NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Chatter Around Deron Williams, Lance Stephenson, More
The 2014-15 NBA season has been full of unexpected success and unbridled failure, and the result has been a plethora of rumors regarding potential blockbuster trades involving some of the top names in the sport.
With elite stars like Brooklyn’s Deron Williams, Charlotte’s Lance Stephenson and Detroit’s Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings reportedly on the market, the landscape of the NBA could shift drastically over the coming weeks before the trade deadline.
Here are the latest NBA trade rumors from around the league.
Sacramento Kings Kicking the Tires on Deron Williams?
The Sacramento Kings have struggled early in the season, amassing a less-than-impressive 11-15 record, and the team may be looking to make a blockbuster trade to get back into contention in the Western Conference standings.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, Sacramento has expressed interest in veteran Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams. With little depth at the position, adding a bona fide star like Williams would be a major upgrade.
Wojnarowski reported the details of the rumored offer:
"The talks have centered on sending the Nets point guard Darren Collison and forwards Derrick Williams and Jason Thompson as part of a multi-player package for Williams, league sources said.
Sacramento has significant interest with Williams, but a hurdle to a possible deal is the Kings’ desire to have center Mason Plumlee included into the package, league sources said. Brooklyn has considered Plumlee a significant part of its future core.
"
In 25 games this season, Williams has been a reliable presence. With an average of 15.6 points, 6.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game, the Nets have leaned on Williams to be the steadying force in the lineup.
With a young core of players looking for the veteran leadership to blossom into a perennial postseason contender, Williams’ experience could be exactly what the Kings need to take the next step toward serious contention.
Charlotte Pulling Lance Stephenson off the Market for Now?
One of the names that has been drawing the most attention on the trade market is Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson. Charlotte signed Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million deal, but he has struggled mightily since joining the Hornets.
In 25 games, Stephenson has racked up an average of 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, but he has underperformed as compared to last season with the Indiana Pacers (13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 2013).
According to Chris Broussard and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com, Stephenson may be off the market, “Underwhelmed by the quality of trade offers they've received for Lance Stephenson, the Charlotte Hornets have decided to keep the volatile guard 'for now,' according to league sources.”
Another big factor in the decision to take Stephenson off the market could be his groin injury. The report claims that the franchise believes the groin injury could be one of the reasons Stephenson has struggled this season.
The Hornets have struggled overall as well, amassing an 8-19 record.
Charlotte owes it to themselves to try to make the investment in Stephenson pay off. If he continues to struggle before the trade deadline, though, the Hornets must consider trading him away and relieving the franchise of the financial burden of Stephenson’s contract.
Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings on the Trade Block
The rebuilding process in Detroit started off much slower than the Pistons expected, and the team currently has a 5-22 record. With postseason hopes dwindling, veterans Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings could find themselves in a new city before the trade deadline.
According to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report. “New Pistons president Stan Van Gundy needs to trade one or both of these guys if he wants to preserve the sanity of new Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy. Both are firmly on the block, per rival executives."
While Smith has remained relatively healthy this season, his numbers have dipped considerably, with the power forward now only averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. His assist numbers have increased, though, and teams could be interested in his ability to add depth and talent at PF.
On the other hand, Jennings has seen his numbers dip in almost every major statistical category, averaging 12.8 points, 6.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 24 games. He is still one of the most dangerous point guards in the NBA, but Detroit should be looking to build toward the future.
*Stats via NBA.com.
