, it seems as though the organization may now be set on trading its franchise player at the highest levels.

Of course, Howard hasn't been shy about his preference to team up with Deron Williams in Brooklyn. That makes any deal involving other clubs a bit of a stretch.

But, according to ESPN's Chad Ford and Marc Stein, that hasn't stopped the Houston Rockets from trying:

"

Sources say the Rockets are hoping to acquire enough assets to entice the Magic to trade Dwight Howard to them.

The Rockets' willingness to trade for Howard -- even without the All-Star center's signature on a contract extension -- is an open secret around the league. But it's believed that two top-10 picks, assuming Houston managed to complete trades with Sacramento and another team, would seriously pique the interest of new Magic general manager Rob Hennigan, who then could quickly start to follow the same sort of roster-building blueprint relied on by his previous employer in Oklahoma City.

"

If the Rockets are indeed crazy enough to make a play for this guy without any kind of assurance he'd stick around for more than a year, then who knows what will happen? Clearly, we are operating in a realm that has abandoned basketball logic altogether.

That said, a lot of things have to fall into place for Houston before a legitimate deal even becomes possible. It still has to acquire more alluring draft picks, and it's not entirely clear what other assets it would be included in the deal.

Until those things fall into place, this is a deal that probably won't happen.

Chances: 15 percent

J.R. Smith Sticking Around the New York Knicks for Awhile

After a dominant stint in China, J.R. Smith returned to the NBA a mere mortal. Not even a contract with the New York Knicks could change that.

Smith opted out of his deal's second year, but the New York Post's Marc Berman reports that he's likely to stick around:

"

The Knicks remain confident he will re-sign with them for the 20-percent raise that is allowable, according to a source. With the raise, Smith can make close to $2.8 million next season on a one-year deal with the Knicks, who don’t have to use their mid-level exception.

Had he opted in, Smith would have made just $2.5 million.

"

Given the Knicks lack of cap flexibility, holding on to an asset of Smith's capability actually makes some sense, especially with Iman Shumpert to miss more time recovering from a torn ACL.

Smith might not make much sense as a long-term piece to the puzzle, but both sides would benefit from maintaining the status quo for the time being.

Chances: 95 percent

Lakers Dealing Metta World Peacer for Late First-Round Pick

When you've ruined absolutely any prospect of cap flexibility with ridiculously burdensome contracts, desperation trades become par for the course.

That's the situation in which general manager Mitch Kupchak currently finds himself.

One solution would apparently involve exchanging Metta World Peace for a late first-rounder (via FOXSportsOhio's Sam Amico):

"

The Lakers are exploring all kinds of potential deals, having floated every name on the roster this side of Kobe Bryant. They are said to be open to trading Metta World Peace for a late first-rounder, with their eyes on Baylor forward Quincy Miller and Kentucky point guard Marquis Teague.

"

This won't be an easy sell for the Lakers. World Peace has a player option on his contract for the 2013-14 season, and there's no telling where his game or head will be at by that point.

Still, a club that's more interested in veteran help than a long-term project could theoretically have some interest. It wouldn't make much sense given the available alternatives to World Peace, but then again we've seen teams do some crazy things in this league.

Chances: Hah!

Jamal Crawford on the Move

Jamal Crawford's stint with the Portland Trail Blazers didn't go quite as smoothly as some of his prior tours of duty, so it's no surprise the trade chatter has picked up.

CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes reports that at least three teams are already in the running:

"

The Portland Trail Blazers are fielding trade offers for guard Jamal Crawford and the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Boston Celtics are among the teams actively pursuing the scoring specialist intensely, a league source tells CSNNW.com.

"

All three of those clubs have a pretty significant need for a guard who can flat out score.

The 76ers are at risk of losing free agent sixth man Lou Williams, and the Celtics have all but lost free agent Ray Allen. For their part, the Timberwolves needed a shooting guard for some time now.

Crawford can still opt out of the next year on his deal with the Trail Blazers, so it's certainly in Portland's interest to get something done. Philly and Minnesota have a number of young assets to offer, and Boston has the 21st and 22nd picks in Thursday's draft.

Surely, Portland will find something it likes.

Chances: 90 percent