NBA Rumors: Post-Draft Updates for Each Team

After a night full of wheeling and dealing, the NBA's rumor mill continues to churn. 

Two trades shook up the NBA landscape Thursday evening, as Jrue Holiday was dealt from the Philadelphia 76ers to the New Orleans Pelicans and the Brooklyn Nets acquired Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, according to Yahoo! Sports. 

Although the draft is over, free agency is just days away. Rumors are flying regarding potential free agents, trades and coaching changes, and we've got you covered with an individualized team-by-team breakdown. 

Atlanta Hawks

With back-to-back picks (No. 17 and 18 overall), the Atlanta Hawks selected international prospects Lucas Nogueira and Dennis Schroeder. 

The Hawks are not rumored to be making any significant moves at this time. Check back for updates. 

Boston Celtics

According to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, Kris Humphries' stay with the Boston Celtics may be short-lived. 

Mannix tweeted, "Keep an eye on Charlotte as a possible landing spot for Kris Humphries. Rival execs skeptical he stays in Boston."

A deal between the Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats is a logical one when you factor in trade rumors that linked Humphries with the Bobcats in February. 

According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Humphries will head from Brooklyn to Boston in the draft-day blockbuster that sent Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry to the Nets. 

ESPN's Marc Stein is also reporting that the Celtics may give their coach of the future a tryout this summer. 

According to a tweet from Stein, "Rumble in coaching circles is that Celtics see Jay Larranaga's stint in charge of summer-league team as audition for replacing Doc Rivers."

Brooklyn Nets

According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Brooklyn Nets are looking into adding even more veteran talent. 

This time, it's former Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics center Jason Collins. 

Wojnarowski reports that the Nets are a logical destination for Collins because of his relationship with head coach Jason Kidd and new assistant Lawrence Frank which stems from their days in New Jersey. 

In 38 appearances for the Celtics and Wizards last season, Collins averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. 

However, according to a tweet from ESPN's Chris Broussard, it's "very doubtful" that Collins will sign with the Nets. Stay tuned. 

Charlotte Bobcats

The Charlotte Bobcats drafted Cody Zeller No. 4 overall Thursday night, but that may not preclude the team from making a move for another big man. 

According to a tweet from Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, "Keep an eye on Charlotte as a possible landing spot for Kris Humphries. Rival execs skeptical he stays in Boston."

The Bobcats are a logical landing spot for Humphries, who's in the final year of a two-year, $24 million contract. 

Humphries could be a stopgap solution in the frontcourt for a year, playing alongside a developing Zeller and a platoon of Bismack Biyombo and Josh McRoberts, should he re-up with the Bobcats. 

In other news, Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Bobcats have extended a qualifying offer to Gerald Henderson, but declined to do so with Byron Mullens. 

Chicago Bulls

LaMarcus Aldridge is not a happy camper. 

According to CSN Northwest's Chris Haynes, Aldridge is in favor of a move elsewhere if the Portland Trail Blazers don't get serious about contending:

"

If Portland doesn't have plans to drastically improve its roster in time for the 2013-14 NBA season, Aldridge would prefer to be moved, and his first choice would be Chicago, the source said.

"

It's unclear who the Chicago Bulls would trade to Portland in a potential deal, particularly because the Bulls aren't replete with young assets. 

However, it's important to note that Aldridge is under contract until the end of the 2014-15 season, so the Blazers are not in a precarious situation just yet. 

Cleveland Cavaliers

With the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Anthony Bennett of UNLV. Chris Grant and Co. later added Sergey Karasev with the 19th pick and Arizona State guard Carrick Felix with the 33rd pick. 

There are no rumors involving the Cleveland Cavaliers at this time. Check back later for updates. 

Dallas Mavericks

According to Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News, Dirk Nowitzki has reached out to Dwight Howard in hopes of luring the big man to the Dallas Mavericks this summer.

Sefko reports the following:

"

Nowitzki said Thursday before the NBA draft that he did call Howard recently to talk up life with the Mavericks.

“I reached out to him, but that’s probably as far as I would go,” Nowitzki said. “I told him we’d love to have him and that’s really about it. It’s not like we call each other every day. I didn’t write him a letter. I just had a little phone contact and that was about it.”

"

With ESPN's Chris Broussard reporting that Howard is unlikely to return to L.A., Dallas' odds of signing the league's leading rebounder are looking stronger. 

However, Dallas will need to fend off the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks in order to secure Howard's services if he doesn't return to L.A. 

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets were one of several teams to wheel and deal Thursday night. 

According to a tweet from ESPN's Marc Stein, the Nuggets dealt center Kosta Koufos to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Darrell Arthur and the rights to Joffrey Lauvergne, who was selected at No. 55 overall. 

While it may not look like a flashy deal, Stein tweeted that it means change is coming to the Nuggets' starting lineup. 

According to Stein, "Nuggets brass were not happy George Karl started Koufos ahead of JaVale McGee. Koufos' exit seals the expected: McGee gets to start now."

McGee averaged 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 78 appearances last season but made zero starts. 

Detroit Pistons

According to a tweet from Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, "Rasheed Wallace is in talks with the Detroit Pistons to join Maurice Cheeks coaching staff, the Daily News has learned." 

Wallace, who played for the Detroit Pistons from 2004-09, captured his only NBA title in the Motor City in 2004. 

Last season, Wallace appeared in 21 games for the New York Knicks before being sidelined by a left-foot injury. 

Should Wallace make a move to the Pistons' staff, he'll join Jason Kidd as the second member of the 2012-13 Knicks to make the transition from playing to coaching in less than a year. 

Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors selected Nemanja Nedovic of Serbia after trading into the first round Thursday night. Nedovic is a stash candidate overseas, according to the San Jose Mercury News. 

There are no major rumors involving the Golden State Warriors at this time. Check back later for updates. 

Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets figure to be major players when free agency opens Monday. The team already has loads of cap space but, according to Mark Deeks, they may want more. 

According to a tweet from Deeks, "Houston is trying to dump Jeremy Lin's salary, going so far as to prioritise cap relief over young basketball assets."

In theory, dumping Lin's salary makes sense. Lin will make roughly $5.2 million next season, but his salary escalates to $14.9 million in 2014-15, according to HoopsHype. 

Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers selected Arizona's Solomon Hill at No. 23 overall Thursday night. 

There are no rumors pertaining to the Pacers at this time. Check back later for updates. 

Los Angeles Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers weren't able to pull the trigger on the rumored Arron Afflalo-Eric Bledsoe trade Thursday night, but that doesn't mean the trade couldn't be revived as the summer progresses.

According to a tweet from Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, "Magic GM Rob Hennigan says nothing active on Arron Afflalo-Eric Bledsoe trade but it could be 're-visted' this summer." 

The Magic are still in need of a long-term solution at point guard after selecting Victor Oladipo at No. 2 overall, and Bledsoe is one of the hottest young names at that position. 

Bledsoe's set to hit restricted free agency in summer 2014, so the Clippers would be wise to maximize on his peak value and deal him before he walks next summer. 

In other point guard-related news, ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that teams throughout the NBA now view Chris Paul's return to the Clippers on a max contract a "done deal." 

Los Angeles Lakers

According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak feels Dwight Howard is still attainable in free agency despite a contrary report from ESPN's Chris Broussard: 

"

"I think I'm optimistic," Kupchak said. "But I understand there's a possibility he won't return."

Kupchak wouldn't say whether he's been told the Lakers will be the final team that meets with Howard, who will begin visiting teams beginning next week. Those include the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors, possibly more. Kupchak also sidestepped questions on whether Howard dislikes Mike D'Antoni's system.

"

Aside from Los Angeles, Broussard reports that the likeliest landing spots for Howard are Dallas, Houston and Atlanta. 

Memphis Grizzlies

According to a tweet from ESPN's Marc Stein, Jerryd Bayless will opt into his deal for next season, saying, "I'm told Grizzlies G Jerryd Bayless, in mild surprise, has elected to invoke $3.1 million player option for next season to stay in Memphis."

Stein has also reported that the Memphis Grizzlies acquired Denver Nuggets' center Kosta Koufos in a draft-night trade. 

The parameters of the trade are as follows, per Stein: "Hearing Grizzlies have trade in the works: Darrell Arthur and 55th pick will be dealt to Denver for Kosta Koufos."

Koufos started all 81 games he appeared in last season for Denver, averaging 8 points and 6.9 rebounds in 22.4 minutes per game. 

Miami Heat

According to a tweet from Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida, it's looking likely that Ray Allen will return to Miami next season. 

Here's Tomasson with the details: "Source close to situation expects Ray Allen to return to #Heat: 'Both sides want to make it happen' Best bet is Allen opting out/re-signing."

Allen originally had a $3.2 million player option for next season, but it appears as if that will now be restructured. 

Also, the Heat acquired James Ennis of Long Beach State in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday evening, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks selected Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at No. 15 overall Thursday night. While an 18-year-old international prospect is typically a prime candidate for the draft-and-stash strategy, the Bucks aren't so sure. 

According to a tweet from Andrew Gruman of Fox Sports Wisconsin, the Bucks do not plan on stashing Antetokounmpo overseas: "#Bucks GM John Hammond says Giannis Antetokounmpo will come over right away."

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves landed UCLA swingman Shabazz Muhammad with the 14th pick Thursday night, but don't expect him to start right away. 

According to the AP's Jon Krawczynski, Flip Saunders doesn't envision the team's newest piece starting from the jump. 

"Flip says Muhammad will come off bench. They'll go into free agency/trades looking for a starting 2," Krawczynski tweeted. 

Muhammad is versatile in that he can play the 2 and the 3, so the Timberwolves have done well for themselves by adding depth on the wing. Who the Timberwolves target in free agency remains to be seen. 

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans made a major splash when they acquired Jrue Holiday from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for the draft rights to Nerlens Noel and a first-round pick in 2014, according to Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

Holiday, 23, made his first All-Star team last season and finished the year with averages of 17.7 points, eight assists, 1.6 steals and 3.7 turnovers per game. 

Since making the trade, the Pelicans have not been involved in any significant rumors. Check back later for updates. 

New York Knicks

According to a tweet from ESPN New York's Jared Zwerling, New York Knicks forward Chris Copeland is drawing interest from an Atlantic Division rival. 

Here's Zwerling with the details: "Add the Boston Celtics to the mix of teams that will likely inquire about Chris Copeland, now that they have good cap space. #Knicks"

In other news, the New York Post is reporting that reigning scoring champion Carmelo Anthony is unlikely to need surgery on his troublesome shoulder this summer:

"

The Post reported he would rehab the shoulder and not undergo surgery, but reports suggested surgery was still not ruled out if it didn’t heal in three weeks.

“Much better,’’ Anthony said after the Red Hook ceremony. “The shoulder feels much better. I had four, five weeks to let it rest and heal up. It’s not 100 percent yet, but it’s much better.’’

Asked if it’s still possible of surgery down the road, Anthony said: “No, I don’t think no surgery is needed.’’

"

As for the draft, the Knicks went with Michigan man Tim Hardaway Jr. at No. 24 overall and, according to Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski, have signed undrafted free agent C.J. Leslie out of N.C. State. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder went big Thursday night, selecting Pittsburgh center Steven Adams at No. 12 overall. They then acquired the rights to Colorado's Andre Roberson in a trade with the Golden State Warriors. 

At the moment there are no rumors of note involving the Thunder. Check back later for updates. 

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic snagged Victor Oladipo with the second pick in Thursday night's draft, but failed to acquire their point guard of the future. 

Although the Eric Bledsoe-Arron Afflalo trade is on hold for the time being, according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando is rife with young talent. 

One interesting note worth passing alone: According to a tweet from Joshua Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, "Rob Hennigan said the deal Philly offered to NOLA wasn't on the table for the Magic."

For now, all is quiet on the rumor front in Orlando. 

Philadelphia 76ers

According to a report from the New York Daily News, the Philadelphia 76ers plan to hire San Antonio Spurs assistant Brett Brown as the next head coach. 

However, Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie was quick to deny that report during media availability early Friday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

According to Keith Pompey, Hinkie said, "We had a lot of things going on. That was not part of what happened in the last several hours."

Prior to joining Gregg Popovich's staff in 2002, Brown coached in the Australian National Basketball League and currently serves as the head coach of the Australian men's national team. 

The Sixers have been very thorough in their head coaching search since Doug Collins and the team amicably parted ways in April. 

Phoenix Suns

The Ryan McDonough era got off to a strong start Thursday night when the Phoenix Suns were able to collect young assets in the form of Alex Len, Archie Goodwin and Alex Oriakhi. 

Len slid to the Suns at No. 5 despite rumblings that he was being considered by the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 1 overall. 

For now, there are no rumors involving the Suns. Check back later for updates. 

Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers added two scorers Thursday night, securing Lehigh point guard C.J. McCollum and California's Allen Crabbe. 

Portland also added Spanish forward Marko Todorovic with the 45th overall pick. According to The Oregonian's Mike Tokito, the Blazers will stash Todorovic overseas for the 2013-14 season. 

As mentioned previously, reports have surfaced (via CSN Northwest) about LaMarcus Aldridge's frustration with the Blazers, but a deal appears to be a long way off at this point. 

Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Tyreke Evans earlier this week, but that hardly guarantees he'll return next season. 

However, according to a tweet from Carmichael Dave, Evans doesn't want a change of scenery: "On the advice of his agent Arn Tellem, Tyreke Evans withdrew from the draft party today.Spoke with his camp- he wants to be a King for sure."

The Kings bolstered their depth at shooting guard Thursday night when Kansas' Ben McLemore tumbled down draft boards and into Sacramento's lap at No. 7 overall. 

San Antonio Spurs

Aside from the reports and denials (via the Philadelphia Inquirer) that the Philadelphia 76ers have lured San Antonio Spurs assistant Brett Brown to the City of Brotherly Love, there's not much to report with regard to the Western Conference champions.  

The Spurs selected Livio Jean-Charles at No. 28 overall, a swingman from France. Considering the Spurs' track record of drafting and stashing international prospects, it wouldn't be surprising to see R.C. Buford do the same here. 

Toronto Raptors

According to a tweet from ESPN's Marc Stein, the Toronto Raptors are prepared to let John Lucas III walk: "Hearing Raptors unexpectedly decline option on John Lucas III, making him free agent July 1. Don't be surprised if PG ends up back w/Bulls." 

Lucas averaged 5.3 points and 1.7 assists in 63 games last season with the Raptors. 

During the 2011-12 season, Lucas averaged 7.5 points and 2.2 assists per game as a member of the Chicago Bulls, where Stein reports the 30-year-old could end up this summer. 

However, point guard is a crowded spot for the Bulls, as they have Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and Marquis Teague slotted in on the depth chart currently. 

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz worked the phones with the best of them Thursday evening, acquiring point guard Trey Burke and French center Rudy Gobert in separate draft-night swaps. 

For now, no significant rumors involving the Jazz are circulating. Check back for updates. 

Washington Wizards

As expected, the Washington Wizards selected Georgetown's Otto Porter No. 3 overall during Thursday night's NBA draft. 

Porter will join a young Wizards team that boasts John Wall and Bradley Beal in the backcourt. Porter will presumably take over as the team's long-term staple at the 3. 

In other draft-night news, the Wizards acquired Glen Rice Jr. in a minor second-round deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski. 

There are no rumors to pass along at this time. Check back for updates.