NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Possible Trades, Signings and More
The NBA offseason is in full swing with a steady stream of preseason games, training camp battles and more.
Behind the scenes, general managers are still actively evaluating their rosters and looking to field the best possible lineups for the upcoming 2013-14 campaign.
Even with a few short weeks left before the season tipoff, there could still be a handful of surprise signings and possibly even a trade or two in October.
Let’s take a look at what the latest buzz around the league is in Tuesday’s rumor roundup.
Magic Looking to Move Veterans
The rebuilding Orlando Magic have plenty of young talent on the roster, which is why it makes sense that the club is reportedly entertaining the thought of shopping a few veterans.
According to Brett Poirier of SheridanHoops, Jameer Nelson, Glen Davis and Arron Afflalo could all be on the block around February’s trade deadline.
With emerging studs like Victor Oladipo, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris and many more under contract, the Magic have little use for higher-paid, older talents that are soaking up valuable minutes and cap room during this rebuilding effort.
While the team may lose a few games after dealing away these contributors, it will benefit in the long run by having more roster flexibility in the 2014 offseason, as well as giving the inexperienced players more reps.
It’s a win-win situation and it will be interesting to see what kind of deals the Magic brass can come up with for those three players this season.
Nuggets May Add Gibson
Daniel “Boobie” Gibson was not retained by the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, opening the door for the seven-year veteran to take his talents elsewhere.
According to Fox Sports Ohio’s Sam Amico, the Denver Nuggets have the 27-year-old guard on their radar.
Gibson holds career averages of 7.8 points, 2.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds per game. He’s a great three-point shooter who has connected on 40.7 percent of his attempts beyond the arc throughout his career.
The former second-round pick would add some depth to the guard rotation and likely come off the bench in Denver.
Gortat Understands Predicament
The Phoenix Suns aren’t going to be a very good team in 2013-14, as they are in the midst of a rebuilding effort and have a handful of young potential stars that they need to develop.
One of those is rookie Alex Len, who was selected No. 5 overall out of Maryland in the 2013 draft. The center is currently rehabbing an ankle injury, but will likely get huge minutes upon his return.
That puts veteran center Marcin Gortat in a tough situation, as the 29-year-old has been one of the team’s most consistent players over the past three seasons.
According to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic, the big man realizes that his expiring $7.7 million contract is a major asset for the Suns and he is a likely candidate to be moved at the deadline:
"This is a business. We all know where I am right now, and we all know what’s going to happen probably. It’s business. I totally understand that. I totally understand the situation. I totally understand the management and front-office people. There are no hard feelings. At the end of the day, I’m a pro. I’m going to try to do everything that’s necessary to win the basketball game.
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Given his status as a veteran on a rebuilding team, it would be shocking to see Gortat finish the season in the Valley of the Sun. Expect the Phoenix brass to explore a number of trades throughout the year and eventually move the center for the best package of picks and future assets they can get in return.
