NBA Rumors: Updates, Speculation for Week of Nov. 21
Although the NBA regular season is almost a month old, there hasn't been much separation in either conference so far. The Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors lead the way, but there will likely be plenty of juggling before things start to stabilize.
Normally, standings that are so bunched up limit player movement. Front offices want to get a better read on where their seasons are heading before deciding to shake things up. Of course, that could mean adding pieces for a hopeful playoff run or starting to look toward the future.
One thing the overall level of parity hasn't slowed down is the rumor mill. Plenty of talk continues to circulate about moves that could happen soon and those down the road.
Let's check out some of the latter chatter from around the league.
Corey Brewer
The Minnesota Timberwolves have an intriguing young core. Though that should eventually lead to more consistent success, it's certainly not going to happen overnight. In the meantime, the team is already starting to shop one of its veterans.
Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports Brewer is an option being considered by multiple contending teams as they look to bolster depth.
As you'd expect, he states the Wolves are seeking future assets in return for the swingman: "Sources told ESPN.com that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets have emerged as the most serious suitors for Brewer, whose arrival would be a notable boost for either team in terms of depth."
Brewer is averaging 10 points per game while shooting a shade under 50 percent from the field so far this season. He would be a welcome addition to the bench of several title contenders and also has starting experience should injuries arise.
Adding a player of his caliber may be of particular importance for the Cavs. LeBron James spoke openly this week about decreasing the minutes of the team's big three. Brewer is a player who can definitely provide some reliable relief.
Gasol isn't going anywhere right now. As mentioned, the Grizzlies currently lead the Western Conference thanks to a 10-2 record. However, the 29-year-old center is slated to become a free agent after the season, and teams are already lining up.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News notes the New York Knicks have already pegged Gasol as their top free-agent target as things stand right now. But he also states they can expect some competition from the San Antonio Spurs:
"The Knicks' main free-agent target, Marc Gasol, is also being targeted as a possible replacement to Tim Duncan assuming Ol' Man Riverwalk retires this summer. The Knicks will be players for the Memphis center mainly because of the first three rules of real estate—location, location, location—and because Gasol is familiar with both Jackson and Derek Fisher since older brother Pau spent the best years of his career with the Lakers.
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The Grizzlies will obviously do everything in their power to keep the talented big man. He's been the driving force behind the team's early surge. He's checking in at 18 points and eight rebounds per contest in the early going while also blocking and altering plenty of shots.
He certainly has the feel of a San Antonio player, somebody who provides more substance than flash and is willing to play within the confines of the system. On the flip side, if the Knicks want to become contenders, he represents the type of asset they must start to attract moving forward.
Rajon Rondo
As always, Rondo is an interesting case. If rumors always translated into moves, the point guard would have been traded from the Boston Celtics a long time ago. Instead, he's currently in his ninth season with the team.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck reports there's still a lack of certainty about what's going to happen with the Kentucky product before the trade deadline. Other teams are expecting a trade, even though the Celtics have continued to suggest otherwise:
"These are the questions that may come to define the Celtics' season, or at least the period between now and the Feb. 20 trade deadline. Rival executives say that Ainge has been firm in his stance that Rondo will not be dealt. But many of those same executives believe that Ainge has to trade Rondo, to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.
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Right now, the Celtics are 4-6. While they probably don't have the talent to make a deep playoff run, sneaking into the postseason in the weaker East is in range. Whether that's a good enough reason to keep Rondo and risk losing him for nothing is the key question.
He's dealt with some injury issues over the past few years, but when healthy there are few players better at running an offense. Even with the depth at point guard around the league, the Celtics can expect plenty of calls if he does become available for trade.
Goran Dragic
Dragic tends to fly under the radar despite his development into a solid player for the Phoenix Suns. His production has dropped off a bit in the early stages of the new campaign, but all indications are he would still be coveted if he hits the market.
Sean Deveney of Sporting News reports that what previously looked like a situation where the guard would stay in Phoenix is starting to open up. He lists a return to the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers among the potential options:
"While that might have been the idea at that time, that’s not the case now, as Dragic will have an "open" free agency, league sources told Sporting News. When Dragic opts out and becomes a free agent next July, he will be a sought-after commodity, and while Phoenix would get the first hearing, Dragic will have options.
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Last season, Dragic averaged 20 points and six assists while making more than 50 percent of his shots. As mentioned, his numbers are down so far this season. But that type of upside makes it no surprise that there would be numerous suitors outside of Phoenix.
The question for the Suns is whether they think the combination of Isaiah Thomas and Tyler Ennis can handle the load at point guard. If so, they may be better off using financial resources elsewhere. The Rockets and Lakers, among others, apparently hope that's the decision they make.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are off to a 9-3 start, but that seemingly isn't stopping them from scouring the trade market. The West is setting up to become very competitive, and it appears they might want to make the first strike in terms of adding another asset.
Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle notes the team has been connected with the aforementioned Brewer trade buzz. Aside from that, there hasn't been any specific links made, but Houston is definitely looking into moves: "The Rockets have been actively seeking to deal the $8.34 million trade exception that came with the Lin trade in a change to their original strategy, according to a person familiar with their trade talks around the league."
He also adds the Rockets aren't looking to upgrade one particular position. Instead, they just want to bolster the rotation. Houston has lacked efficiency off the bench, especially since some injury problems have popped up.
If the Rockets don't get Brewer, it might be tricky to get a deal done at this stage. There aren't a ton of teams in selling mode quite yet, but it's clear Houston doesn't plan on sitting back should an opportunity arise to improve its chances in the West.
