NBA Free Agency 2013: Breaking Down Latest Buzz Throughout Association

The NBA is buzzing in the beginnings of the free-agency period this summer.

There has already been some big news, from the Minnesota Timberwolves agreeing on a four-year deal with Kevin Martin to the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers keeping Chris Paul, Tony Allen and David West, respectively.

But there is plenty left to happen this summer throughout the Association. Here's some of the latest buzz, complete with analysis.

Will Milwaukee Bucks Win Sweepstakes for Kyle Korver?

According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, "a number of teams" are looking at acquiring sharpshooter Kyle Korver. 

That includes the Milwaukee Bucks, who currently only have Ish Smith locked up in the backcourt. 

Stein writes:

"

Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that the Milwaukee Bucks, for one, are pitching a three-year deal to Korver in the $20 million range. 

"

The Brooklyn Nets are basically out of the picture. They can only offer Korver $9.6 million over the next three seasons because of their recent moves.

Stein also cites the San Antonio Spurs as an option for Korver. 

As of now, Korver is still mulling his options and reportedly hasn't leaned one way or another.

The Spurs don't have a lot of cap space, so Korver would likely have to take a discounted offer to join them. It's going to be interesting which way he leans. My feeling is that he's not going to take a discount, but who knows—maybe he wants to chase a championship.

Latest Buzz Surrounding Josh Smith

According to Ken Berger of CBSSports.com, the Houston Rockets have answered Dwight Howard's call to go about bringing in another star.

The Rockets are reportedly looking to acquire Smith in a sign-and-trade. 

Smith averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals last season with the Atlanta Hawks. He's always been a multidimensional player capable of contributing in multiple areas, and he's worked alongside talented players before without letting his ego get in the way.

Of course, there have also always been questions about his mentality, as he often resorts to shooting fadeaways rather than attacking the rim like he should.

The Detroit Pistons have also met with Smith, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports, but they appear to be more interested in a trade for Rudy Gay than addressing their needs via free agency.

Houston Rockets Shutting Down Trade Talk Surrounding Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik?

Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com tweeted on Tuesday that the Rockets had Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin on the trading block:

However, general manager Daryl Morey told Jonathen Feigen of the Houston Chronicle that the Rockets were looking to keep both Asik and Lin:

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Both with Omer and Jeremy, we feel like they’re good fits for Dwight. Omer with Dwight would give us the best (centers) in the league in combination. Jeremy is an attacking guard, great in pick-and-roll, a great fit for Dwight. Dwight works great with shooting and attacking guards. 

"

To be honest, I was a bit surprised about the reports surrounding Asik and Lin, considering they weren't bad players last season. Yes, Lin gets knocked on his defense, but he also offers distribution skills and can work the pick-and-roll, like Morey said.

If the Rockets can acquire Josh Smith in a sign-and-trade, imagine the roster they would have if Dwight Howard comes to town.