NBA Free Agency Rumors: Breaking Down All the Buzz

The 2012 NBA free agent pot will be stirred by the signings of four players: Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Eric Gordon and Roy Hibbert? Does Hibbert really belong in that group?

Apparently so—at least according to the Portland Trail Blazers who just signed Hibbert to a max-contract offer-sheet.

Those are the players that could without a doubt go into any team situation and impact the results of the 2012-2013 season.

The lower-tiered players will be pursued with varying levels of interest, but could have significant effects on the team they sign with.

Free agency began at midnight and the action should be fast-and-furious, especially for the restricted free agents. Teams now only have three days to match an offer-sheet.

That should provide even more excitement for a period that has become one of the true highlights to the NBA season.

Here's a look at the top free agents and the buzz surrounding their possible landing spots.

Nicolas Batum

The Minnesota Timberwolves may have just found the small forward that they so desperately desired.

UPDATE: July 6 at 12:10 a.m ET by Sam Quinn

According to the Associated Press' Jon Krawczynski, the T'Wolves have come to terms with free-agent small forward Nicolas Batum:

"

APNewsBreak: Timberwolves agree to terms with Batum on 4-year, $45M offer sheet with bonuses that can push it past $50M. Batum wants MN.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) July 5, 2012"

According to an ESPN report, the Portland Trail Blazers were prepared to match any offer Batum received and would not consider trading the 23-year-old Frenchman.

However, as this NBA free-agency period has taught us, nothing is for sure until pen and paper meet.

Batum has averaged 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds over the course of his career, but he posted career highs of 13.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season in Portland.

After missing the first 49 games of the 2010-2011 season due to a shoulder injury, Batum managed to miss just nine games over the last two seasons combined.

His size provides him with the versatility to play shooting guard and power forward in some cases, which significantly ups his value.

Make sure to stay tuned for the latest news surrounding Batum's situation.

Jason Kidd

Instead of remaining in Big D, Jason Kidd is going to the Big Apple.

UPDATE: July 5 at 4:53pm EST by John Rozum

According to Marc Stein of ESPN:

"

In an unforeseen reversal, Jason Kidd has decided to leave the Dallas Mavericks to join the New York Knicks, according to sources familiar with the decision.

"

Certainly a big surprise considering how much Kidd has meant to the Dallas Mavericks and vice versa. Nevertheless, the move the New York City isn't a bad one for Kidd by any means. With great talent in Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire, Kidd could elongate his career a but more than in Dallas.

The Knicks also need a guy that can help improve ball movement and scoring, regardless of whether it's off the bench or starting. Kidd has the experience and proven consistency to get the job done, now he'll just get more recognition and exposure playing in Madison Square Garden.

Jason Kidd is 39 years old and still doing work in the NBA.

Now, it looks as if Kidd may continue his professional career into his 40s. According to Jeff Caplan of ESPN Dallas:

"

The 39-year-old is closing in on a multiyear deal, a source close to the situation said. The source said the deal is not completed, but barring any snags, Kidd will close out his career alongside Dirk Nowitzki.

"

Certainly still a serviceable point guard, Kidd did start 48 games for Dallas in 2011-12 and averaged 6.2 points with 5.5 assists per game. No, these numbers are nowhere near close to how Kidd produced earlier in his career, but he also clocked just 28.7 minutes per game.

That however, was expected with his age and it's reasonable to anticipate Kidd's role reducing even more in the future. Nevertheless, he's always been an efficient player and even started 80 games for Dallas in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.

Provided that the Mavericks bring in a younger point man with great potential, Kidd's experience and veteran influence will only help the team develop and improve for the 2012-13 season.

Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions has been the occasional starter thus far in his NBA career, but he could be full-time for the Dallas Mavericks.

And according to Sam Amico of FOX Sports:

"

Final NBA note: Mavs said to be interested in Ramon Sessions. He wants to start wherever he goes.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 5, 2012"

Considering that Jason Kidd has been old for quite a while, the Mavericks do need someone with enough potential to make an immediate impact.

Kidd can undoubtedly still play, but it's not like he's going to be around for the next decade. As for Sessions, he played quite well for the Los Angeles Lakes in 2011-12. Starting 19 of 23 games played after making the move from Cleveland, Sessions averaged 12.7 points and 6.2 assists per game for L.A.

Dallas needs a point guard who can dish the rock around consistently well. The Mavs ranked No. 19 in scoring last season and were No. 15 in assists. With the offensive talent led by Dirk Nowitzki, Sessions would significantly enhance Big D's offense.

Eric Gordon

In a quick turn of events, the New Orleans Hornets are not yet ready to let Eric Gordon go.

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports:

"

The New Orleans Hornets plan to match the maximum four-year, $58 million offer sheet free-agent guard Eric Gordon received from the Phoenix Suns, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

"

Perhaps this is out of desperation, because Gordon only started nine games for New Orleans as he dealt with a knee injury. However, the Hornets also need a proven player in the backcourt to help complement No. 1 draft pick Anthony Davis.

Last season the Hornets ranked No. 29 in scoring offense by averaging just 89.6 points per game. With a healthy Gordon and promising rookie in Davis, NOLA has much potential if he can be retained.

After all, Gordon was one of the few bright spots when playing with the Los Angeles Clippers before Blake Griffin was paired with Chris Paul. In L.A., Gordon 22.3 points and shot 45 percent from the field in 2010-11.

Steve Nash

Although he's 38 years old, veteran point guard Steve Nash is still drawing attention in free agency.

Los Angeles Lakers

All of a sudden, the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be in the mix for Nash's services.

Ramon Sessions may have opted out of his contract with the Lakers, but if L.A. re-signs him as an unrestricted free agent, they could do a sign-and-trade with the Suns, as David Aldridge of NBA.com noted on Tuesday.

The Lakers could also do sign-and-trades with Jordan Hill and Matt Barnes, or use Metta World Peace in a package deal. 

Phoenix Suns

According to Paul Calvisi of KTAR Radio in Phoenix:

"

Suns Update:Trusted source informs me that Phx Suns offer to Steve Nash currently stands at = 2 years, $12 million.

— Paul Calvisi (@PaulCalvisi) July 2, 2012"

Now for his age alone, $6 million per year is quite a deal. Then again, the Suns also need Nash to remain offensively sound as he did average 10.7 assists, 12.5 points, and shot 53.2 percent from the field.

Ranking No. 8 in scoring offense and No. 6 in assists, the Suns only really need to focus on defense for a return to the postseason.

Toronto Raptors/New York Knicks

Along with the Suns, the Toronto Raptors would be a nice accommodation for Nash in a return to Canada. In an article by Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated:

"

Sources confirmed that the Raptors are likely to offer a deal that pays approximately $12 million annually, though it remains to be seen whether it is for three guaranteed years or two years with a team option in the third season.

The Knicks have serious interest in Nash, as they are hoping to pair him with young point guard and restricted free agent Jeremy Lin. While they can only offer the mini midlevel exception (likely a max of three years and a combined $9 million, based on their payroll), they could do a sign-and-trade with Phoenix to land him a bigger deal.

"

This is definitely a better move for Nash, because the Raptors desperately need to improve on offense and already present a solid defense. If Toronto were to land Nash, the Raptors would be immediate playoff contenders.

The Knicks would also be a great fit just with the super-stardom alone. There would be hardly any pressure to perform either, as most of the scoring would come from Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. If anything, all Nash would have to do is make sure he doesn't turn the rock over. 

Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin is of interest to the Houston Rockets and it is a solid fit.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard:

"

Jeremy Lin will visit the Houston Rockets tomorrow, sources say.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 3, 2012"

Now, the Rockets do need a point man who can be a starter or reliable bench player. Kyle Lowry started 38 of his 47 games played in 2011-12, and was quite productive as well.

And with contract negotiations not looking good with Goron Dragic, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, attempting to bring Super Lintendo to Houston is a good idea.

As a reserve player for the Warriors in 2010-11, Lin wasn't much of a factor. He then exploded onto the NBA scene with the New York Knicks last season and averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game.

In basically taking over the NBA spotlight, Lin solidified himself in becoming a hot-commodity this offseason. Considering that he's also only turning 24 before next season, Lin has proven to possess much potential.

The Houston Rockets would certainly be a faster team to handle with Lin at the point, and they could mix it up with him and Lowry to present varied looks for a defense.

Jason Terry

Reverting back to what originally was in place, the Boston Celtics have landed Jason Terry.

UPDATE: July 3 at 3:23pm EST by John Rozum

According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports:

"

The Boston Celtics have reached agreement with Dallas Mavericks free-agent guard Jason Terry on a three-year contract, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The Celtics will use their $5 million midlevel exception to sign Terry. The total value of the contract will be worth more than $15 million.

"

A great addition for Boston who struggled to consistently score last season, Terry provides excellent reliability off the bench and the potential to be a starter as well. Regardless of how the rest of Boston's free agency pans out, bringing in Terry will be fun to watch with Rajon Rondo dishing the rock around.

Now things have quickly taken a turn regarding Jason Terry, the Celtics and the Mavericks

UPDATE: July 3 at 2:52pm EST by John Rozum

According to Marc Stein of ESPN:

"

But source stresses that Terry will go back to Mavs to give them chance to counter before finalizing three-year deal, believed to be at MLE

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2012"

This comes as no surprise because of how valuable Terry has been to the Mavericks. Likewise, the Mavericks have been Terry's team since the 2004-05 season and he's been part of two Western Conference championship teams.

Jason Terry is a reliable shot artist the Boston Celtics need.

And according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports:

"

Celtics are in final discussions on terms of a multi-year deal with Mavericks free agent guard Jason Terry, sources tells Yahoo! Sports.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 3, 2012"

Averaging just 91.8 points per game in 2011-12, the Celtics failed to win the Eastern Conference as they failed to score 90 points in Games 6 and 7 versus the Miami Heat.

The defense was stellar by ranking No. 2 during the year, but the offense proved to be the Celtics' Achilles Heel down the stretch. Arguably more than anything, a marksman such as Jason Terry was desperately needed off the bench.

Although he started just one game last season for the Mavericks and just 10 during the 2010-11 season, Terry still averaged 31-plus minutes per game and has not shot below 43 percent from the field since 2003-04 in Atlanta.

Terry is simply extremely reliable and consistent, and when needed he can provide the occasional start. He may be turning 35 years old in September, but Jet still knows how to get it done.

Landry Fields

Landry Fields is on the move, but he remains in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN:

"

Just going up online and via SportsCenter: Raptors and Knicks' RFA Landry Fields have agreed to three-year offer sheet

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 3, 2012"

The Toronto Raptors now have an upgraded backcourt to improve the offense with ball movement and reliable scoring.

During the 2011-12 NBA season, the Raptors ranked No. 28 in scoring, No. 17 in rebounding, and No. 14 in assists. Fields on the other hand, has put in two solid years for the New York Knicks and is a great addition to make an immediate contribution.

Fields is more of a traditional shoot guard, but he can also run the point when needed. As a rookie in 2010-11, Fields averaged 9.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and shot 49.7 percent. Not to mention, but he also started 81 of 82 games and despite New York's additions for the 2011-12 season, Field's still started 62 of 66 games.

Toronto needed a guy who can be a great complement to DeMar DeRozan, plus Field's is only 24 years old. Therefore, anticipate the Raptors turning some heads this season as long as the defense remains stellar.

Rashard Lewis

Not long after being waived by the New Orleans Hornets, according to the Associated Press via ESPN, Rashard Lewis drawing a fast crowd.

Now, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, multiple teams are interested in Lewis:

"

Expect Heat, Celtics, Lakers, Hawks and Knicks to have interest in free agent Rashard Lewis once he clears waivers, source tells Y!

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 1, 2012"

And even though Lewis is going to be 33 years old in August, the man can still shoot consistently well and catch fire when healthy.

Only playing in 28 games last season for the Washington Wizards, Lewis averaged just 26 minutes per game. His lowest since the 1999-2000 season. However, when able to put in 30-plus minutes, Lewis has proven to average near or above 20 points.

He's also a better rebounder than given credit for and has always been reliable from the free throw line. As for those interested, Lewis would help Miami and New York the most at grabbing boards and ball movement.

Boston could use him the most with scoring and rebounding, while the Lakers would certainly like him to complement Kobe Bryant. Atlanta would definitely improve offensively, so it'll be interesting to see how everything pans out between these teams vying for Lewis.

Guys Worth Veteran's Minimum ($1.2 Million)

Derek Fisher

Fish showed he still has some value late last season, and in the postseason. But he'll be 38 years old in August and the veteran's minimum is a fair amount for his services.

Per John Rohde of News OK:

"

It remains to be seen if Fisher, Mohammed and/or Ivey will return for the Thunder next season. But if established players are willing to accept minimum wage for a chance to play for OKC, then Presti will have the pick of the litter and could go with younger role players who might better fill the Thunder's needs.

"

Fisher isn't likely to get more from another team either—at least not a smart one, and Fisher's top priority will likely be a shot at winning. I'd think the Oklahoma City Thunder would have a decent shot at retaining him. The Miami Heat may have a shot as well.

Gilbert Arenas

My how the mighty have fallen. The Memphis Grizzlies signed Arenas on for the last 17 games of the regular season and playoffs last year. He averaged four points per game during the regular season in just over 12 minutes of action per game.

In the postseason he was two-of-eight from the field and scored less than a point-per-game in six appearances.

I don't think his career is over, but if someone gives him a shot, it'll definitely be for the veteran's minimum. It's actually pretty sad.

Eddy Curry

Yes Eddy Curry. Curry did everything the Heat asked of him last year. He lost weight, he wasn't a distraction, but situations didn't dictate for him to see more playing time.

He's now an unrestricted free agent, and he wants a shot to play. In the scenario described by Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, I don't think he'll get that chance in Miami:

"

The moves with Turiaf and Pittman leave the Heat with 11 players under contract due a combined $78.2 million. Juwan Howard and Eddy Curry and unrestricted free agents. Miami wants to keep restricted free agent Terrel Harris.

Free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and the Heat is expected to pursue Ray Allen and others with its $3.1 million mini mid-level exception.

"

I'd love to see Curry complete his comeback by going to a team and actually contributing. People forget how talented a scorer Curry is, and at only 29 years old, the veteran's minimum is worth giving him a look.

I think the work he put in last year earned him that.

Greg Oden

Yes, him too. To say Oden has had injury problems is like saying Kevin Durant has a tendency to score a little. Even with that flying over his head, Oden could be a solid defensive player and rebounder off the bench.

At this point, that would be his ceiling and the veteran's minimum would seem like a logical amount to pay him. One big problem is that he probably won't play in 2012 either.

Miles DeCaro of Hoop Smack lists the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns and Heat as smart landing spots. The Heat are an intriguing choice. Could he replace Eddy Curry as the big guy in the suit on the bench?

Guys Worth Mini Mid-Level Exception ($3 Million)

Marcus Camby

Camby can still defend, block shots and make a 15-foot jump shot. At 38 years old, he's not a 32-plus minute guy anymore, but he's a capable and savvy big man.

That is a quality that will always be coveted. According to Chris Cason of the Examiner, the Houston Rockets want to bring him back:

"

The Rockets currently have no center on their current roster after trading starter Samuel Dalembert to Milwaukee for the 12th selection in last Thursday’s Draft in which they selected UConn’s Jeremy Lamb. Marcus Camby is also an unrestricted free agent in which they intend to bring back.

"

I don't want to sound like a broken record here, but any time a relatively inexpensive big man is discussed, the Miami Heat are going to be brought up.

Camby would be an ideal player for the Heat, but the Rockets seem intent on keeping him.

Ben Wallace

You guessed it, Wallace fits in Miami as well, but I think he'd retire before he played anywhere else but Detroit. Per Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, Pistons V.P. Joe Dumars, has said it's a possibility Ben Wallace will return for one more season.

I think he'd be a nice influence for rookie Andre Drummond, and he'll come cheap.

Jason Kidd

It seems pretty obvious that Kidd is going to go backup Deron Williams wherever he goes. This per a report from ESPN late last week. All things considered, it's not a bad package deal.

Guys Worth Mid-Level Exception

Kirk Hinrich

Sam Amico of Fox Sports has reported widespread interest in Hinrich.

"

Celtics reportedly have interest in Jamal Crawford. Source adds they may also meet with Kirk Hinrich.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 1, 2012"

"

Jazz also may have interest in Kirk Hinrich. Also, keep an eye out for some potential Ray Allen-Thunder buzz.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 1, 2012"

"

As for Lakers, Ramon Sessions, Kirk Hinrich, Jameer Nelson all said to be on radar. Potentially Jason Terry, too.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) July 1, 2012"

He's a consummate professional, a solid shooter—despite his struggles this past season, and he can play either guard position. While I understand the interest from the teams Amico mentions, Hinrich's old team the Chicago Bulls should be giving him a ring as well.

The Bulls could use his versatility, especially while Derrick Rose is out.

Chauncey Billups

Billups tore his Achilles' tendon last year, but he performed well before the injury. The Los Angeles Clippers are said to want to retain him, as does Chris Paul, per Sporting News.

He averaged over 14 points and four assist before the injury, so he'll have interest from others, but I think he'll stay with the Clips.

Ray Allen

Allen is being wooed by the Heat, but Miami is only armed with the mini mid-level exception. The Celtics are said to be ready to offer just over the full mid-level to retain Allen, this per ESPN's Chris Broussard.

"

Source: Celtics willing to double (in terms of $) Heat offer to Ray Allen. Will give 2 years/$12 million. Heat can offer only $3 mill a yr

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 1, 2012"

I can understand the Celtics approach. They took the eventual NBA champions to seven games. Thus they bring back Kevin Garnett—even though his three-year deal was one year too long. Now they are looking to pay to keep Allen.

It's a fan-friendly move, but we'll see how it works out.

Kenyon Martin

Martin was a solid defensive presence for the Clippers, but with their acquisition of Lamar Odom, and commitment to re-sign Chauncey Billups, he won't be brought back, this per Broderick Turner of the LA Times.

Martin still has something to offer teams looking for defense and toughness.

A Cut Above the Mid-Level Exception

Omer Asik

Per the aforementioned Chris Cason article from Examiner.com, the Houston Rockets are prepared to offer Asik $8 million per year. The Chicago Bulls may not be able to match that offer—at least not while fielding a complete team afterward.

With so much money tied up into Derrick Rose's extension, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer, the Bulls may not be able to match the offer.

This would be a blessing in disguise in my opinion. It would free up money for the Bulls to pursue a quality two-guard. That should be the team's top-priority at this point anyway.

OJ Mayo

The Memphis Grizzlies are finally parting ways with Mayo. He is an unrestricted free agent and the Celtics could have interest if they lose Allen, per Greg Payne of ESPN.

Mike Wells of the IndyStar is also reporting that the Pacers, who nearly traded for Mayo before, are still interested in his services.

If the Bulls miss out on Asik, then Mayo would be a great get for them.

Jason Terry

Terry is another Celtics' possibility in the event that they lose Allen, this per Adrian Wojnarowaski of Yahoo! Sports. It almost seems that considering Allen's age, the Celtics would be better off if he went to Miami.

Sentimental fans may disagree, but Mayo and Terry are clearly better players at this stage of their careers.

Allen fits in with Miami at this time much better than he does with Boston.

Nick Young

In the same Wojnarowski piece, the Celtics are also reportedly interested in Young. It looks like the Celtics are to free agent shooting guards, what the Heat are to inexpensive free agent big men.

Young is another player that would be a significant upgrade over Allen, but he would also fit in well with the Bulls—if they lose Asik.

Brandon Bass

Depending upon how much the Celtics believe their first-round pick Jared Sullinger can contribute as a rookie, dictates how expendable Bass is. 

Per the Boston Herald, Bass' representatives met with the Celtics today about a new deal.

But they know he will be in high-demand:

"

Dutt said that six other NBA teams have expressed interest in his client, who at the age of 27 is entering the prime of his career. It helps that he excelled during the Celtics’ recent playoff run. He will be in demand, likely for more than mid-level (approximately $6 million) money.

"

For the sake of depth, the Celtics should try to bring Bass back. Sullinger does have injury concerns and Garnett is 36 years old. As Bass proved he could be a starting power forward last season, signing him should be priority.

Brandon Roy

Brandon Roy has made his way back to the NBA after his retirement following the 2010-2011 season.

UPDATE: July 6 at 12:00 a.m. ET by Sam Quinn

According to The Oregonian's Jason Quick via Twitter, Roy and the Minnesota Timberwolves have come to terms:

"

Brandon Roy has come to a verbal agreement with Minnesota according to a person in Roy's family

— Jason Quick (@jwquick) July 6, 2012"

NBA.com's David Aldridge offered the financial details of the deal:

"

Reporting in real time, folks: impeccable source just texted of Brandon Roy, "It's minn". @jwquick had it first. Deal is 2 yrs, $10.4M.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) July 6, 2012"

Roy has a scoring average of 19 points per game since breaking into the league in 2006 with the Portland Trail Blazers.

He'll be able to offer Rick Adelman more stability—and ability—at the shooting guard position, something that should give the Timberwolves a decent shot to fight for a playoff spot next season.

---End of Update---

Speaking of two-guard options for the Bulls, per Wojnarowski, Roy has listed the Bulls as one of five finalists for his services next season.

He writes:

"

The Wolves are one of five finalists for Roy, including the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors.

"

Looking at that list, unless Deron Williams signs with the Mavs, the Bulls offer him the best chance to win, and to play a big role. If he is healthy he would be the biggest bargain of the free agent signing period.

Just Below the Max

I would have placed Roy Hibbert here, but the Portland Trail Blazers ensured that he would be higher on this list.

Tim Duncan

This will be short and sweet. Duncan says per Matt Moore of CBS Sports: "I'm a Spur for life.' 

He is an unrestricted free agent, but when he leaves the San Antonio Spurs he'll be walking away for good.

Next.

Gerald Wallace

Per Marc Stein of ESPN, Wallace and the Brooklyn Nets are close to a four-year $40 million deal. It would be the first piece in what could be a nice nucleus in Brooklyn.

Brook Lopez

Staying in Brooklyn, the team did make a qualifying offer to Lopez, per Ben Couch of NBA.com. That gives them the right to match any offer he receives from another team. With Dwight Howard again requesting a trade to the Nets, this could present a deadline of sorts.

The Nets wouldn't want to be caught without a big man this year. If Lopez receives a prompt offer from another team it will force the Nets' hand.

Will they match or will they let him ride and wait on Howard? 

The Big 4

Deron Williams

Williams has it narrowed down to Dallas and Brooklyn per Ben Golliver of CBS Sports. I believe he will choose the Nets. Brooklyn has done everything to make them the better choice. 

I believe Dwight Howard will join him either this year or next season, they just signed Gerald Wallace and the Nets will likely allow Kidd to be his backup.

Steve Nash

Per Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Nash is meeting with the New York Knicks, and he's already met with the Toronto Raptors. The Raptors offered a three-year $36 million deal to Nash and the Knicks can only offer the mini-mid level.

But, the Raptors aren't contenders—even with Nash. Other teams could come into focus here, but Nash must choose between taking less money to play with a contender, or playing in Toronto for a king's ransom.

He's Canadian so that has some pull as well, and honestly I think this one is a toss-up.

Eric Gordon

Gordon is the top shooting guard available by most accounts. The New Orleans Hornets would love to keep him, it would add to their new and impressive young core of No. 1 pick Anthony Davis and No. 10 pick Austin Rivers.

Johnathan Feigen of Ultimate Rockets reported the Rockets were ready to offer Gordon a max-deal, but the Hornets have said they will match any offer.

Were the Hornets bluffing? Probably not, and I believe Gordon will return to the Hornets.

Roy Hibbert??

Yes Hibbert. The Blazers made Hibbert a max-contract offer and now the Pacers must decide whether or not to match. He is very valuable to what they do, but he is likely at his ceiling of growth and results on the floor.

Is 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and two blocks per game worth a max-deal?

I say no, but we'll see what happens.

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay