NBA Rumors: 3 Whispers That May Have Some Validity

During the NBA offseason, the rumor mill never stops churning out new stories and fresh angles on the old ones. 

The whispers never stop, even if they're not all valid. 

However, these three recent rumors stand out as strong possibilities to become actualities. 

Phil Jackson to the Portland Trail Blazers?

Phil Jackson may be retired from coaching, but the NBA flows through his veins instead of blood. As for his arteries and capillaries, well, I can't be sure about those. 

Although it's not as a head coach, a role is drawing the interest of The Zen Master himself. 

Jason Quick of The Oregonian reports that Jackson is intrigued by the possibility of joining the Portland Trail Blazers' front office:

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"Phil would be interested in talking about a possible role in the organization,’’ the source close to Jackson said. “My sense is there is a lot Phil can offer by being there, be it handling players, advising trade scenarios, managing coaching staff...I think he would be a tremendous adviser to the owner.’’

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Whether as a player or a coach, Phil Jackson has almost always been a part of professional basketball. It's going to be too hard for him to stay away if an advising role like the one Quick described is available. 

New York Knicks letting Jeremy Lin walk?

At one point during this offseason, the New York Knicks were going to match any offer for Jeremy Lin, no matter how much money it was going to cost them. 

That bluff has been called. 

Jeremy Lin signed an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets for three years and $25.1 million, and it appears as though the Knicks are going to let their former point guard just walk away. 

ESPN's Ian Begley has the scoop and writes the following: 

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The Knicks are currently deliberating the merits of paying Lin more than $25 million over three years, but two sources within the organization tell ESPNNewYork.com's Stephen A. Smith that the Knicks will not match the offer.

A team source tells ESPNNewYork.com the third year of the Rockets' offer—worth $14.8 million—makes it unlikely the Knicks would match. If the Knicks were to match the offer, they would also be subject to a luxury tax in the third year, potentially bringing their total out-of-pocket cost for Lin to about $43 million in 2014-15.

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Linsanity isn't over, it's just moving to Houston. 

Could Dwight Howard be following him there eventually?

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Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers?

Dwight Howard has been in the news 24/7 for the last eight years. At least that's what it's seemed like over the last few months. 

Come on, you knew that he'd be prominently featured in this article. 

The newest rumor, per Yahoo! Sports' Marc J. Spears, is that the Los Angeles Lakers are resuming their pursuit of Superman: 

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Lakers pushing hard to land Magic center Dwight Howard & meeting with Magic today,sources tell Y! LAL wants DH contract extension commitment

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 17, 2012"

At this point, it might be the best option for the Orlando Magic, who desperately need to get rid of D12 and get something in return. Sure, they want young pieces to build around, but it's better to get something than nothing. 

L.A. might cave on their desire for an extension as well. Given all the history and the potential title that awaits in purple and gold, Howard might be able to be persuaded to sign an extension even if he originally says no. 

This may have some validity, but as is the case with everything pertaining to Howard nowadays, there's no guarantee anything makes sense or happens like it's supposed to.