Buying or Selling the Latest NBA Free Agent Buzz from Around the League

The 2012 period of NBA free agency has offered us some of the most glorifying, shocking and dumbfounding moments of the year. From the unjustifiably large contracts to the unforeseen trades that could turn teams into championship contenders, we've had it all.

Just don't think for a second that the drama has ended.

Big names remain on the trade market. Big contracts will still be dealt. Franchise-altering decisions have yet to be made and the face of the NBA could still change. The question is, what rumors actually hold weight?

For that answer and more, check the following slides for a game of Buy or Sell.

Los Angeles Lakers Remain Front Runner for Howard

The rumors have been swirling surrounding Dwight Howard for roughly a year, as everyone within a 10,000 mile radius of Orlando have tried their hand at landing D-12.

As the 2012 free agency period rapidly approaches it's closing, it appears as if the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as favorites for the prized center.

ESPN.com reports that the mercurial superstar would re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers. The ever-reliable "sources" provided the basis for a story.

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Two sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard that Howard is willing to re-sign long term with the Lakers if Orlando trades him there. Until recently, Howard had been steadfast in his desire to commit only to the Brooklyn Nets long term.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are clearly the franchise who offer Dwight Howard the best chance at winning right now. They also happen to be in the city that every young man would love to explore.

Unfortunately, they're not the favorite to trade for and re-sign D-12. No one is.

Final Verdict: Selling

Dwight Howard Would Not Sign Extension with Any Team

The Dwight Howard sweepstakes has taken us on a year-long ride in which no team has truly gained an upper hand. The roller coaster ride of emotions and expectations has led to nothing but a series of let downs and a handful of false hopes.

According to Ric Bucher of ESPN.com, Dwight Howard's agent has made sure that the result will remain the same.

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"Dwight's position has remained unchanged since the end of this past season," said Dan Fegan of LaGardere Unlimited. "He fully intends to explore free agency at the end of next season, regardless of what team trades for him, including Brooklyn."

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While some have speculated that Howard would in fact sign an extension with a contender, it's unlikely that he would. Should he opt to enter free agency, he'd be eligible to sign a five- year deal worth the maximum amount allowed under the new CBA.

With that being said, the only way he would be able to receive a $100 million deal would be if he re-signed with team he ends up with during the 2012-13 NBA season.

D-12 will be a free agent come 2013, one way or another.

Final Verdict: Buying

Omer Asik Done with the Chicago Bulls?

Update 2: Monday, July 23 — Ethan Norof

It appears all that is left in the Omer Asik saga is for the Bulls to officially decline the offer sheet from the Houston Rockets.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune has the latest on Asik's future.

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The Bulls will decline Omer Asik's three-year, $25.1 million offer sheet from the Houston Rockets because they will be hard capped at $74.3 million while paying the luxury tax for the first time in history.

By using a portion of the $5 million mid-level exception for Hinrich and earmarking the biannual exception of $1.9 million to sign Marco Bellinelli, it's impossible for the Bulls to match even Asik's $5 million starting salary and stay below $74.3 million.

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-- Report via B/R's Chicago Bulls Tracker

-End of update-

Entering free agency, Omer Asik was far from the top of the list in terms of players who would receive big deals. Nevertheless, Asik received a major deal from the Houston Rockets that mirrors what Jeremy Lin received from the same team.

A backloaded, unbelievable deal that would likely to be reserved for stars on the rise has been presented to a role player. As for how loaded the deal truly is, Ken Berger of CBS Sports has the report.

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Omer Asik's offer sheet with Houston is same terms as Jeremy Lin's -- $5M, $5.2M, $14.9M. Bulls have three days to match.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 20, 2012"

While we could debate whether Asik deserves a contract of that stature, we're better off pondering whether or not the Chicago Bulls will match it. With Chicago close to signing veteran big man Nazr Mohammed, it appears Asik is on the way out.

From contender to basement team.

Final Verdict: Buying

Bulls, Marco Belinelli Closing in on Deal

Update: Monday, July 23 -- Ethan Norof

After the Kirk Hinrich signing was announced by the team, we're beginning to get a clearer vision of how Chicago's roster is shaping up.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via theChicago Tribune) has the details on Belinelli's new deal.

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By using a portion of the $5 million midlevel exception for Hinrich and earmarking the biannual exception of $1.9 million to sign Marco Bellinelli, it's impossible for the Bulls to match even Asik's $5 million starting salary and stay below $74.3 million.

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-- Report via B/R's Chicago Bulls Tracker

--End of Update--

Update: Monday, July 23 -- Maxwell Ogden

It was previously reported that the Chicago Bulls were close to signing Marco Belinelli. Bulls fans can now rejoice as the replacement for Kyle Korver has officially arrived.

According to Aggrey Sam of Comcast SportsNet Chicago, the Bulls' deal with the Italian sharpshooter is finished. He's not alone in their targeting, either.

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Source confirms Marco Bellinelli's deal with the Bulls is done. Also: Bulls attempting to sign summer-leaguer Malcolm Thomas to 1-year deal.

— Aggrey Sam (@CSNBullsInsider) July 23, 2012"

This certainly provides depth to a Bulls team that has been gutted of some of their core pieces. With C.J. Watson, Kyle Korver and Omer Asik all headed elsewhere, the addition of Belinelli should be considered as a bit of a savior.

--End of Update--

Per a report via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bulls appear close to signing sharpshooter Marco Belinelli. For all the skeptics out there, pause your concerns and accept this as what it is: true.

The Chicago Bulls are a team that has long been interested in solidifying the 2-guard position. Marco Belinelli, meanwhile, has spent his entire career on non-contenders who have failed to provide him with the proper opportunities to win.

If that's not a match made in heaven, I don't know what is.

Final Verdict: Buying

76ers Eying Tom Pen Eying

The Philadelphia 76ers have long been in hot pursuit of a new general manager. Although the franchise has been far from put on hold, the desire to have a new person of power has not grown thin.

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports that search may be over. It may also lead to an ESPN analyst landing his first GM gig.

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Former Trail Blazers exec Tom Penn is a serious candidate for the Sixers' GM job under president Rod Thorn, league sources told @CBSSports.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 22, 2012"

Tom Penn is known for his days with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played the role of Assistant General Manager. He played a key role in bringing the Trail Blazers out of the Jail Blazers era and put the franchise back on their feet.

Now, it appears as if he may have an opportunity to lead a franchise with full power.

Final Verdict: Buying

Ben Wallace 50-50 on Retirement

One of the greatest defensive centers of our time is coming close to the end of his illustrious career. 2004 NBA Champion and four-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace is reportedly 50-50 on the prospect of retiring.

This comes on the heels of an earlier report that Ben Wallace was certain to retire. ESPN.com has the report.

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"It takes a special type of guy to stay at something long enough to make it to this level," Wallace said. "A lot of times you're being told that you're too this, you're too that, you can't do this, you can't do that... No consideration to coming back," he said. "This is definitely my last year."

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So which one will it be? Are we in store for another season with the 38-year-old? Or has he finally called it quits as the Pistons usher in a more offensive-minded era?

In all likelihood, the feelings of a "50-50" sentiment are inaccurate. Ben Wallace is 100 percent intent on returning, he simply doesn't have enough left in the tank.

Final Verdict: Selling

Brooklyn Nets Targeting Andrei Kirilenko

The Brooklyn Nets have had as active an offseason as any team in the NBA. They've signed a franchise players, traded for All-Stars and added as much depth as you could ask for. For Billy King, however, that simply hasn't been enough.

The next step in the process would be to add yet another former All-Star. This time around, that just so happens to be a former teammate of franchise point guard Deron Williams.

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"He still can play," King said of [Andrei] Kirlenko. "He'd be a great piece to add and give us depth at the forward spot."

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Andrei Kirilenko hasn't played in the NBA since 2011 when he averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He's since played overseas where he's commanded a much more significant salary.

That trend will continue as Kirilenko passes on the Brooklyn Nets.

Final Verdict: Selling

Charlotte Bobcats Unlikely to Acquire Carl Landry

Carl Landry has been a target of the Charlotte Bobcats for quite some time. He'd offer the team the low-post scoring presence that the franchise has so desperately needed. Unfortunately, it doesn't appears as if they'll succeed in signing him.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, those dreams are soon to be shattered. For the second time in four years, the Charlotte Bobcats are poised to miss out on Carl Landry.

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It's unlikely #Bobcats will pull off a sign-and-trade for Carl Landry.

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"— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) July 23, 2012"

While it makes sense that the Bobcats would fail to pull this deal off, it's hard to believe they'll accept missing out on the same man they've targeted for four years running. Expect the unexpected with this one.

Final Verdict: Selling

Robin Lopez a Target for T-Wolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a team who have long been on the verge of a postseason berth. Unfortunately, they've either suffered from a lack of depth or inconsistent talent. This offseason, they're looking to cure those woes.

According to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN, the Minnesota Timberwolves are looking to add depth to their front court. The target of choice is former Phoenix Suns big man Robin Lopez.

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I wouldn't rule out Robin Lopez for the #Twolves. Suns have bigs, plus MN had talks w/ them in Batum 3-way scenarios.

— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) July 21, 2012"

Robin Lopez would certainly be a solid fit in Minnesota. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves just agreed to terms with big man Greg Stiemsma.

Rule Robin Lopez all but out for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Final Verdict: Selling

Raymond Felton Motivated, in Shape

The New York Knicks shocked the world when they passed on one of the most marketable players in the NBA, Jeremy Lin, to sign Raymond Felton. Felton, of course, once torched the court for the Knicks by averaging 17.1 points and 9.0 assists while connecting with Amar'e Stoudemire.

Unfortunately, Felton has had issues with his weight and consistency since that breakout 2011 season. According to Raymond Felton's former college head coach, Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels, the point guard is back in shape and ready to tear New York up once again.

Adam Zagoria of TheKnicksBlog.com has the report.

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"He took less money to go to New York, he could’ve gotten more money somewhere else," [Roy] Williams said. "He wants to be in New York. He is motivated. The people in New York should remember how good he was for half a year because he played his buns off. He played his buns off...Raymond Felton will be in shape."

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This is certainly encouraging to hear. The question is, is this the truth of the matter or will we see the same Raymond Felton from 2012?

Time to offer up the benefit of the doubt.

Final Verdict: Buying