NBA Rumors: Rounding Up Latest Trade and Free-Agent Buzz as Deadline Nears
Normally, the NBA trade deadline is met with a roll of the eyes, and everybody continues with his day.
This time, though, things feel different.
It seems this year will not be content to produce no notable trades. Historic franchises such as the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are sellers. Buyers include the surging Atlanta Hawks, the Chicago Bulls and perhaps even the Cleveland Cavaliers. Injuries make a team such as the Los Angeles Clippers quite interesting, too.
Were this any other year, observers could sleep a bit on the impending deadline and not miss much.
Not this time around.
The 76ers Not Hosting a Sale?
Even before the season tipped off, most figured the Philadelphia 76ers would make a big move or two with so much cap space and plenty of young guns on the roster.
Credit where it is due—the front office seems intent to stick to its plan.
That plan being build in a young, high-upside manner for greener pastures down the road. Granted, it is not hard to improve on 12 wins by February, but alas, the plan remains in place, according to Keith Pompey of Philly.com, who goes on to note that the globe should not sleep on the 76ers when it matters most:
"The Sixers are not interested in parting ways with their core players, Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel or Joel Embiid, at this time. ...
The Sixers are believed to be among the most active teams in trade talks. They've had discussions with all 29 other franchises. Yet, they are unlikely to have any serious talks until the 36 hours leading up to the deadline. They won't make any moves until the final hours.
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It is difficult to imagine the 76ers are too desperate to make a move. A young core is in place and can challenge for the postseason in the Eastern Conference sooner rather than later. They also already clutch two first-round picks in this year's draft.
This may not be what observers want to hear. Michael Carter-Williams, Nerlens Noel or Joel Embiid, among others, in new surroundings would offer plenty of intrigue.
Instead, look for the 76ers to continue their fresh approach to the rebuilding process.
Los Angeles Clippers' Emergency Plans
The Clippers have an obvious interest in help beneath the rim, especially now with Blake Griffin out for an extended period, per ESPN.com's Arash Markazi.
According to Dan Woike of the Orange County Register, the front office may have a few veteran names in mind on the open market:
That is, if one of Amar'e Stoudemire or Kevin Garnett hits free agency.
The latter might and offers obvious value despite his age at 38 years old. More interesting is Stoudemire, who openly admits that he may ask the New York Knicks for a buyout after the All-Star Game.
"All possibilities at this point are still open," Soudemire said, per Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. "The door is still open for that. But at the same time, I am with the Knicks now. I got to stay optimistic about things and what we are doing here. I can't really focus on the future because it's not here."
For now, the Clippers rest in the sixth spot in the Western Conference. A veteran boost, provided it comes at a relatively cheap cost in exchange for the promise of title contention, makes sense for the suddenly average Clippers.
It almost feels like the old days when a team perhaps hopes that Garnett or Stoudemire can play the hero. The dominoes just need to fall in a precise manner over the course of the next couple of weeks.
All stats and info via ESPN.com unless otherwise specified.
