NBA Rumors: Trade Buzz on Brook Lopez, Jose Calderon and More
Although the NBA trade deadline is still more than a month away, the wheeling and dealing is already beginning to heat up. Most front offices have a pretty good idea of what direction their team is heading and are starting to act.
For teams in contention, that means trying to find the missing piece to the puzzle. Those without a realistic chance of making a run are starting to stockpile future assets. And in the week's ahead, the small group of teams in the middle will fall one way or another.
Judging by the flurry of early activity and the high number of squads with a chance to make noise in the playoffs, things are going to get very interesting over the next month. So let's check out some of the latest buzz from around the league.
Brook Lopez's Price Still High
Lopez is no stranger to the rumor mill. He's a player who's been bantered about this time of year for a couple of seasons but has stuck with the Brooklyn Nets. His numbers are down a bit this campaign at 15 points and six rebounds per game, but the question is whether that will change the team's outlook.
Apparently not. Alex Raskin of The Wall Street Journal reports the Nets would consider offers for the 26-year-old center. Yet, they still believe he should be able to bring back a major asset in return, and they aren't willing to take a bad contract just to move his big deal:
"They might be motivated sellers, but the Nets still think Lopez could fetch valuable players in a trade, according to one league source. […]
The Nets, according to multiple sources, are willing to deal Lopez, but they are against taking on expensive or lengthy deals in order to do so.
"
It doesn't sound like Brooklyn is interested in going into rebuilding mode. That's mostly because it still holds a playoff position in the weaker Eastern Conference, despite a 16-20 record. Instead, it seemingly wants to revamp the roster with hope of a second-half spark.
Alas, that will likely prove difficult to pull off. Between Lopez's big contract and his dip in productivity, teams would probably be looking for a buy-low situation to acquire him. If the Nets want to make a deal, they would need to lower the price tag.
Jose Calderon Next To Go From NY?
J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert have already been moved from the New York Knicks' backcourt. Calderon may be next. The playmaking point guard doesn't appear part of the long-term plans in New York and could provide nice depth for a contender.
Ken Berger of CBS Sports notes the Knicks' highly forgettable season is causing Phil Jackson to consider a total reset. Moving the veteran guard would be a part of that process, but once again a contract would make things a bit tricky:
"With the Knicks now owners of the worst record and perhaps worst roster in the league as Phil Jackson hits the reset button in New York, league sources say the next player on the move could be point guard Jose Calderon. But at age 33 with two years and more than $15 million left on his contract, that will be a difficult proposition.
"
It doesn't help that Calderon has been struggling. That includes a game on Thursday where he failed to score in 21 minutes. Afterward, he told Steve Popper of The Record, "It's been hard, more when I play like I played [Thursday]."
Ultimately, it's a situation where the two sides would probably be best off going their separate ways. Calderon could definitely use a fresh start elsewhere. The Knicks may have to wait until he recoups some value to make it happen, though.
Clippers Ask About Tony Wroten
Wroten has been asked to take on a larger role for the Philadelphia 76ers as they continue to take a long view. He's responded nicely. The third-year guard is averaging 17 points, five assists, three rebounds and better than a steal-and-a-half per contest.
It makes him a potentially valuable trade chip if the 76ers don't view him as a piece of the future. One team that's checked in on his status is the Los Angeles Clippers, as noted by John Gonzalez of CSNPhilly.com. He stated no deal is imminent, though:
Los Angeles is one of several teams in the Western Conference with a realistic shot of reaching the Finals. One area it could certainly benefit from improving is bench production. Wroten is the type of player who could provide a spark in the right role.
The 76ers must decide whether he's somebody to move or keep, however. Despite being in the league for three years, he's just 21 and made steady progress. He may not be a franchise cornerstone, but for a team that needs all the young talent it can get, moving him would be a risk.
