NBA Rumors: Latest on Lamar Odom, Luol Deng and More Buzz
Even though it's been a pretty quiet start to the NBA season in terms of moves, it should only be a matter of time before general managers start getting more aggressive in their pursuit of upgrades. Once the first few dominoes fall, it usually sparks a flurry of activity.
As for now, fans around the league are forced to scour the rumor mill to see if their favorite team is involved in any of the talk. From that point, it comes down to separating fact from fiction, which can be a tricky task at times.
Knowing that, let's check out some of the latest buzz making it's way around the NBA and examine what the rumors could mean for the teams involved.
Lamar Odom
Once one of the league's most valuable role players, Odom hasn't been able to latch on with a team in the early stages of this season. He appeared in all 82 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, but averaged just four points per game while shooting a shade under 40 percent from the field.
Despite that lack of production, he might be back with the Clippers in the near future. Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com reports the two sides continue to talk as Odom works back into game shape, and players think he'll end up back on the squad:
"One source close to Odom said that he has been "extremely positive" since beginning workouts and that he expects to be back in the league really soon.
After Odom met with the Clippers last week, a number of players who spotted him said that they believed he was going to be signed by the team.
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At 34, Odom's best seasons are probably behind him. Yet, the Clippers could use some added depth behind the superstar duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The versatile veteran forward would provide a boost to the bench for the rest of the season if he can rebound from a few frustrating years.
The Chicago Bulls have been struck by the injury bug once again, raising questions about exactly how much they can accomplish this season. Yet, even though Deng has an expiring contract that would be a very attractive trade chip, Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today reports neither side is pushing for a deal.
"With that in mind, Deng, who will make $14.2 million this year in the final year of his six-year deal, probably will be with the Bulls for the long haul, a person familiar with both sides told USA TODAY Sports. Even though an expiring deal is ideal to trade, both sides appear to want to keep him on the team. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about a potential deal.
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Deng is an interesting case. At 28, he should be in the middle of prime, but his numbers have actually dropped off from a few years ago. His shooting percentage has dropped over 100 points from its peak of .517 in the 2006-07 season as he's transformed from an insider scorer to taking more jumpers.
That said, his overall numbers are still solid. He's averaging nearly 17 points per game to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. With Rose out, the Bulls will lean heavily on the wingman to lead the way. But he should possess plenty of trade value if they decide to change directions.
Omer Asik
Asik was coming off a breakout season that saw him average a double-double when the Houston Rockets got the opportunity to add Dwight Howard. With a more talented center in the mix, Asik has struggled to find a consistent role.
That's unlikely to change as long as Howard is healthy, so it will be interesting to see what Houston does with its backup big man. Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reports the Portland Trail Blazers have shown interest, but don't have the pieces the Rockets are seeking:
"So they’re quietly looking to improve, talking to the Rockets about trading for Omer Asik. They can send back Robin Lopez in a deal, but don’t have the "stretch four" the Houston is looking for as it searches for a home for its disgruntled backup center. The Rockets want a power forward who can shoot threes to pair next to Dwight Howard.
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The Blazers might not have what Houston is asking for, at least based on their current asking price, but they probably aren't alone in their interest. The Rockets would be wise to move him for a player who would better fit the rotation, but apparently the right offer hasn't come in quite yet.
