NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Top Available Players
The NBA world is buzzing over Dwight Howard and the nonstop reports of how close we are to being close to a deal.
Although things have certainly cooled down on the free agent front, teams are still looking to make roster moves and acquire some last-minute talent.
That being said, let's get right to the latest buzz surrounding the top players still available this summer.
Dwight Howard to Lakers Looking More Likely
The superstar center has been the subject of trade rumors all summer long, but now trade talks are heating up between the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com, Howard is interested in Hollywood:
"The six-time All-Star has moved on from his Big Apple infatuation and is locked in on joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
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According to Rudolph, the two sides are looking at an option that would send Howard to LA, Andrew Bynum to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao and draft picks to Orlando.
If this reported deal were to actually happen though, the Magic would be left with a blank slate and virtually nothing to build around. Meanwhile the rich would get richer as the Lakers would be adding yet another superstar to their roster.
Howard averaged 20.6 points and 14.5 rebounds per game last season before undergoing back surgery.
Clippers Targeting Darko?
The LA Clippers are in search of a big man to relieve DeAndre Jordan at center next season and have talked to Darko Milicic about potentially signing, according to The Los Angeles Times.
The veteran free agent averaged just 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he brings excellent size to the table as a 7-footer.
It's hard to imagine Milicic every developing into the player many saw of him before he was drafted No. 2 overall in 2003, but who knows, maybe he will blossom as a role player in LA.
He is still only 27 years old.
Toronto Close to Landing John Lucas III
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors and point guard John Lucas III are close to agreeing on a contract that would send the former Chicago Bulls reserve to Canada.
Lucas averaged 7.5 points per game last season for Chicago on 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc. The Raptors missed on Steve Nash earlier this offseason, but they will soon be adding a solid piece to their rebuild.
Although it might be a stretch to consider Lucas for a starting role, his emergence with the Bulls last season suggests that he can handle increased minutes in Toronto.
