NBA Rumors: Latest Info Surrounding Louis Amundson, Aron Baynes and More
While most NBA teams have their rosters settled heading into the start of the 2014 season, there are still a number of moves left to be made before the games begin.
It is likely too late in the offseason to see any All-Stars or even projected starters change teams, but a squad can find a quality reserve player who can make a difference in the upcoming season. With a number of high-upside contributors available, these are moves that could make general managers look like geniuses in a few months.
Here is a look at the latest rumors from around the league with transactions that could be made in the next few weeks.
Gustavo Ayon
Although Gustavo Ayon has not done much in three seasons in the NBA, an impressive run with the Mexican national team at the FIBA World Cup has put the center back on the radar for many teams.
Eurohoops.net reports the San Antonio Spurs are interested in acquiring the 29-year-old player:
ESPN.com's Marc Stein originally reported the player preferred to remain in the NBA if possible:
This is in line with what he said in an interview with Basket4US. When asked about the Spurs rumor, he responded, "I hope this is true. Right now, I have nothing. I have to keep waiting," as translated by HoopsHype.
David Pick of Eurobasket.com first reported Ayon agreed to a deal with Spain's Real Madrid, although he recently clarified that nothing has been signed:
After the center averaged 17.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during the World Cup, including 25 points and eight rebounds against the United States, it makes sense for him to get new opportunities for a job in the NBA.
The Spurs are always looking for players who can contribute to the rotation, and it seems like Ayon can do the job as long as he is available.
Aron Baynes
Similar to Ayon, Aaron Baynes also shined on the international stage this month. Playing for Australia, the center averaged 16.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.
He even fared well against established NBA centers, including Jonas Valanciunas, according to John Schuhmann of NBA.com:
While the Spurs should be excited about holding onto a 27-year-old player with obvious potential, they are instead seeing what he is worth on the open market.
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports notes he could be dealt in a sign-and-trade:
"The Spurs are open to sign and trade offers for restricted FA C Aron Baynes, who played well for Australia at the World Cup, a source said.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) September 15, 2014"
Baynes has had a hard time getting onto the court in his two years in the NBA, but he averaged 11.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes in that stretch. He is not guaranteed to provide this production with starters' minutes, but he has certainly shown that ability.
With so many teams looking for frontcourt depth, Baynes might be a quality option at this stage in the offseason.
Louis Amundson
After eight seasons in the NBA, teams know what Louis Amundson can do. He is not going to light up the scoreboard—failing to reach five points per game in any season—but he is a very good low-post defender who could be a valuable member of any team's rotation.
One squad that is still looking to add pieces that would help on a championship run is the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James, Kevin Love and others will certainly be a big part of this team, but it is often the little-known contributors who make an impact during the season and in the playoffs.
This is why the two sides are interested in possibly working out a deal. Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype notes a deal is possible:
Amundson did not make an impact on the Chicago Bulls, but he did play over 10 minutes per game with the New Orleans Pelicans in his limited appearances last season.
The veteran is someone who knows his role and would fit in perfectly with a star-studded roster like the Cavaliers. While it is not a move that will turn a lot of heads, this could end up making a difference over the course of the year.
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