NBA Rumors: Analyzing Buzz Around Deron Williams, Ray Allen's Future and More
The Brooklyn Nets are ready to part ways with their biggest names. According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, point guard Deron Williams is one that is apparently on the block:
"The Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings are discussing a deal centered on former All-Star guard Deron Williams, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Nets have been shopping their high-priced star players, and the Kings have been probing the market for an impact point guard.
No deal is imminent, but the talks are ongoing, sources told Yahoo Sports.
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During the offseason, the Kings inked Darren Collison to a three-year, $15 million deal. Collison is having a strong season, averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, but Sacramento is clearly looking to add a higher-impact player to the mix.
At one point, the 30-year-old Williams was among the best point guards in the NBA. It would appear he is about three years removed from that status.
This season, he's scoring 15.3 points and dishing 6.1 assists per game. Perhaps a move to Sacramento to play with young, superstar big DeMarcus Cousins could lift Williams' play back to an elite level.
What's Up With Ray Ray?
Let's face it, no one knows what Ray Allen is going to do. One week, you hear he's leaning toward signing with this team. Another week, and there's a new team interested in his services.
The latest word comes from ESPN's Brian Windhorst (h/t ESPN Cleveland), who says a source tells him Allen is thinking about hanging up his sneakers:
The longer this draws out, the more it seems like this could be the result. Allen deserves a proper sendoff after a Hall of Fame career, but he's not the glamour-and-glitz type, so he may not want that.
There's no doubt there's a long list of contenders who could use his sweet jump shot and veteran presence, but we don't know if Allen has the desire to give it another go—even for half a season.
Cleveland Hunting for a Big
With Anderson Varejao's recent injury, the Cleveland Cavaliers are desperate for a big man. According to ESPN.com's Windhorst and Marc Stein, the Cavs have tried to engage the Boston Celtics in talks with a third team to bring in the C's newly acquired center, Brandan Wright:
"Sources say the Cavs, in recent days, have been in contact with the Boston Celtics about working as a facilitator in three-team trade scenarios. The Celtics, blessed with frontcourt depth in the wake of their recent acquisition of Brandan Wright in the Rajon Rondo deal, have been aggressive recently in their attempts to acquire future draft picks.
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Wright would be a much-needed rim protector for the Cavs, who are now especially soft in the middle.
With teams like the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors looming in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Cavs would be at a great disadvantage inside against the likes of Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Marcin Gortat, Nene and Jonas Valanciunas.
If the Cavs don't add a big or two, their playoff stay could be short and disappointing.
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