NBA Rumors: Stars Who Could Find a New Home This Offseason

With the 2013 NBA playoffs in full swing, countless players are one step closer to realizing their dreams of tasting championship gold. Unfortunately, there are even more players approaching uncertainty, as the offseason is just around the corner.

The question is, which stars that could find a new home this offseason?

There are countless big-name players that are preparing to enter the ranks of free agency, thus instantly becoming eligible to end up elsewhere. With that being said, there are also players who are under contract that could find a new home.

So who might those players be?

Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce

According to Greg Dickerson of CSN New England, the people around Paul Pierce believe he has played his final game with the Boston Celtics. Pierce reportedly wants to return, but his $15 million salary could lead to his eventual departure.

When asked whether the Celtics would trade him or buy out his contract, Dickerson sided with the latter approach.

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I know that the company that Paul Pierce hangs around in, they do not believe – and I don't think Paul Pierce believes – that he is going to be brought back next year at $15 million.

I know for a fact that people around Paul Pierce have pretty much resigned themselves to the fact that he's played his final game in a Boston Celtics uniform. Again, Paul wants to stay – obviously for $15 million, but he wants to finish his career in a Celtics uniform.

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Pierce has been with the Celtics since they drafted him in 1998.

Later in his interview, Dickerson proclaimed that if Pierce isn't with the Celtics, Kevin Garnett will leave, as well. With that being said, KG's list of potential destinations is rather thin.

Per Dickerson, those teams include the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Pau Gasol

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, Pau Gasol is well aware of the fact that his time with the Los Angeles Lakers could be over at any time. Such was made clear to the two-time NBA champion when he met with general manager Mitch Kupchak.

Yet another unfortunate turn of events for a Hall of Fame caliber performer and individual.

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“[Mitch Kupchak] couldn’t really tell me, ‘Hey, thanks for everything you’ve done, it’s more likely you’re going to be gone,’ or no, ‘Don’t worry about it, you’re going to stay here. We’re going to make it happen,’” Gasol said. “Which is to be expected. I appreciate Mitch’s honesty and everything that he’s done and the franchise has done for the last two years to keep me here and have me on the team.” 

"

This is a continuation of a two-year period in which Gasol has been on trade alert—something both unfair and mentally taxing.

Potential destinations are unclear, but Gasol was nearly traded to the Houston Rockets in the infamous Chris Paul trade that was vetoed by commissioner David Stern. With youth and cap space on their side, Houston could be in the running once again.

Regardless of where he ends up, there's certain to be some restless nights in Houston.

Eric Gordon

According to John Reid of The Times Picayune, the New Orleans Pelicans remain open to the idea of trading Eric Gordon. This comes after Chris Broussard of ESPN reported that Gordon was being shopped at the 2013 NBA trade deadline.

All signs point toward a trade remaining a possibility during the upcoming offseason.

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"To say if I anticipate him being back – I don’t know if that’s something I can answer right now, or him not to be back,’’ Demps said. "We’re going to sit down and evaluate every situation and opportunity."

"

That's general manager talk for, "We're seriously considering this move."

The Pelicans signed Gordon to a max contract during the 2012 period of free agency. More importantly, they signed Gordon to a max contract against his will.

Gordon made it perfectly clear that he would prefer if New Orleans didn't match the offer sheet extended by the Phoenix Suns—the team formerly known as the Hornets refused to oblige (via The Times-Picayune).

The drama got worse for New Orleans, as Gordon and head coach Monty Williams entered into a verbal altercation in the middle of an early-April game. This was the culmination of months of tension between Gordon and the organization.

The question is, will anyone gamble on a player with a max contract that has missed at least 20 games due to injury in four consecutive seasons?