NBA Rumors: Latest Rumblings on Derrick Williams, Anderson Varejao and More

With the 2012-13 NBA season in full swing, franchises have an idea of which players are fitting in, who isn’t living up to expectations and who might need to go.

That’s why the rumor mill is now churning at a fast pace and plenty of talk is being generated on a number of potential trades and other deals across the league.

Let’s take a look at some of the more juicy whispers and rumors from the past few days.

The Varejao Package

With Anderson Varejao having a career year (averaging 14.3 points, 13.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists) in Cleveland, the Cavaliers brass isn’t going to trade the center so easily.

While the Cavs are still in a rebuilding mode, they do owe the Brazilian big man $8.4 million this season and $9.1 million in 2013-14 with a team option the season after that.

According to HoopsWorld’s Steve Kyler, if a team looking to win now inquires about Varejao, sources are indicating that they’ll have to take on Luke Walton’s expiring $6 million contract as well.

This may make acquiring Varejao prohibitive for any true contender that is already over the salary cap, but there is a chance a deal gets done by the deadline.

Derrick Williams Done?

The former University of Arizona star hasn’t lived up to expectations in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are perhaps looking to move last year’s No. 2 overall pick once they get healthy.

According to Kyler, once star PF Kevin Love returns and makes the sophomore expendable, there is talk that team president David Kahn will attempt to find a suitor for the promising, yet disappointing player.

The 6’8” forward is averaging just 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game and is shooting a paltry 35.6 percent from the field. He needs to improve greatly to be a starter in this league but certainly has the upside, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see a franchise gamble on that.

Gilbert in L.A.?

It seems ridiculous, but former NBA star Gilbert Arenas apparently wants to play in China at this stage of his career.

According to Hupu.com, a Chinese language site, the 30-year-old guard was contacted by the Los Angeles Lakers following Steve Nash’s injury, but rebuffed the inquiry.

Because Arenas is still owed approximately $40 million over the next two years after being amnestied, money obviously isn’t a giant factor in his decision. Perhaps the guard wants to actually improve his skills and earn his way back into the league rather than sign a limited contract to play for a few days and then ride the pine for the remainder of the season.

We wish Arenas the best during his time in China and hope that he one day returns to the NBA as a capable player.