NBA Rumors: Latest Chatter on Dwight Howard, Lakers, Bulls and More

The NBA rumor mill will not stop churning this summer.

It seems every day more sources are leaking juicy tidbits to reporters around the country and causing fans to express a gamut of emotions.

Even with many big-name stars—Jeremy Lin, Steve Nash, etc.—settling in with their new teams, there are still plenty of productive players on the open market.

There are also plenty of potential trade rumors abounding, many of which concern a certain petulant big man down in Orlando.

Let’s take a look at the latest rumors and whispers around the league this fine Thursday.

Dwight Ready to Settle Down in Los Angeles

As a rule of thumb, you should take anything that comes from Dwight Howard’s camp with a grain of salt.

However, it appears that DH12 is actually content with being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and would certainly sign a long-term extension if he wound up there.

Real GM’s Jarrod N. Rudolph first reported this news, and ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard (via ESPN.com) had multiple sources confirm.

This is a welcome change of heart from the disgruntled superstar, who would reportedly only ink an extension with the Brooklyn Nets up until Thursday.

Now that the Lakers can feel secure in their future with Howard, they need to make a strong push to land the center and complete their epic summer facelift.

Rockets and Bulls Prepare for Asik Chess Match

The Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls would both love to have Omer Asik on their roster for the 2012-13 season, but alas, only one will wind up with the 7’0" Turkish center.

Chicago may be making the first concessions, as Aggrey Sam of CSN Chicago is reporting that the team is set to sign veteran forward Vladimir Radmanovic.

At 6’10”, the Serbian national would help replace some of Asik’s size—should he depart—but he doesn’t provide anything near the same defensive abilities.

The Bulls would essentially be subbing out Asik’s rim protecting abilities for Radmanovic’s sniping.

Houston’s recent moves are also a clear tell that it's prepping an offer sheet for Asik.

According to Reid Laymance of the Houston Chronicle, Jon Leuer and Jerome Jordan have been cut, and their non-guaranteed contracts will come off the books on Friday.

It’s widely expected that GM Daryl Morey will extend an offer sheet to Asik’s camp immediately after that happens. 

Clippers Thinking Big

The Los Angeles Clippers have a huge void to fill at center behind DeAndre Jordan.

Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times has found that the organization is exploring signing either Darko Milicic or Ryan Hollins to patch up that hole.

The Clippers have used up every last possible cap dollar and exception, which means they only have the veteran’s minimum to dole out to whoever they elect to sign this summer.

Darko would likely be the first option, as he is more than a minimum guy with his height and shot-blocking skills, but he will be getting paid almost $11 million over the next two seasons from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Hollins learned the ropes under Kevin Garnett in Boston last year, but he’s still an extremely raw player.