NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Andrei Kirilenko, Rajon Rondo and More
It may be early in the 2014-15 NBA season, but there's no shortage of rumors. Despite the long regular season, many franchises look to the future rather early and decide to make moves that appear beneficial to the long-term success of their squads.
Generally, we don't see any kind of blockbuster trades this early in the season, but there will always be speculation. More common at this time of year is significant movement due to teams adjusting to the salary cap or filling voids left by injured players on their rosters.
Recently, speculation regarding one of the Association's most recognized players surfaced from trusted sources around the Web. Here's what they had to say, followed by a couple more interesting pieces of gossip.
Rondo on the Move?
Here we have a perfect example of some speculation regarding the future of Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo. One of the league's best facilitators and most consistent players, Rondo would certainly be a hot commodity if he were to ever leave Boston.
Well, according to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, at least one league source thinks that may be a possibility in the not-so-distant future. "They're definitely bravely saying they won't trade him at this point," an NBA general manager told Beck. "I definitely think it's the right thing to trade him. I think Danny knows it."
Beck goes on to list the point guard's demands, stating he's looking for a max contract that would be worth "five years and an estimated $106 million if he stays in Boston, four years and about $79 million if he signs elsewhere."
Obviously, Rondo is worth the money. Through nine games this season, he's averaging a double-double with 10.4 points and 11.8 assists per game. He's the kind of player who can instantly turn a team with a couple capable shooters into a contender.
Due to the Celtics' youth movement, the 28-year-old Rondo's lucrative contract may not be in the team's future plans. Will general manager Danny Ainge pull the trigger? Rondo's contract expires at the end of this season, so we'll know the answer to that question soon enough.
Kirilenko to the Sixers?
Brooklyn Nets forward Andrei Kirilenko may be on the move. The veteran has been absent from the team's most recent games due to a leave of absence. At first, his absence was thought to be for personal reasons, but that apparently wasn't the case.
of TheBrooklynGame.com reported a different scenario: "Though the team cited 'personal reasons' for Kirilenko's absence, a team source confirmed to The Brooklyn Game that Kirilenko's lack of minutes and boot from the rotation played a factor in him leaving the team indefinitely."
That sure seems to be an obvious notion. After all, Kirilenko spent an average of 19 minutes on the floor in 45 games with the Nets last season. This year, he's averaged just 5.1 minutes through seven contests. That led to some trade speculation.
Bob Cooney of the Daily News tweeted interest from the Philadelphia 76ers:
But why would Philadelphia, a very young team, want a 33-year-old forward? Also, what would the Nets expect in return? Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com tweeted the answers to those questions:
So, the Sixers would simply absorb Kirilenko's $3.3 million salary, via Spotrac.com, in an effort to get closer to the cap floor. Brooklyn would relinquish an unnecessary cap hit and acquire a trade exemption in return. That's not a bad scenario for either team.
Taylor Won't Appeal Suspension
Charlotte Hornets forward Jeff Taylor pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Michigan after a physical altercation with a woman he was formerly partnered with. That led to a 24-game suspension from commissioner Adam Silver.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Taylor will not be appealing his suspension and will sit out all 24 contests:
Since the incident in question occurred before the regular season commenced, Taylor has already missed the first 13 games of the 2014-15 season, leaving 11 more games before he can return to action with the team.
Due to injury, Taylor hasn't played in a regular-season game since December 2013. In 26 games (eight starts) last season, he averaged 8.0 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37.6 percent from the floor in 24.2 minutes per game.
Charlotte's 25th game this season—Taylor's expected return from suspension—will take place on Wednesday, December 17 at home against the Phoenix Suns.
