NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Possible Signings, Contract Extensions and More
The 2013-14 NBA season is finally underway, but that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning.
While there is finally meaningful action on the hardwood, a fair bit of intrigue is happening in front offices around the league.
Let’s take a look at the latest buzz surrounding the Association in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.
Shannon Brown Back to Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers may be bringing back a familiar face as veteran guard Shannon Brown was released by the Washington Wizards on Monday after being traded to the club this past Friday.
Brown was packaged by the Phoenix Suns as part of the Marcin Gortat for Emeka Okafor deal and cut loose, despite a $3.5 million salary for the 2013-14 season.
According to Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld, Brown is expected to return to L.A. shortly, the team the 27-year-old played for from 2009 through 2011. The athletic guard holds career averages of 8.1 points, two rebounds and 1.2 assists per game and was a fan favorite during his time with the Purple and Gold.
He played in all 82 games during both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 campaigns, mostly as a backup coming off the bench.
Kings May Deal Jimmer Fredette
The Sacramento Kings are in the midst of a major rebuilding effort around center DeMarcus Cousins, and it seems that guard Jimmer Fredette is no longer part of the organization’s plans.
As per Nick Borges of ESPN (behind Insider pay wall), the Kings are likely to decline Fredette’s $3.11 million option for the 2014-15 season and are also exploring a possible trade with the Utah Jazz.
Utah will be without rookie point guard Trey Burke for the first months of the season, but recently re-signed veteran Jamaal Tinsley to bolster the backcourt rotation. It is unknown if the club will still want Fredette, who is much more of a scorer than a facilitator—although he hasn’t done much of either during his short career.
The third-year guard holds averages of 7.4 points, 1.5 assists and 1.1 rebounds and hasn’t lived up to expectations as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2011 draft. A change of scenery for both parties is likely the best option at this juncture. If Fredette isn’t traded, expect him to hit free agency this coming summer.
Ed Davis Long Shot to Receive Extension
The Memphis Grizzlies seem reluctant to commit to big man Ed Davis for the long haul, as Sam Amick of USA Today recently reported that an extension for Davis is unlikely at this juncture.
Davis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2010, was traded to Memphis from the Toronto Raptors ahead of the deadline this past season.
He averaged 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks during the 36 games he played in Tennessee, a step down from his career numbers of 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest.
The 24-year-old has plenty of upside remaining and could be a valuable part of the Grizzlies’ frontcourt going forward but may end up bolting in free agency during the coming offseason.
The Griz and Davis have until Thursday to hammer out a long-term contract.
