NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Free Agents, Potential Trades and More
The first week of the 2013-14 NBA season is in the books, but the league is still abuzz with rumors and speculation on potential trades, free agent news and more.
With a handful of teams looking to unload some weighty contracts by the deadline, contenders hoping to stockpile pieces for a spring run and talented veterans without a contract, these whispers won’t cease anytime soon.
Let’s take a look at the latest talk around the Association in Wednesday’s rumor roundup.
Nash On the Block?
The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been off to a bad start to the 2013-14 season, but star point guard Steve Nash has already missed a game and doesn't seem to be at 100 percent effectiveness.
According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld, there is a chance that the veteran is traded this year, with the Toronto Raptors one possible landing spot for the 39-year-old.
Nash, a Canadian native, is in the midst of his 18th NBA season and has seen his production decline significantly over the past few seasons. Regardless, he would make an impact in the Raptors thin backcourt and provide a veteran presence for the rebuilding team.
He’d also be a huge hit for fans north of the border, as the two-time league MVP is one of the most popular players in Canada.
Unfortunately, Nash currently has two seasons and $19 million left on his contract. If the Lakers aren’t looking to take a bad, long-term deal back for his services, the amount of suitors will be extremely limited.
Raptors Reportedly Discussed Trading Gay
Speaking of the Raptors, there was some talk at the end of October that the team’s new general manager—Masai Ujiri—has had discussions about trading Rudy Gay—as per Bruce Arthur of the National Post.
The Raptors acquired Gay ahead of last season’s trade deadline, giving up Ed Davis, Jose Calderon and Hamed Haddadi and a second-round pick in a six-player, three-team swap.
However, Ujiri’s predecessor—Bryan Colangelo—orchestrated that deal shortly before stepping down. Ujiri is looking to put his stamp on the roster and may not see Gay—owed over $37 million for the remainder of this season and next—as part of the team’s future.
While the swingman hasn’t been terrible during his tenure in Canada, the Raptors aren’t going to win a championship with Gay as their top option.
If the right deal emerges that would net Toronto some future value or other decent assets, don’t be surprised if Ujiri pulls the trigger.
Jason Collins Won’t Consider D-League
Despite being a tough defender and solid locker room presence, veteran center Jason Collins has yet to find a team for the 2013-14 campaign.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, Collins was offered a chance to submit his name for the D-League draft, but declined in order to focus on workouts around his Los Angeles area home.
There was buzz over the summer that the Detroit Pistons would ink Collins to a new deal, while Stein noted that New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson mulled the option of extending a training camp invite to the big man before electing to go in a different direction.
However, that hasn’t discouraged Collins, who still believes he can contribute at the highest level and will be ready when a team calls due to his increased workout regimen.
His twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, said that Jason is in the best shape of his life, as per Stein: "I've never seen him as physically strong as he is now. So from that standpoint, he's good to go if he's given the opportunity and I'm optimistic he will. It's one of those things where you just have to see."
Don’t be surprised if Collins draws some serious interest in January, when 10-day contracts are available and teams are suffering from the usual injuries from the daily grind of the NBA season.
