NBA Rumors: Playing Fact or Fiction with the Latest Free-Agent Updates

We are getting down to the stretch run of the NBA offseason before training camp starts, and there are still a number of veteran players looking for an NBA home.

It can be hard to tell which updates about their free-agent statuses are fact and which are fiction, so I’m going to fill you in on just how truthful some of the more recent updates have been. Each player appears to be at a different stage in the process. Whether they are in preliminary workouts, negotiations or still searching for teams, I will tell you whether the most recent update for each free agent can be trusted.

Some of what follows is fact, some is fiction and there may even be a bit that falls in between.

Tracy McGrady May Work Out with the Bobcats

There was a time was Tracy McGrady was the man in the NBA. That was a long time ago, but it stands to reason that the 33-year-old small forward could help a team in at least a bench and mentor role.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, McGrady may work out with the Bobcats:

"

I hear Tracy McGrady might work out with the #Bobcats some, similar to how Josh Howard did. All informal and exploratory.

— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) September 4, 2012"

While I can help but question whether bringing in McGrady would be a good move, this is the Bobcats, who have become notorious for making questionable roster moves. However, bringing him in in a purely “informal and exploratory” fashion makes sense, if for no other reason than to get a gauge on what he has left in the tank.

Prediction: Fact

Mickael Pietrus Will Not Play for the Minimum

A decent defensive NBA wingman, Mickael Pietrus believes he is better than just a minimum contract. It is great to have confidence in yourself, but Pietrus may have to amend that stance as we near the season.

According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Pietrus will not accept a minimum offer and remains without a team despite drawing some interest from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics, Pietrus’ most recent team, still has a $1.95 million biannual exception to use, but they will probably use it later on a player that has been waived by another team.

Pietrus is a good role player. He plays good defense and has been a decent three-point shooter in the past, although he has struggled in that area recently. However, it is unlikely that any team is going to give him more than the minimum. My prediction would be that eventually, he will change his mind.

Prediction: Fact…for now…

Mehmet Okur Still on Timberwolves’ Radar

Mehmet Okur has always been a good big man who has played under the radar for most of his career. He is a free agent this offseason, and the Minnesota Timberwolves have not given up on acquiring him yet.

According to Darren Wolfson of ESPN1500 in Minneapolis, Minnesota President of Basketball Operations David Kahn is still interested in acquiring the 33-year-old center, although it may be unlikely:

"

Okur is still on the #Twolves radar. But unless he changes his mind & will take the vet minimum, or Kahn makes a trade, not likely he comes.

— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) September 5, 2012"

It is clear that Okur’s star has faded considerably over the last few seasons, but there is no doubt that he could be a valuable contributor for a team off the bench. He is not going to average the 19 points and nine boards he did five or six seasons ago, but he is a solid veteran player to have. It would be a great get for the Timberwolves, who need to build frontcourt depth, but it does not look like he is in their price range.

Prediction: Fiction

Anthony Tolliver Has Plenty of Suitors

There is a ridiculous amount of news that seems to come out about Anthony Tolliver’s free-agent status, given the fact that he is probably only going to be a bench player wherever he is going. But the bench is important, as is evidenced by the amount of teams interested in Tolliver.

According to Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports, there are at least five teams with serious interest in acquiring Tolliver’s services:

"

The 5 teams in the mix for free-agent forward Anthony Tolliver are Minnesota, Indiana, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 4, 2012"

It makes sense that there would be teams interested in Tolliver. At age 27, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank and has proven himself to be a capable forward. As I stated before, he's probably going to be used as a bench player, likely by one of the teams mentioned above. 

Prediction: Fact

The Nets Will Not Give Andray Blatche a Guaranteed Deal

Andray Blatche appears to be working hard to rehabilitate both his NBA image and his NBA game, and the 26-year-old forward has earned quite a bit of interest from a number of teams. However, getting a guaranteed deal is reportedly asking too much of at least one of those teams.

The Brooklyn Nets are unwilling to give Blatche a guaranteed deal, per Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York. According to Mazzeo, the Nets have two roster spots left open, and they will be filled by players with non-guaranteed deals whether Blatche is one of them or not.

I doubt anyone would blame the Nets for being wary of guaranteeing any money to Blatche, especially given the way he performed during the 2011-12 season. The drop-off in production was alarming, and, although it can be partially blamed on the lockout and injury, there is no doubt that a lack of work ethic was also a big reason why Blatche played poorly.

Prediction: Fact