NBA Rumors: Making Sense of the 5 Strangest Rumblings out There Right Now

Now that Dwight Howard has found a new home, the rest of the NBA world can finally continue spinning.

The only problem is that there really isn't that much going on. That doesn't mean there's nothing at all going on. You just have to do a little digging. 

A few teams appear to be making some final adjustments to their rosters, Chauncey Billups' timetable for return is becoming a little bit clearer (sort of) and the Sacramento Kings may have found new stomping grounds a long way from Sacramento.

What to make of the latest rumors?

Let's take a look.

Kings to Virginia Beach?

Could the Sacramento Kings be on the move to Virgina Beach, Virgina?

The notion the team could be moving isn't terribly surprising, but the most recently rumored destination certainly is. According to the Hampton Roads Business Journal's Philip Newswanger and Bill Cresenzo, it's only a matter of time before the move becomes official:

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City officials and the Maloof family are expected to announce Wednesday that the Kings will land in Virginia Beach, sources said.

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The Maloofs have subsequently denied the Virginia Beach rumors, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to them.

Chances are, negotiations (with a number of cities potentially) remain ongoing, and information going public prematurely could interfere with those talks. We shouldn't mistake silence for the belief that nothing is happening.

On the other hand, this report could be a huge exaggeration. As detailed as it appears to be (explaining funding sources, etc.), it could very well be nothing more than the framework for one of several deals the Maloofs are entertaining.

Miami Heat Looking for Bigs?

The notion that the Miami Heat are still looking for another big man to solidify their rotation should come as a surprise to no one.

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman, free agent Josh Harrellson is one of the options Miami is exploring:

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Free-agent center Josh Harrellson, traded by the New York Knicks to the Houston Rockets earlier this summer and since released, confirmed on his Twitter account a workout with the Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Harrellson is one of several big men the Heat have recently workout out.

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The Heat have plenty of depth on the wing, especially after signing Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis this summer. But even if LeBron James sees increased minutes at power forward, the rotation could still use another guy at the center position.

Will it be the difference between a repeat title performance and coming up short? Probably not.

But the Heat were reminded of why depth matters when Chris Bosh was temporarily removed from their postseason push by a strained abdomen. 

Chauncey Billups Gone Til November?

After an injured Achilles sidelined Chauncey Billups for the remainder of his first season with the Los Angeles Clippers, there now appears to be some uncertainty regarding his return.

Billups apparently thinks he'll be ready from the out, according to Vincent Ellis:

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Talked to Chauncey Billups over weekend. Said he aiming to be ready by the regular season. Busy rehabbing left Achilles. #Clips #exPiston

— Vincent Ellis (@Vincent_Ellis56) August 20, 2012"

But that sentiment may not be shared by the Clippers, at least not exactly.

ESPN LA's Arash Markazi reports a slightly longer timetable for return:

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To make matters worse, Chauncey Billups, who is still recovering from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in February, isn’t expected to return to the court until November, while Lamar Odom, who hasn’t played in an NBA game since April 7, has been spending most of the summer trying to get back into basketball shape.

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At the end of the day, there may not be much difference between the reports. A November return wouldn't be long after the start of the regular season, but it would mean missing training camp. Either way, it sounds like Clippers fans can expect to see Billups in acting for almost the entirety of the regular season.

Wizards Doing a Little Last-Minute Shopping?

It won't rank among the most momentous moves of the summer, but the Washington Post's Michael Lee is reporting that the Washington Wizards will sign free agent Martell Webster:

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The Wizards’ have reached an agreement in principal with free agent swingman Martell Webster, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed. The deal – expected to be worth close to the league minimum for one year – could be signed as soon as Friday.

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Washington can count on Trevor Ariza to play some stellar defense at small forward, and rookie Bradley Beal will team with Jordan Crawford at shooting guard. 

So, it goes without saying Webster won't be asked to log significant minutes. But he's a long swingman who can hit three-pointers, and the Wizards didn't have one of those on the roster. He may amount to little more than a long-range specialist, but that's the kind of weapon that could help a young roster without many shooters.

Could Ben Wallace Return to the Pistons

Bringing back a 37-year-old big man who's well into his decline doesn't seem like the kind of move you'd associate with a young team attempting to rebuild. Especially when that young team includes a nucleus of big men like Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. 

Nevertheless, Patrick Hayes of the Detroit Free Press reports that such a scenario might have some legs to it:

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It’s unclear at this point where both parties stand. There have been allusions all summer that Wallace might like to play one more season. Joe Dumars hinted earlier in the offseason that the team would welcome Wallace back if he wanted to come back.

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There's something to be said for having a veteran safety net in the event Drummond needs some extra time to work things out. We know his offense is raw, but if he's making too many mistakes, that could be an even bigger problem.

Wallace would also offer a veteran locker-room presence the roster really doesn't have now that Richard Hamilton is gone.