NBA Rumors: Latest on Possible Trades and More Buzz Around the League

The 2013-14 NBA season is just about to start, but that hasn’t quelled the immense amount of trade talk and other buzz that constantly swirls about the league.

While a blockbuster deal isn’t likely to go down before the campaign tips off, there is a good chance that at least one will happen at some point during the season.

Let’s take a look at the latest on these possible transactions and more in Sunday’s rumor roundup.

Asik Trade Rumors Starting Up Again

As soon as Dwight Howard was acquired by the Houston Rockets this summer, trade rumors concerning Omer Asik began popping up everywhere. The big man hasn’t done much to quiet them, as he reportedly asked the franchise to deal him and then refused to comment on the issue when asked about it.

The latest comes courtesy of Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld during a chat with fans on the topic of NBA rumors. In response to a question about a trade that could put the Rockets into the contender discussion, Kyler had this to say:

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Too early to speculate on what Houston could get… but there continues to be talk that Omer Asik is the major chip that goes out, either for an elite Small Forward or a big power forward. I don’t think you’ll see anything with Houston until January/February unless the wheels fall off for someone and they get desperate to salvage a season.

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Asik is definitely one of Houston’s top assets, but he could be expendable with Howard playing the same position. While there is a chance they could work together, the former starter may be most valuable as a trading chip around the deadline.

It’ll be interesting to see what the Rockets could get in return for his services and how that could impact their title chances in 2013-14.

 

Hayward, Jazz May Not Be Close to Extension

The Utah Jazz have been attempting to nail down an extension for emerging swingman Gordon Hayward, but the sides have yet to reach to an agreement.

According to USA Today’s Sam Amick, the two parties aren’t even close to hammering out a new contract, an issue that should be very concerning to the Jazz organization.

Hayward is highly coveted around the league for his versatility and defensive capabilities. He still has immense upside heading into his fourth season in the NBA, and—barring an extension—he becomes a restricted free agent after the 2013-14 campaign ends.

He’s expected to draw a number of suitors if he reaches that point and could defect from Salt Lake City if given the right offer that the Jazz refuse to or are unable to match.

Denver Reportedly Gauging Faried’s Value

Kenneth Faried is one of the toughest players on the Denver Nuggets roster and is constantly creating second-chance opportunities with his elite rebounding skills and hustle. However, according to Grantland’s Zach Lowe, the Nuggets may be willing to deal their high-energy big man for the right price.

Lowe notes that Faried is in the third season of a relatively cheap four-year rookie contract and is currently in line for handsome compensation if he can keep the same level of production up through the end of that deal.

While he won’t come cheap, there seems to be a distinct possibility that a rival franchise could pick up this rebounding machine via trade. Keep an eye on this situation as the season goes on.