Fact or Fiction with Hottest 2012 NBA Free-Agency Rumors

If it seems like the NBA free-agency period is nothing but a perpetual mill of false rumors and wild speculation. Well, that's because it is.  

Not even the most in-the-know reporters are debriefed completely in facts, and sometimes, teams even plant rumors just to gauge reactions from the public, players and other teams.

So how do we separate what's true and what's false? By breaking out the old "fact or fiction" trope, of course.

Follow along as we take a look at the latest hot NBA rumors and separate what's real from what's fake.  

Fiction: Darko Milicic to the Miami Heat?

Rumor (per Jorge Sedano)  

"

#HEAT looking at possibly adding Darko Milicic to their roster. He's intriguing when you consider the upside. The facts are he's only 27 years old. He's a legit 7 footer and this franchise has done a solid job over the years molding big men into what suits the teams needs. At the veteran's minimum there's no reason they shouldn't bring him in. Plus, It'll be fun trivia to have the 1,2,4, & 5th picks of the 2003 draft.

"

While agent Marc Cornstein left the possibly open for Milicic to land in Miami for just the veteran's minimum, it's far more likely that the oft-derided center takes his talents somewhere where he can double-dip in salary.

With the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers all still kicking Milicic's tires, the war will likely be won by the contender that can find the most financial flexibility. We know that certainly won't be the Heat.

Fact: Lakers to Lose out on Brandon Rush?

Rumor (via InsideBayArea, Contra-Costa Times)  

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The Warriors are willing to match Rush to a mid-level offer sheet, which is all any team over the cap can offer. But it seems Rush still has some other players ahead of him in line to eat. Shannon Brown and Courtney Lee, both unrestricted, are easier to sign because teams won't have to worry about their contract being matched. And don't forget about Delonte West, a proven veteran who figures to come at a good price.

"

This report comes just a couple days after HoopsWorld's Yannis Koutroupis reported that the Lakers were in hot pursuit of Rush after losing out on guard O.J. Mayo.

After acquiring Antawn Jamison for just the veteran's minimum and shoring up their front line, the team was looking at Rush to fill its final void—perimeter defense.

But with the Lakers only having their $3 million mini mid-level exception to play with, Warriors will almost assuredly match their sweet-shooting guard's offer sheet if he ever signs one in Los Angeles. 

Fact: Delonte West Back to Dallas?

Rumor (as per ESPN)  

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"We’d love to have Delonte back," [Donnie] Nelson said during an appearance on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM's "Ben & Skin Show." "Look, we’re not done. We’re continuing to kind of build the roster and put ourselves in position to contend next year." 

"

The Mavericks are in a mode where they're just trying to gather assets on one-year contracts to stay competitive next season without losing cap flexibility. Retaining West would be another step in the right direction, as he would fit in as a perfect backup point guard for newly-acquired Darren Collison.

The Mavs can offer West up to $2.5 million for next season, a figure that is double what he made this past season and more than any other team is likely to offer.

This just seems like a perfect fit.

Fiction: Dwight Howard to Lakers, Andrew Bynum to Cavs in 3-Way Deal?

Rumor (reported by ESPN)

"

The Cavaliers would land Lakers center Andrew Bynum for a package of draft picks and veteran power forward Anderson Varejao, according to one league source. The Lakers would receive Howard for Bynum. Orlando would get Varejao and draft picks. The source said this was merely the framework of a deal being discussed.

"

Until I get the official press release about a trade's consummation in my e-mail box, skepticism abounds in my brain regarding any Dwight Howard trade rumor.

Regardless, the true reason this trade will fall through is that it makes far more sense for Houston to be Orlando's trade partner than Cleveland. The Rockets have spent their entire offseason hoarding cap space, draft picks and young assets to acquire Howard. Substituting their Howard package for Bynum would give Orlando cap space and room to rebuild their roster.

Fact: Kings Looking to Trade Jimmer Fredette?

If it seems like the NBA free-agency period is nothing but a perpetual mill of false rumors and wild speculation. Well, that's because it is.  

Not even the most in-the-know reporters are debriefed completely in facts, and sometimes, teams even plant rumors just to gauge reactions from the public, players and other teams.

So how do we separate what's true and what's false? By breaking out the old "fact or fiction" trope, of course.

Follow along as we take a look at the latest hot NBA rumors and separate what's real from what's fake.