NBA Rumors: Pre-Camp Buzz Surrounding the Association

There are a surprising amount of rumors sprouting up around the NBA, and training camp is still a little less than two weeks away.

From the possible return dates of stars to possible training camp attendees, there has been quite a bit of buzz surrounding some surprisingly relevant players. Normally around this time we're used to seeing rather unknown names in the news, but the past week or two have been filled with some pretty interesting rumors.

Here are a few of the biggest rumors swirling around the Association right now, and what they mean to the teams mentioned.

Andrew Bynum "Nowhere Near" Ready

Andrew Bynum hasn't played in an NBA game since May 21, 2012, back in the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.  

According to Sam Amico from Fox Sports Ohio, it might take even longer for Bynum to be ready to play. In the report it says:

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The Cavs haven't set a specific timetable for Bynum’s return to actual game action -- but they do have a plan. It’s to make sure Bynum is completely healthy before he ever puts on a uniform. In other words, the Cavs won’t rush him back just to quash any sort of fan anxiety.

One source familiar with Bynum’s progress told FOX Sports Ohio that Bynum is nowhere near ready and is likely to miss the entire preseason. He could, however, give it a go early in the regular season, if not for the opener Oct. 30 vs. the Brooklyn Nets.

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Injuries have plagued Bynum's career at this point, but he's just 25 years old and could have a decently long and successful career if he comes back from this injury 100 percent ready to go.  

During his last season in 2011-2012, Bynum averaged 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting a very efficient 55.8 percent. He's shot 56.6 percent over his career.

If Bynum does come back and plays at a high level, the Cavaliers could possibly be a solid team in the East. They already have a rising star in Kyrie Irving along with Dion Waiters and Jarrett Jack in the backcourt. Meanwhile, they have some pieces to develop in the frontcourt with Anthony Bennett and Tyler Zeller.

Things might be looking up this season for Cavs fans, and that's something they've been looking forward to since "The Decision."

Miami Heat Considering Several Free Agents

The Heat keep bringing in interesting free agents like Michael Beasley and Greg Oden, but it appears that they may not be done just yet.

A report by Alex Kennedy from HoopsWorld.com stated that the Heat were considering a number of available free agents, including Von Wafer, Julyan Stone, Vander Blue and a number of others.

Wafer has been around the league since 2005, playing with seven different teams since entering the league. He currently plays overseas with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, but I'm sure he would have no problem coming back to the NBA.

The name that intrigued me was Vander Blue.

Blue was a fun player to watch last season with the Marquette Golden Eagles. He averaged 14.8 points per game while shooting 45.4 percent from the field. He averaged 18.3 points per game in the NCAA tournament, playing at a high level and helping his team pull off some big wins over Davidson, Butler and Miami, before falling in the Elite Eight to Syracuse.

If the Heat decide to bring in anyone, it will likely be for a camp invite, and they will need to play very well to earn a roster spot for the season considering how many other developing players Miami has heading into October.

A Possible Return for Gilbert Arenas?

I keep feeling like Gilbert Arenas is done in the NBA, but he keeps coming back.

A tweet by Alex Kennedy reported that the Clippers could potentially be looking at the 31-year-old.

Arenas, the former star for the Washington Wizards, has had two brief stints with the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies over the past two seasons. Over his career, he's averaged 20.7 points and 5.3 assists per game.  

The backcourt of the Clippers is decently deep, with players like Darren Collison and Jamal Crawford coming off of the bench. Still, a veteran presence like Arenas as a backup to eat minutes and give others some rest from time to time could make him a pretty decent addition at the bottom of the roster.