NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on LaMarcus Aldridge, Kendall Marshall and More

There was an initial surge of trades around the draft and near the beginning of the offseason, but there haven’t been any major deals struck in the last few weeks.

Fortunately, that all could change in the coming weeks. There are a number of high-profile players on the block, and many of these big-name talents and potential stars could be moved in the near future.

Let’s take a look at the latest buzz and highlight some of the hottest whispers regarding possible trades in Friday’s rumor roundup.

LaMarcus Aldridge Exploring Trades

After seven years with the Portland Trail Blazers, superstar power forward LaMarcus Aldridge is reportedly weighing his options and attempting to negotiate a trade out of the City of Roses.

According to CSNNW.com’s Chris Haynes, Aldridge and his camp met with Blazers general manager Neil Olshey to discuss possible trade scenarios. While nothing imminent seems to be on the horizon, the meeting was apparently productive and laid some groundwork.

Haynes’ source found that Olshey would not accept a package of draft picks and other mediocre talent in exchange for a player he thinks extremely highly of.

Aldridge was reportedly offered up for Kevin Love, Joakim Noah, Blake Griffin, Al Horford and Anthony Davis to no avail, so it remains to be seen where Olshey goes from here.

Regardless, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft still has two years and $30 million left on his contract, so the Blazers brass has the leverage in this situation.

Perhaps next season—when Aldridge is playing on an expiring contract—something will get done with some sense of urgency.

Kendall Marshall on the Block

Despite showing immense promise as a facilitator coming out of North Carolina in 2012, Kendall Marshall struggled mightily during his first season in the NBA.

The No. 13 overall pick, who landed with the Phoenix Suns, averaged just 3.0 points and 3.0 assists per game in 48 contests. Now, he’s reportedly up on the block and could be jettisoned from the desert any day now.

According to Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com, an executive informed him that Marshall is serving as the “price of admission” for any deal with Phoenix. The 21-year-old point guard is apparently being offered up in any possible trade with the organization.

New Suns general manager Ryan McDonough denied the rumors, but he wasn’t the most convincing in his choice of words. He told Howard-Cooper: “I wouldn’t say he’s available. Everybody has a price, right? It depends on what that price is.”

While Marshall could be a decent player in the Association with his great passing abilities and potential, it seems that his future doesn’t lie in Phoenix. It is only a matter of time before the young guard is shipped off.

Chuck Hayes On Way Out of Sactown?

The Sacramento Kings are in the midst of overhauling the front office during a major rebuilding effort, so it makes sense that Chuck Hayes and the remaining two years and $11 million on his contract may be on the way out of Northern California shortly.

The veteran forward fell out of favor last year, logging just 16.3 minutes per night in 74 games. He averaged just 2.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists, but he managed to still play top-notch defense when he found some minutes.

According to Haynes, the 6’6”, 250-pound forward isn’t opposed to a trade but wouldn’t mind returning to the Kings if that is what the situation calls for.

At 30 years old, Hayes doesn’t fit in with what Sacramento is currently trying to do.

He would be much more valuable coming off the bench and contributing on a contender, as his defense and savvy are highly useful at that level.

However, if the Kings are willing to pay him over $5.5 million per season for the next two years, it seems he will gladly take it.